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Bestinvest

News Archive 2012

Coping with market volatility: drip feeding investments makes a lot of sense

Lee Dooley 23/05/2012

Investors look set for a rough ride in the weeks ahead as Europe’s unrelenting debt crisis spells yet more market volatility.

Eurozone turmoil: what does it mean for investors?

Gareth Lewis 23/05/2012

An economic problem with a political solution creates massive uncertainty.

Europe: are there investment opportunities amid the turmoil?

Gareth Lewis 23/05/2012

Investors look set for a rough ride in the weeks ahead as Europe’s unrelenting debt crisis spells yet more market volatility.

Inflation: how to maintain the real value of money

Gareth Lewis 22/05/2012

We think equities are a sound way of achieving long-term inflation protection.

State pension is less than the minimum wage: could you live on this?

Tim Stalkartt 21/05/2012

The Government is in no position to provide for you in retirement so if you want any more than the very basics in later life, you need to take control and make provision yourself.

FT readers vote Bestinvest No1 at inheritance tax and succession planning

Tim Stalkartt 18/05/2012

We are delighted to have won Best Wealth Manager for Inheritance Tax and Succession Planning at the 2012 Financial Times Investors Chronicle Wealth Management Awards.

The banking sector: repair is vital to economic recovery

Gareth Lewis 17/05/2012

Banks are not only failing to pass on historically low interest rates but also constraining the flow of credit.

Frontier markets: exploring Africa with Dr Mobius

Ben Seager-Scott 14/05/2012

Templeton is way ahead of the game when it comes to frontier markets.

No change to the base rate - again

Sophie Muller 11/05/2012

The Bank of England has once again voted to keep the base rate at a record low of 0.5%

Which is better - a pension or an ISA?

Tim Stalkartt 11/05/2012

Undoubtedly both ISAs and pensions have their plus points but when it comes to saving for retirement, which is better? Here we weigh up the benefits.

Fund manager of the month: Will James

Adrian Lowcock 10/05/2012

Bestinvest fund manager of the month: Will James Standard Life European Equity Income

Sell in May and go away: does it make sense?

Adrian Lowcock 09/05/2012

This maxim suggests that markets underperform in summer so investors should cash in now and return in the autumn when performance is said to pick up.

Economic review and outlook May 2012

Robert Harley 04/05/2012

Global equity markets retraced some of their year-to-date gains in April, the Eurozone was back under the spotlight and in the US slow recovery continues

Property moves: responding to changing markets

Simon Moore 04/05/2012

We prefer funds investing in property shares rather than physical property assets because they have the flexibility to switch between property sectors and countries.

Investing for the future: questions raised by readers of The Times

Tim Stalkartt 03/05/2012

Tim Stalkartt, Head of Financial Planning, answered questions from Times readers during a recent webinar on pensions. Here he shares popular questions.

April’s best-selling funds

Adrian Lowcock 02/05/2012

With more than 2,000 funds to choose from, which proved the most popular with investors?

Special situations funds: high-conviction investing

Robert Harley 01/05/2012

With Fidelity's high-profile Special Situations fund suffering a loss of performance in recent times, special situations funds are back in the limelight.

Asset allocation: a vital part of portfolio management

Marcel Porcheron 27/04/2012

Choosing and managing assets is both challenging and time consuming but is said to account for 90% of portfolio returns. Managed portfolios can help.

UK GDP: double dip or lucky dip

Graham Frost 25/04/2012

A fall in UK GDP during the first quarter of 2012 means the UK is back in recession. What does this mean for the markets?

IMF to the rescue?

Graham Frost 24/04/2012

The IMF has doubled the size of its crisis-fighting kitty, increasing its capacity to help the Eurozone if need be.

Tackling volatility - Adrian Lowcock meets Standard Life

Adrian Lowcock 20/04/2012

Guy Stern, part of the team that runs this successful fund discusses strategies to help investors produce positive returns while reducing volatility.

How to pick the right ISA investment

Sam Coppin 19/04/2012

Read our Bestinvest five-point plan to help you pick out ISA investments that are right for you.

