The Bank of England (BoE) is expected to make several cuts to the base interest rate in 2026. The move could reduce the cost of your mortgage. Read on to find out what’s predicted and how it could affect you. Following a period of high inflation, the BoE increased the base interest rate between December 2021 and July 2023. As …

For some investors, particularly higher-rate taxpayers, Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) could offer an attractive and tax-efficient investment prospect. Read on to discover the basics you need to know if you’re thinking about making VCTs part of your financial plan. VCTs are listed companies that invest in UK businesses. These are typically smaller and younger firms than those you might access …

What’s the most important factor affecting the performance of your investments? Your mind might jump to the ups and downs of the market, and they do have an effect. When share prices rise, so too will the value of your portfolio. However, the markets aren’t the starting point of a successful investment: your mindset is. Your approach to investing could …

October 2025 proved to be a positive month for many investors, with markets reaching record highs. Read on to find out more about what factors may have affected your portfolio’s performance. Remember to take a long-term view when assessing your investments and consider your risk profile when making decisions. Markets experienced record highs, but investor uncertainty continued to have an …

Last month, you read about how retirement is changing, with almost half of workers aged over 50 exploring phasing into retirement. There are plenty of reasons why more people are considering a gradual retirement, including the emotional and financial benefits this option could offer. A gradual retirement could help you retain a sense of purpose and social life When thinking …

There were ups and downs for investors during September 2025, with disappointing economic data dampening the market at times. However, some positive outcomes also emerged. Read on to find out what might have influenced your investment portfolio’s recent performance. Investors turn to gold as market uncertainty continues in September 2025 The price of gold reached a record high of $3,508.50 …

Overpaying your mortgage to clear it sooner sounds like an excellent step to take if you’re in a position to do so. However, it’s not always straightforward, and in some cases, other options may suit you better. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of overpaying your mortgage. 2 reasons to overpay your mortgage 1. You could …

On 26 November, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, will deliver the government’s Autumn Budget, setting out fiscal plans for the year ahead and beyond. There’s speculation that some of the announcements could affect homeowners, including changes to Stamp Duty. According to a September 2025 article from the BBC, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research estimates the chancellor will need …

When markets experience volatility, even the most level-headed investor can let their emotions or other influences affect their decisions. Read on to find out why volatility can trigger financial biases and how these might affect you. For the average investor, it’s important to take a long-term approach. While returns cannot be guaranteed, investing over a longer time frame gives markets …

While global government policy – particularly US trade tariffs – continued to influence the value of investments in August 2025, many markets experienced less volatility compared to the start of the year. Read on to discover what factors may have affected the performance of your investments in August 2025. Hopes of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine boost markets …