Adrian Lowcock
31/12/2010
It is nearly too late to avoid one of the tax increases imposed by the coalition government – the increase in VAT from 17.5% to 20% takes effect on 4 January – but there are plenty of other tax changes and planning measures that investors should be aware of.
Adrian Lowcock
29/12/2010
As the FTSE 100 repeatedly tests the psychologically important 6,000 point barrier our research analysts give their personal recommendations for 2011.
Adrian Lowcock
22/12/2010
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has confirmed that the Financial Services Compensation Scheme’s (FSCS) deposit limit will increase from £50,000 to £85,000 per person, per authorized firm, from 31st December 2010.
John Davey
21/12/2010
The introduction of higher taxes has brought VCTs back to the attention of many investors. Since their inception in 1995, VCTs have come a long way and are now run by experienced managers who are able to create strategies which make the most of the VCT rules.
Mark Lane
20/12/2010
In December I went to Switzerland in search of alternatives in the commodity space and visited fund managers in Zurich and Geneva. Switzerland maintains an aura of prosperity and efficiency.
John Spiers
14/12/2010
When VCT tax breaks were first introduced in 1995 they were designed to help address the equity gap for small companies. For the next ten years most of the capital raised was indeed deployed into such companies with only a small amount of leakage into lower risk ventures.
Adrian Lowcock
10/12/2010
The Board of Fidelity China Special Situations has announced it was looking to increase the number of the Company’s shares in issue, subject to Shareholder approval, through a public issue of C shares.
Katarzyna Dmuchowska
10/12/2010
On 9th December the Treasury published draft legislation giving greater flexibility to pensioners in retirement. The changes signal a radical shift in pensions thinking, led by confirmation of the removal of the need to annuitise by age 75.
Dan Tubb
07/12/2010
Shareholders in Northern Venture Trust will be receiving this week details of a tender offer from that company. They may have also received an offer to subscribe for new shares in a top up. This can lead to some confusion, so here I attempt to set out what is happening.
Adrian Lowcock
02/12/2010
In our Spot the Dog guide we identify funds which have performed badly over 3 years and suggest investors should consider moving their money away from these ‘dog’ funds.
Dan Tubb
02/12/2010
Baronsmead are one of the more reputable and successful VCT managers around and have been running VCTs for over 15 years, since their inception in 1995. They currently manage approximately £265 million across 5 VCTs
Robert Harley
01/12/2010
As anticipated, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) duly confirmed its intention to embark on another round of Quantitative Easing (QE), earmarking an additional $600 billion to purchase US Treasury over the next 6 months - on top of a further $200 billion of QE the Fed committed to in August.
Mark Lane
27/11/2010
Monthly commentary on current savings rates and outlook.
Jane Kotchkina
26/11/2010
On 23rd November 2010 North Korea opened fire at the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong near a disputed border in the Yellow Sea. Four people were killed and 20 wounded, including some civilians. South Korea returned fire and scrambled fighter jets in response.
Adrian Lowcock
25/11/2010
This is financial planning week and I have taken the opportunity to interview Tim Stalkartt, Bestinvest’s Head of Financial Planning about our approach to financial planning.
Simon Moore
19/11/2010
Sixteen investment trusts were hailed as the best in their sector last night at Investment Week’s Investment Trusts of the Year 2010 awards ceremony.
Adrian Lowcock
19/11/2010
It is important for investors to regularly review their portfolio to avoid the funds that have not performed as well. Watch our video interview and download The Autumn edition of our Spot the Dog guide which provides you with a summary of the funds that have underperformed.
Graham Frost
17/11/2010
In October I attended a Fund Strategy conference in St. Petersburg. Our hotel was located just off Nevsky Prospect, the main thoroughfare through this beautiful but congested city.
Tom White
12/11/2010
Recent years have seen the emergence of a new breed of equity income funds. Known as covered call funds, they distinguish themselves by offering unusually high yields.
Adrian Lowcock
11/11/2010
With the news that Fund Manager Roger Guy, along with their Chief Investment Officer will be leaving the group our analysts have been reviewing the ratings we have on Gartmore funds.