UK inflation rises again

Graham Frost 18/04/2012

As inflation rises discover the attractive opportunities for investors with investments that can outpace inflation.

Bolton’s China Special Situations unhappy anniversary

Ben Seager-Scott 18/04/2012

Fidelity’s China Special Situations Investment Trust marks its second anniversary on 19 April but unfortunately there isn’t a great deal to celebrate.

Fidelity launches Global High Yield Bond fund

Sophie Muller 18/04/2012

The Fidelity Global High Yield fund may be of interest to investors who would like to receive a higher income than currently available in cash or government bond investments.

Asset allocation - the economy continues to challenge

Graham Frost 17/04/2012

The challenging economic headwinds showed no sign of relenting as Bestinvest’s Asset Allocation Committee met again recently.

IMF warns of £750 billion pensions time bomb

Tim Stalkartt 16/04/2012

Longer retirements means it is increasingly important for individuals to take control of their future security by investing today.

Fund manager of the month - John Wood

Adrian Lowcock 13/04/2012

The fund tends to differ significantly from benchmarks and typically outperforms in falling and flat markets but can also deliver in rising markets.

Are you gambling with your future?

Lee Dooley 13/04/2012

Only 6.4 million people in the UK are saving money into a personal pension whereas some 20 million plan to have a flutter on the Grand National this weekend.

Investment trusts can offer attractive opportunities

Simon Moore 11/04/2012

We highlight four investment trusts that are rated highly at Bestinvest and currently appear at or near their widest discount for one year.

Economic review and outlook April 2012

Robert Harley 10/04/2012

Growing optimism for the US recovery continued in the month with better-than-expected news on the state of US labour market.

Best and worst sector performance

Adrian Lowcock 06/04/2012

Following the release of IMA sector data for the first three months of 2012, we review the best-performing sectors and highlight our favourite funds.

Be an early-bird and boost your ISA benefits

Sam Coppin 06/04/2012

The new tax year has kicked off to a cheery start for investors with the allowance increasing again.

Spring clean your finances this Easter

Adrian Lowcock 06/04/2012

The start of the tax year is the perfect time to take stock and give your finances a spring clean.

ISA 2012: Top-rated Income fund

Mark Lane 05/04/2012

Threadneedle UK Equity Income: Rating 5 stars. This is one of our favourites amoungst the many UK equity income funds.

ISA 2012: Top-rated Income fund

Tom White 05/04/2012

Newton Global Higher Income: Rating 3 Stars. This is one of the longest-running international equity income funds and, in our opinion, one of the best.

ISA 2012: The case for corporate bonds

Robert Harley 05/04/2012

M&G Strategic Corporate Bond: Rating 4 Stars. Bond funds offer a route to securing yields while also providing important portfolio diversification.

ISA 2012: Top-rated Global fund - Emerging Markets

Ben Seager-Scott 05/04/2012

First State Global Emerging Markets Leaders: Rating 5 Stars. This fund for those who are interested in exploring emerging markets opportunities but are cautious nevertheless.

ISA 2012: Top-rated Global fund - South East Asia

Simon Moore 05/04/2012

Fidelity South East Asia: Rating 5 Stars

5 Top rated funds for your ISA

Graham Frost 05/04/2012

Investment ideas for your ISA. Our pick of 5 funds we believe will benefit in today’s markets.

Have you left your ISA to the last minute?

Lee Dooley 04/04/2012

There are now just hours left until the end of this tax year, which means time has almost run out to use your £10,680 ISA allowance.

Our best-selling funds in March

Adrian Lowcock 03/04/2012

With more than 2,000 funds available to buy, which ones are proving the most popular with investors?

Star fund managers for your ISA

Robert Harley 02/04/2012

ISA 2012: we highlight a selection of Bestinvest’s perennial favourite fund managers who all look after funds that we believe are solid choices for your ISA.

Don’t let your money disappear in a cash ISA

Adrian Lowcock 30/03/2012

ISA 2012: Equity income funds offer yields above the rate of inflation and can also benefit from growing dividends.

