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News Archive 2010

Manager of the Month – July 2010

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.

National Savings Certificates Withdrawn

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This week the National Savings and Investments has withdrawn the current issues of Saving Certificates and Index Linked Savings Certificates.

Current volatility will reward the prepared

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.

You need more than BRICs to build emerging markets exposure

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.

Economic review and outlook – June 2010

Robert Harley 01/07/2010

A busy month for markets, and on the economic front.

Where to look for Income

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

What have our Research Team been buying?

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.

Coalition Budget 2010 - Economic view

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.

Pensions and Personal Tax - Coalition Budget 2010

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.

Capital Gains Tax changes

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.

Commercial property - should you invest now?

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.

Need Shelter? Then look at Business Premises Renovation Allowance

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

BP, Obama and your pension

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.

June 2010 Budget – Financial Planning

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.

June 2010 Budget – Investment Management

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.

June 2010 Budget – Investment Research

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.

Manager of the Month - June 2010

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.

Greedy fund groups hike charges

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).

Bestinvest’s 2010 World Cup investment squad

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.

How much of BP do YOU own?

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

Is it time to invest?

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:

Volatility rises as governments blame speculators

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.

Manager of the Month - May 2010

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.

Asset Allocation – May 2010

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

Five tips to tackle Capital Gains Tax

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.

Coalition likely to raise capital gains tax to 40%

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.

Is a €750 billion bailout enough?

Graham Frost 10/05/2010

Over the weekend the European Union, working closely with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) hammered out a loan package

Is a hung parliament bad for the UK?

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.

Five tips for when the market turns

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.

General Election 2010: Who will make a dent in the deficit?

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.

Greece – The contagion is spreading

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.

Asia – Not just a growth story

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.

Manager of the Month – April 2010

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.

Five fund tips for a hung parliament

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.

Make the most of the new ISA allowance

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.

Tax changes from 6th April 2010

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.

New Telephone Number

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.

Savings Bonds

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.

Investment Bonds

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.

7% Income?

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.

ISAs – Investing in a hurry?

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.

Gartmore European Absolute Return fund

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.

2010 ISA - Our top ISA ideas

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.

Budget 2010 – Tips to save tax

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.

Fidelity China Special Situations PLC – New Telephone Application Service

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.

Budget 2010 – Deferring difficult decisions

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.

Invesco Perpetual Tactical Bond – Interview with Paul Causer and Paul Reed

Adrian Lowcock 18/03/2010

We have recently awarded the Invesco Perpetual Tactical Bond a 5 star rating.

VCT - New Issues update

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.

Manager of the Month – March 2010

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.

Cazenove European – Interview with Chris Rice

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.

China - If not via Bolton then who?

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?

Bestinvest’s top-rated fund tips for your 2010 ISA

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.

China. Go via Bolton?

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.

Deadlines looming for VCT investors

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.

It’s all Greek to me

Graham Frost 26/02/2010

In recent weeks, the mood of optimism in bond markets evaporated and the culprit appears to be Greece.

Breakfast with Bolton

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.

Our top tips on choosing your 2010 ISA

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.

Tips to tidy up your finances

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.

Anthony Bolton – Video interview

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.

Latest News - Fidelity China Special Situations PLC launch

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.

Market Review – Looking through the correction

Graham Frost 05/02/2010

Further falls in global markets this week leaves many major indices around 9% off their January peaks.

Asset Allocation – January 2010

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?

Anthony Bolton Returns - Q&A on his new China fund

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.

Richard Woolnough - Outlook for the UK

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.

China - Is it still a good time to invest?

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.

Improvements to the Client Centre - Portfolio Planning Tool

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

The BO factor hits markets

Graham Frost 22/01/2010

President Barack Obama’s proposals on banking reforms have created a stink in global stock markets around the world.

HW Financial Services becomes part of Bestinvest Group

John Spiers 19/01/2010

I am pleased to announce the acquisition of HW Financial Services Ltd (HWFS) by the Bestinvest Group.

Heroes of 2009

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.

Corporate Bonds - What affects the price

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.

Financial Resolutions for the New Year

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

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