Robert Harley
08/11/2010
Today Gartmore have announced that three senior members of staff are leaving.
Simon Moore
05/11/2010
After 2 years of continual decline the market has now seen 14 consecutive months of growth. Although values are up nearly 20% off their bottom seen in 2009 they are still 1/3 below the peak reached in 2007.
Duncan Scott
05/11/2010
A round up of the latest major economic news and developments from the last week.
Stephen Marriott
04/11/2010
The market for trackers, especially Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) has seen huge growth during the last decade. This trend has fostered the debate about the relative merits of passive versus active investing.
Graham Frost
03/11/2010
Today the US Federal reserve expanded its quantitative easing (QE) by $600billion.
Adrian Lowcock
29/10/2010
Chris Rice is the manager of the Cazenove European fund, which has been one of our top-rated funds in Europe since February 2003 and at present has a 5 star rating.
Robert Harley
29/10/2010
Global equity markets continued their rise into October. Earnings releases for the quarter have been strong: to date over 70% of the companies that have reported have beaten expectations.
Mark Lane
27/10/2010
Monthly commentary on current savings rates and outlook.
Adrian Lowcock
26/10/2010
In last week’s spending review, the Government announced it will support a £1.5 billion compensation package for policyholders of Equitable Life.
Dan Tubb
22/10/2010
On Wednesday the Chancellor, George Osborne stood up and announced a number of measures designed to help fix our national finances. For the media the message was clear, cuts cuts cuts!
Duncan Scott
22/10/2010
A round up of the latest major economic news and developments from the last week.
Adrian Lowcock
20/10/2010
Today George Osborne made his long anticipated announcements on the spending cuts to the public sector. The full impact of which will be revealed in due course, however some of the key points are outlined below:
Duncan Scott
15/10/2010
A round up of the latest major economic news and developments from the last week.
Tim Stalkartt
14/10/2010
The recent announcement from the Treasury is set to make pension rules much simpler.
Adrian Lowcock
14/10/2010
In the March 2010 Budget, the previous Government linked the total ISA allowances to the Retail Price Index (RPI)
Duncan Scott
08/10/2010
A round up of the latest major economic news and developments from the last week.
Robert Harley
04/10/2010
In September global equities markets continued to be volatile with the major indices bouncing back strongly in the first week as positive US private sector job data countered fears of a double dip recession.
Adrian Lowcock
01/10/2010
This week is British Savings Week, but with interest rates still at all time lows, the government’s spending cuts and a weak economic outlook, can savers do anything to make their money work harder for them?
Duncan Scott
01/10/2010
A round up of the latest major economic news and developments from the last week.
Stephen Marriott
30/09/2010
There has been a lot of talk recently about the importance that dividends make to overall equity returns. Such talk isn’t surprising given that the current yield on equity markets looks much more appealing than bond yields.
Duncan Scott
17/09/2010
A round up of the latest major economic news and developments from the last week.
Mark Lane
16/09/2010
Yesterday the Japanese Government decided to forcefully weaken the Yen by selling some of its own reserves. This follows the currency reaching a 15 year high against the US dollar on the 14th September 2010.
Stephen Marriott
14/09/2010
The patience of investors in the UK and US stock markets must be wearing thin after nearly twelve years of flat markets. Of course since 1998 one would have received dividend income and a number of good active managers have capitalised from superior stock selection.
Graham Frost
13/09/2010
Stock markets around the world had risen in the week leading up to last weekend’s Basel III announcement.
Robert Harley
10/09/2010
Bond yields in all the major developed markets fell to record low levels over the month.
Duncan Scott
10/09/2010
A round up of the latest major economic news and developments from the last week.
Adrian Lowcock
06/09/2010
The Aberdeen World Growth and Income fund, recently rated 4 Stars by our research team, has an unconstrained mandate allowing the manager, Bruce Stout the freedom to invest.
Adrian Lowcock
03/09/2010
On Tuesday Fidelity announced the launch of a new fund, the Fidelity Equity Growth Defender. The aim of this fund is to provide access to the growth potential of shares in the UK whilst protecting your capital from falls in the stock markets.