A world of income opportunities

Simon Moore 29/03/2012

ISA 2012: Global equity income funds are a great way to gain exposure to overseas companies.

Navigating emerging markets

Ben Seager-Scott 27/03/2012

How can investors benefit from economic success in emerging markets?

Where is the best place to buy your ISA?

Adrian Lowcock 26/03/2012

Analysis by Bestinvest shows that investors can also significantly cut the cost of investing in actively-managed funds.

Top tips when choosing an ISA

Sally Merritt 23/03/2012

This year’s ISA deadline is almost here so if you haven’t already decided where to invest your money, it’s time to make a decision.

ISA 2012: Where the experts are investing

Adrian Lowcock 23/03/2012

With just a few days left to decide where to invest this year’s ISA allowance, I have been talking to colleagues about the choices they have made.

Budget 2012: What it means for your finances

Tim Stalkartt 21/03/2012

This was a Budget that focused on reforming the tax system. Here Tim Stalkartt, Head of Financial Planning, looks at the main points.

Budget 2012: Impact on your investments

Graham Frost 21/03/2012

Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne delivered his annual Budget today. What does it mean for investors?

Inflation fell again in February

Adrian Lowcock 20/03/2012

To get a real return on investments in this environment, investors must achieve a return of more than 3%.

Matrix and Downing – Two top VCT offers

Dan Tubb 19/03/2012

All dividends are tax free which is a real boon to those forced to pay 40% or 50% of their income in tax.

US markets hit post-financial crisis high

Simon Moore 15/03/2012

A steady flow of positive news out of the US is pointing towards improvements in the domestic economy.

Budget 2012: What’s in the Chancellor’s red box this year?

Adrian Lowcock 14/03/2012

Ahead of Budget day on 21 March, our Senior Investment Adviser Adrian Lowcock outlines some of this year’s key themes.

Manager of the month – March 2012

Adrian Lowcock 13/03/2012

A cautious attitude to investing in Asia has time and again proven to be successful for Angus Tulloch.

Is China’s passion for European luxury an opportunity?

Mark Lane 09/03/2012

It is the rapidly swelling ranks of wealthy individuals and the speed with which certain sections of Chinese society are acquiring wealth that is making the world sit up and take notice.

ProVen and Edge - Top rated VCTs

Ben Seager-Scott 09/03/2012

Bestinvest has a range of VCTs included within our premier selection. Three of our top-rated VCTs are featured in this article.

Japan – one year on from the earthquake

Mark Lane 09/03/2012

We remain bullish on Japan but we would caution that the market has rallied substantially so far this year.

A bite of the mighty Apple

Simon Moore 08/03/2012

With a market value of US$494 billion, Apple has swept aside oil giant Exxon Mobil to become the world’s largest company.

Three years of record-low interest rates

Adrian Lowcock 08/03/2012

Inflation has caused cash to lose 10.53% over the past three years, which exposes the myth that keeping your savings in cash is risk free.

Elderstreet Remains Unrated as management continue to avoid

Ben Seager-Scott 06/03/2012

Invesco Perpetual Global Financial Capital - Fund launched

Robert Harley 20/02/2012

Albion VCTs awarded 4 stars

Adrian Lowcock 20/02/2012

Albion, the venture capital investor is offering the opportunity to acquire shares in seven Albion VCTs through this linked offer.

Ingenious Entertainment 1&2 G Shares

Ben Seager-Scott 20/02/2012

This VCT is looking to raise £15-25 million and will invest in music festivals through a quasi-lending arrangement.

Fidelity Global Dividend - New launch

Tom White 17/02/2012

Fidelity have become the latest group to offer an income-focused global equity fund with the launch of Fidelity Global Dividend

Cut your tax bill before 5 April

Adrian Lowcock 16/02/2012

Now is the time to make sure you have everything in place to make the most of tax allowances and reliefs for this tax year.

Lifetime pension allowance changes

Tim Stalkartt 14/02/2012

On 6 April 2012 the Lifetime Allowance - the maximum value that you can accumulate within all your pensions before incurring tax - is changing.

