A person looking at a stock market graph on a tablet.

Investment market update: August 2024

August was a rollercoaster month for investors, with the global stock market experiencing significant volatility. Read on to find out what may have affected your investments. Many market indices saw sharp falls early in August sparked by fears that the US is on track for a recession. However, investors are likely to have experienced some recovery in the weeks that …

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5 sensible steps to take if your fixed-rate mortgage deal ends in 2024

While the Bank of England (BoE) has started to cut its base interest rate, many homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages that end this year will still see their outgoings rise. If your mortgage deal comes to an end, read on to discover five sensible steps you might want to take. According to a report in the Times, around 153,000 mortgage deals …

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The pension basics you need to know if you’re dreaming of retiring abroad

Retiring abroad is a dream for many people nearing the milestone. Whether you’re picturing a sunnier climate or want to move closer to family, there are some implications you might need to consider when managing your pension. According to a report in Moneyweek, more than three-quarters of pension savers would like the opportunity to leave the UK behind when they …

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How to join the pension treasure hunt and discover “lost” savings

You could uncover “lost” pension savings and boost your retirement by tracking down old pots you might have forgotten about. Read on to find out why you might have lost pensions and how to rediscover them. 27 October 2024 marks National Pension Tracing Day and the campaign urges you to join the pension treasure hunt. It’s estimated there are 2.8 …

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Inheritance Tax: 5 shrewd strategies for reducing a potential bill

If you take a proactive approach to managing your wealth, you could reduce how much Inheritance Tax (IHT) your estate may be liable for when you pass away. Last month, you read about what IHT is and when estates become liable to pay it. Now, read on to discover some of the shrewd strategies you could use to reduce a …

A person putting a ballot paper into a box.

Investment market update: July 2024

In July, the markets were affected by general elections taking place in the UK and France, and the ongoing presidential campaign in the US. Read on to find out what else affected investment markets in July 2024. Uncertainty and numerous other factors may affect the value of your investment portfolio. However, for most investors, long-term trends are a better indicator …

An aerial view of construction workers.

What does a Labour government mean for the property market?

Labour secured a majority in the general election, and their manifesto included several pledges that could affect the property market over the coming years. Read on to discover three pledges that could have an impact. Labour has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes Over the next five years, Labour has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes. Demand for …

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3 fundamental questions to answer if you’re investing for children

Building a nest egg for your child or grandchild could give them a head start when they reach adulthood. It might allow them to pursue further education, get on the property ladder, or even enjoy a gap year. While saving is one option you might want to consider, investing for children could yield higher returns. Investing could help the nest …