Duncan Scott
03/09/2010
A round up of the latest major economic news and developments from the last week.
Mark Lane
01/09/2010
With Bank of England (BoE) base rates at historic lows, and savers earning next to nothing on their cash, we take a look at what you can expect and where the best products are to put your money.
Robert Harley
27/08/2010
Stock markets found a floor in early July as investor concerns over euro sovereign debt abated and buyers moved in to take advantage of the cheaper prices on offer.
Duncan Scott
27/08/2010
A round up of the latest major economic news and developments
Sam Coppin
23/08/2010
Cash has traditionally been viewed as a risk-free asset class where investors can park their money and, unlike stock market based investments, know that the capital value of the deposit will not fall. However, we believe that the view cash is risk free is something of a misconception.
Sally Brent
20/08/2010
Unfortunately it is not many happy returns for investors in with-profit bonds as performance remains disappointing. However the 10th anniversary could be a good opportunity to get out and move to alternative investments.
Duncan Scott
20/08/2010
A round up of the latest economic news and developments from the last week.
Adrian Lowcock
17/08/2010
The figures from the National Accounts of Japan show its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew only by 0.1% last quarter which has resulted in China taking over as the second largest economy.
Jane Kotchkina
16/08/2010
Structured Products have their fans and their detractors. One product currently being promoted is the Morgan Stanley FTSE Income Plan 2.
Adrian Lowcock
13/08/2010
Fidelity China Special Situations was one of the biggest Investment Trust launches in UK history.
Duncan Scott
13/08/2010
A round up of the latest economic news and developments from the last week.
Duncan Scott
06/08/2010
A round up of the latest major economic news and developments from the last week.
Adrian Lowcock
04/08/2010
This week saw the start of the banking sector reporting season. HBSC kicked things off in the UK and BNP Paribas on mainland Europe. Both reported strong figures and the share prices across the whole banking sector rallied on hopes of a return back to strong profits.
Sam Coppin
04/08/2010
Last weekend, the Daily Telegraph reported that over £7 billion a year is being skimmed off the value of investors savings through hidden fees and charges.
Matt Brunwin
29/07/2010
The recent consultation paper issued by the Treasury this week, has proposed further changes to pensions contribution rules in an attempt to make the rules clear and easier to understand.
Adrian Lowcock
23/07/2010
Each month, we ask our Research Analysts to identify one asset class that they believe is likely to outperform, is highly topical or is an asset class that we believe has been overlooked by investors. Our Analysts then make their pick of our Manager of the Month, from our top-rated funds within this sector.
Adrian Lowcock
23/07/2010
This week the National Savings and Investments has withdrawn the current issues of Saving Certificates and Index Linked Savings Certificates.
Dan Tubb
09/07/2010
World stockmarkets have continued to be volatile this month, with the FTSE 100 falling 2.6% on 2nd July only to recover most of its losses this week. Further volatility seems likely, as the markets try to determine the outlook for the level of economic growth.
Simon Moore
01/07/2010
The focus on emerging markets has predominantly been around the four large countries that dominate the sector; Brazil, Russia, India and China. Each has different characteristics which demonstrate why it is important to make sure your exposure to emerging markets is well diversified.
Robert Harley
01/07/2010
A busy month for markets, and on the economic front.
Adrian Lowcock
30/06/2010
With cash accounts yielding close to zero, many investors have found themselves gravitating towards other asset classes offering higher income yields. However, as we have seen with BP over the last few months, these involve far more risk to capital
Tom White
29/06/2010
We run five Multi-Asset Portfolio funds for clients who prefer to let us take on the daily management of their portfolios. Here are some of the changes we have made recently.
Graham Frost
23/06/2010
The budget proposals announced yesterday confirmed government intentions to move faster on deficit reduction through a combination of increased taxation and reduced expenditure.
Tim Stalkartt
23/06/2010
Despite the bias to gloom in today's budget, there is at least something for pension savers to cheer about.