How can carry forward boost your pension?

Tim Stalkartt 14/02/2012

Although annual pension contributions are now capped at £50,000, the new ‘carry forward’ rules allow investors to add up to £200,000 to their pension pot in the current tax year.

Threat to higher rate tax relief on pensions

Tim Stalkartt 13/02/2012

We would like to alert you to new restrictions that could be introduced in the Budget on 21 March relating to the amount of tax relief that you can claim on pension contributions.

GLG Japan CoreAlpha Fund Closure

Mark Lane 13/02/2012

The GLG Japan CoreAlpha and CoreAlpha Equity funds will soft close to new clients with effect from 30 March 2012. Whilst GLG made this announcement today the funds will remain open in the normal way until this date for both investments and redemptions.

SWIP Property Trust - price drop

Simon Moore 10/02/2012

SWIP Property Trust has moved to MID pricing, the effect of this is price drop by 3%.

Puma 8 VCT - a 5 star investment

Adrian Lowcock 10/02/2012

Limited life VCTs are popular with investors who are looking to gain the immediate benefit of a 30% tax rebate.

Greek debt update: our view

Robert Harley 10/02/2012

We remain of the view that the authorities will strive to act quickly to ring fence Greece to prevent a domino effect of sovereign defaults across Europe.

Economic review and outlook - February 2012

Mark Lane 03/02/2012

January was a positive month for equity markets largely due to the ECB’s Long Term Refinancing Operation (LTRO).

Fund manager of the month - James Harries

Adrian Lowcock 01/02/2012

The Newton Global Higher Income fund is run by James Harries. Harries joined Newton in 1995, he left in 2004 for a brief stint at Veritas before returning in 2005 to take over the lead management role of the Newton Global Higher Income fund.

Investing has never been so rewarding

Lee Dooley 27/01/2012

Investing has never been so rewarding. Earn up to £500 cashback. Terms apply.

Our 5-star pick: Threadneedle UK Equity Income

Adrian Lowcock 23/01/2012

Adrian Lowcock interviews Richard Colwell, manager of Threadneedle UK Equity income. Watch the video interview here.

Infrastructure projects - a solid investment idea

Simon Moore 19/01/2012

There are plenty of companies involved in the infrastructure space. Many of these companies are listed on stock exchanges around the world.

Inflation down: no respite for cash investors

Adrian Lowcock 19/01/2012

Against this challenging economic backdrop, opportunities for investors do still exist. Our preference is for high quality corporate bond funds.

S&P downgrades. Is AA the new AAA?

Graham Frost 17/01/2012

On Friday 13th S&P downgraded French and Austrian government bonds to AA from AAA, we ask what impact is it likely to have for investors?

Double your VCT tax break

Dan Tubb 12/01/2012

The New Year marks the real start of the 2012 VCT season that culminates at the end of the tax year on 5 April.

How safe are gilts?

Robert Harley 11/01/2012

Gilts funds outperformed every other fund sector last year – with conventional gilts funds returning an average of 15.8 per cent.

Fund manager of the month - David Dudding

Adrian Lowcock 09/01/2012

Adrian Lowcock meets David Dudding, the fund manager of the month. Watch the video of the interview and get details on the Threadneedle funds managed by Dudding.

The year ahead: Fund managers’ views

Adrian Lowcock 06/01/2012

Four leading fund managers share their view on how markets will fare in 2012.

Our 5-star rated VCT pick: Northern 2 VCT

Adrian Lowcock 02/01/2012

By displaying a very strong track record and using high quality investment managers, we feel Northern do stand out, it’s award our highest rating of 5 stars.

The value of your investments and the income from them can go down as well as up, and you can get back less than you originally invested. Past performance or any yields quoted should not be considered reliable indicators of future returns. Before investing in funds please check the specific risk factors on the key features document or refer to our risk warning notice as some funds can be high risk or complex; they may also have risks relating to the geographical area, industry sector and/or underlying assets in which they invest. Prevailing tax rates and relief are dependent on your individual circumstances and are subject to change.

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