DISTRESSING FINANCES
According to R3, the trade body for insolvency professionals, the number of people experiencing financial distress has increased to the highest level recorded. 8m people are due to go into their overdraft this month, with 2m believing that they will go into an unauthorised overdraft position. The findings also show that 6m people are currently behind with some of their bills and payments – a jump of 2m over the last quarter.
ONE SMALL STEP FOR THE BOE
Looking at base rate changes over the last fourteen years, Lloyds TSB says history shows small rate rises but in quick succession. Reductions in the Bank of England base rate have ranged from 0.25 per cent to 1.50 per cent. However, during the same period, base rates only ever rose by 0.25 per cent at any one time. Increases usually came in quick succession, with several rises over a short space of time.
AN INTERNATIONAL PLATFORM
Barclays Stockbrokers has added five new markets to its International Trader platform. Investors can now access markets in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Denmark and Norway. The platform now gives investors access to over 12,000 stocks on 26 major global exchanges across 18 international
markets.
BARING ALL
Baring Asset Management has followed up on the recent launch of its iPhone and iPad fund prices app with a Blackberry-friendly version. This enables retail and professional investors to keep track of Barings’ fund prices on the go.
IN VINO LUCRUM
Fine wine merchant Bordeaux Index says wine prices have rebounded. Wine prices climbed nearly 1.25 percent in May. Older prime vintages were much in demand, with Margaux ’96 and Mouton ’86 leading the way.