Mike Neumann
23/06/2010
Many people had been bracing themselves for a steep rise in CGT, with the pain possibly compounded by the return to complicated indexation. As it happens, the rise in CGT for higher rate tax payers to a flat 28% was less than many commentators had expected.
Simon Moore
16/06/2010
Commercial property has been a hot topic for investment since mid 2009. At Bestinvest, we turned positive on the sector in June 2009 because the yields looked attractive relative to other asset classes and the price of commercial property funds were close to their lows.
Andrew Clark
16/06/2010
With the budget due next week, attractive tax shelters such as Enterprise Zone (EZ) property are going to be harder to come by; There is now only one year before these reliefs cease to exist
Adrian Lowcock
11/06/2010
BP is an important company for British pensions. Consider the size of the company, before the crisis it made up 7% of the FTSE All Share, and for most pension funds it will be one of their three largest holdings.
Tim Stalkartt
10/06/2010
The Con-Lib coalition has announced its first budget will be held on 22nd June 2010. The impact of the changes announced will be far reaching and affect which products and tax wrappers are most suitable for investors.
Mike Neumann
10/06/2010
The Con-Lib Coalition has announced its first budget will be held on 22nd June 2010. The Government has already announced capital gains tax (CGT) is set to rise, which will affect many of our clients.
Graham Frost
10/06/2010
The Con-Lib Coalition has announced its first budget will be held on 22nd June 2010 with a spending review to follow in the autumn.
Adrian Lowcock
08/06/2010
Each month, we ask our Research Analysts to identify one asset class that they believe is likely to outperform, is highly topical or is an asset class that we believe has been overlooked by investors.
John Spiers
04/06/2010
Legal & General have just announced a new pricing structure that will add more than 5% to costs on some of their funds (even when there is technically no initial charge).
Andrew Cornwell
04/06/2010
Most people will be spending June watching the World Cup, rather than checking their investment portfolios, but in an attempt to enlighten our clients on the different characteristics of our recommendations, we have built a balanced team from our top-rated fund list.
Tom White
03/06/2010
Most people are now aware of the dramatic environmental consequences of the spill from BP’s oil well in the Gulf of Mexico. What is less appreciated is that much of the UK population ultimately owns BP
Adrian Lowcock
27/05/2010
Since 15th April 2010 the FTSE 100 has fallen from a peak of 5,825 to just over 5,000, a drop of nearly 15%. There have been several factors that have contributed to the fall:
Dan Tubb
20/05/2010
Yesterday, markets fell as the German regulators banned the naked short selling of European sovereign debt. Rumours that a European wide ban will come into effect have circulated today, resulting in further falls in the world’s major stock markets.
Adrian Lowcock
19/05/2010
Each month, we ask our Research Analysts to identify one asset class that they believe is likely to outperform, is highly topical or is an asset class that we believe has been overlooked by investors.
Nigel Parsons
14/05/2010
The last few weeks have seen that markets can change direction very quickly and it is difficult for investors to respond. As ever, the key is to maintain a well diversified portfolio which is frequently monitored and reviewed
Adrian Lowcock
14/05/2010
With the expectation that capital gains tax (CGT) is going to rise to a rate much closer to that of income tax, we look at five simple steps investors can take to minimise their CGT bill.
Andrew Cornwell
12/05/2010
As part of a package of tax reforms agreed by the new Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government, capital gains tax (CGT) is expected to rise significantly.
Graham Frost
10/05/2010
Over the weekend the European Union, working closely with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) hammered out a loan package
Adrian Lowcock
07/05/2010
The result of the General Election should come as little surprise to anyone, with Nick Clegg’s appearance in the first televised debate making a hung parliament the likeliest outcome.
Adrian Lowcock
04/05/2010
It is very easy to make money when share prices are rising, but when the stockmarkets head south and your portfolio values take a tumble, it is much harder to make rational decisions.
Sam Coppin
29/04/2010
For every £4 the Government spends, £1 is borrowed. Indeed, this year the Government will borrow £163 billion and that’s not small change either, it’s enough to buy the Royal Navy a new aircraft carrier every four days or to buy a new hospital every four hours.
Adrian Lowcock
28/04/2010
The Greek tragedy has reared its head again, only a matter of weeks since markets thought that the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Germany and the rest of the Eurozone had put together a package of sufficient magnitude to provide Greece with all of the support it needed.
Jane Kotchkina
23/04/2010
Although Asian income is not a large sector at present, the region does have significant potential, with improved corporate governance and a focus on generating shareholder returns.
Adrian Lowcock
15/04/2010
Each month, we ask our Research Analysts to identify one asset class that they believe is likely to outperform, is highly topical or is an asset class that we believe has been overlooked by investors.
Adrian Lowcock
15/04/2010
Whilst hung parliaments are very rare, the opinion polls are suggesting that this is the closest run election in a generation.
Adrian Lowcock
08/04/2010
The general election has been confirmed for 6th May 2010. The outcome remains uncertain, but we continue to believe that, regardless of whichever party wins, taxes are set to rise.
Tim Stalkartt
06/04/2010
A number of tax increases took effect from 6th April 2010, as the Government seeks to address the size of the fiscal deficit.
John Spiers
01/04/2010
It is business as usual at Bestinvest in the run-up to the end of the tax year following yesterday’s disruption to telephone services across London.
Adrian Lowcock
01/04/2010
A savings bond is a bank account where your money is held on deposit and you earn interest on the deposit. The growth of the investment is limited to the interest paid on the account.
Adrian Lowcock
01/04/2010
Investment Bonds are products typically sold by life assurance companies, which allow you to invest in a variety of funds (either Investment Trusts or Unit Trusts), managed by professional investment managers.
Adrian Lowcock
01/04/2010
One of our competitors has been prominently promoting an ‘exciting’ opportunity to invest in a corporate bond yielding 7%. Whilst this might appeal to some, we would caution investors to be wary of investments sold on a ‘headline’ rate and ensure that they have a good understanding of any investment’s underlying risk.
Adrian Lowcock
01/04/2010
There’s no need to worry if you’re still looking to invest in a 2009/10 Stocks and Shares ISA. Invest online anytime before 11.30pm on Monday 5th April 2010.
Adrian Lowcock
31/03/2010
Gartmore has announced that Guillaume Rambourg, co-manager of the Gartmore European Absolute Return fund and Gartmore European Investment Trust has been suspended pending an internal investigation.
Adrian Lowcock
29/03/2010
There is now a short window to arrange your financial affairs to make the most of current ISA allowances. Now is the time to secure your ISA if you're investing or already have investments. Our Research Team has pulled together their pick of our top 5-star rated ISA funds in some of the most popular asset classes.
Tim Stalkartt
25/03/2010
As expected the Budget lacked any significant policies to deal with the mounting debt and we remain convinced taxes are set to rise in the future.
Adrian Lowcock
25/03/2010
The deadline to receive postal applications for Fidelity China Special Situations Plc has now passed. However, if you would still like to invest into the new fund at launch for your 2009/10 ISA we are able to accept telephone applications until 5th April 2010.
Adrian Lowcock
24/03/2010
Apart from a welcome decision to increase the annual ISA allowance in line with inflation, this was a highly political Budget designed to highlight differences with the Opposition without unnerving markets.
Adrian Lowcock
18/03/2010
We have recently awarded the Invesco Perpetual Tactical Bond a 5 star rating.
John Davey
17/03/2010
With Income Tax rates for the highest earners increasing to 50% from 6th April 2010 and tough new limits on pension contributions, investors are once again looking at Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) as an attractive source of tax relief.
Adrian Lowcock
17/03/2010
Each month, we ask our Research Analysts to identify one asset class that they believe is likely to outperform, is highly topical or is an asset class that we believe has been overlooked by investors.
Adrian Lowcock
12/03/2010
Chris Rice is the manager of the Cazenove European fund, which has been one of our top-rated funds in Europe since February 2003 and at present has a 5 star rating.
Simo Sorsa
11/03/2010
Anthony Bolton’s new Fidelity China fund has created a lot of interest in the region in recent weeks. We have completed our research and on balance, we have decided not to rate the trust at launch despite huge respect for Bolton’s track record. So what are the alternatives?
Sally Brent
11/03/2010
All of the following funds have been rated 4 or 5 stars by our Research Team, and are run by fund managers that we think are most likely to add value within their sector.
Adrian Lowcock
05/03/2010
There’s no doubt that the return of Anthony Bolton to managing money is the most eagerly-awaited fund event of 2010.
John Davey
04/03/2010
Clients intending to make use of their 2009/10 tax relief need to act now before our top-rated VCT offers close.
Graham Frost
26/02/2010
In recent weeks, the mood of optimism in bond markets evaporated and the culprit appears to be Greece.
Adrian Lowcock
23/02/2010
This morning I joined a breakfast with Fidelity’s Anthony Bolton ahead of the launch of his new China Special Situations Investment Trust. This was an opportunity to hear, at first-hand, Bolton’s views on the attraction of investing in China and the approach he will take with the new trust.
Andrew Cornwell
22/02/2010
With over 1,500 funds on offer from more than 140 fund management companies through Bestinvest, choosing the funds within your ISA can be daunting. In this article, we suggest how you can make the most of your ISA before 5th April 2010.
Adrian Lowcock
19/02/2010
As the end of the tax year approaches, finances are at the forefront of peoples’ minds. There are some practical steps everyone can take to make sure they are in the best position for the next financial year.
Adrian Lowcock
16/02/2010
Fidelity has confirmed the launch of the Fidelity China Special Situations plc, a new close-ended investment company that will be managed by Anthony Bolton, one of the UK's most experienced fund managers.
Adrian Lowcock
09/02/2010
Today, Fidelity confirmed the launch of the Fidelity China Special Situations PLC, a new closed-ended investment company that will be managed by Anthony Bolton.
Graham Frost
05/02/2010
Further falls in global markets this week leaves many major indices around 9% off their January peaks.
Nigel Parsons
02/02/2010
2009 - the year will inevitably be remembered as one of intervention and stimulus. To prevent the world sliding into depression, governments globally pumped in trillions of dollars of support. However, as authorities look for an exit strategy and the stabilisers come off, what does this mean for 2010?
Adrian Lowcock
02/02/2010
Anthony Bolton is one of the UK’s most experienced fund managers and most successful investors, having managed the Fidelity Special Situations fund from December 1979 until December 2007.
Adrian Lowcock
29/01/2010
Richard Woolnough joined M&G in January 2004, where he is a manager on their fixed income desk. Richard is a highly respected fund manager and below gives his views of the outlook for the UK.
Kieran Phyo
28/01/2010
China is closing in on Japan as the world second largest economy and has now surpassed Germany to become the world’s biggest exporter, shipping goods worth US$1.2 trillion in 2009.
Adrian Lowcock
22/01/2010
Being able to speak to an expert is fundamental to the service that Bestinvest provides to its
Advised and Investment Management Clients. However, we understand that many clients like to check the value of their portfolio and research their investments online
Graham Frost
22/01/2010
President Barack Obama’s proposals on banking reforms have created a stink in global stock markets around the world.
John Spiers
19/01/2010
I am pleased to announce the acquisition of HW Financial Services Ltd (HWFS) by the Bestinvest Group.
Tom White
14/01/2010
With all but two sectors (Japan and UK Gilts) showing a rise last year it was difficult for fund managers to lose money. However, it was only a select few who really stood out - here we highlight our heroes of 2009.
Robert Harley
10/01/2010
In December analysts revised their forecasts for US growth in 2011 upwards.
Duncan Scott
08/01/2010
In its most basic form, a bond is a debt (or loan) issued by governments or companies in order to finance long-term investments. The holder of the bond will usually receive an interest payment at fixed intervals and a capital repayment upon maturity of the bond.
Adrian Lowcock
05/01/2010
The New Year has always been a time for looking forward to the coming year and to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make. We give some tips on simple changes which could have a big impact on your finances in 2010