The City wades in to Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday celebrations – with some right royal investment tips April 20, 2016 You may have heard, the Queen has a big birthday coming up. Her Majesty will be turning 90 on Thursday 21 April. This is a big and historic moment in the history of the nation and London’s public relations and marketing industries wouldn’t have their world famous reputation if they let an opportunity such as this [...]
Not a very regal retirement: The Queen would be living on £18k a year if she saved as we do April 20, 2016 The Queen's 90th birthday throws into sharp perspective the changes that have taken place in our retirement system. Ninety years ago, saving for a pension wasn't even a consideration. Then came the 1960s, when people began living longer and the concept of 10 years' retirement after the age of 60 became possible. For several decades after, [...]
Ethical investing: How to get started April 20, 2016 People used to call it nuts – but ethical investing has changed radically. Whether its termed ethical, responsible, or sustainable investing, the aim is generally the same. It's investing your money in businesses which have some intention of making the world a better place. Barely a week goes by without newspaper headlines about corporate tax avoidance, [...]
Ardian raises $10.8bn to invest in secondary private equity funds and says “market has come of age” April 19, 2016 The second-hand private equity market has "come of age", Ardian declared as it announced new funding worth $10.8bn (£7.5bn). The private equity firm, which until 2013 was Axa Private Equity and is now largely employee-owned, said it has raised $27.4bn for secondary investment in the last five years. Ardian today announced it had fundraised $10.8bn for secondary [...]
Investors warn of weaker profits on S&P 500 – and low wages in the States could cause civil unrest too April 19, 2016 Investors are warning over the future path of the S&P 500 as a combination of low wages and the strong dollar place a question mark over corporate profitability. US wages are at a record low in relation to the country’s GDP – and this accounts for corporate profits being so high. But it’s a worrying sign, [...]
Four tips for investment success April 19, 2016 There are many ways up a mountain, as the saying goes. Becoming a successful investor can feel like climbing Everest, but here are some tips from the experts. ONLY BUY GOOD COMPANIES That may sound obvious, but actually a lot of investors do the opposite. They invest in down and out companies on the hope of [...]
A man who studied rich people for five years found they avoid one type of person April 18, 2016 Who you hang out with matters more than you may think. In fact, your friendships could have a major impact on your net worth. After researching the daily habits of wealthy people for five years, author Thomas C. Corley found that they avoid one type of person at all costs: pessimists. "Self-made millionaires are very [...]
Investment Association to shake up UK Equity Income sector after too many funds given the boot yield requirements April 18, 2016 The Investment Association (IA) is to reconsider one of the more problematic requirements of its UK Equity Income sector after too many funds were found to be failing to meet the mark. The IA is running a consultation into its yield rules, which currently require funds to achieve an average yield of no less than 10 per cent above the FTSE [...]
Neil Woodford: Support UK tech or face economic “doom” April 18, 2016 The UK must do more to support high-tech innovations coming out of our universities to avoid becoming economically “doomed”. Neil Woodford, known for being the UK's most successful investor, says backing our world-class science is crucial for the UK to hold its position as a centre of technological innovation. Having a thriving “knowledge economy” will [...]
Strong start to the year for dividends won’t last, warns Capita as total payouts are set to fall for the first time since 2010 April 18, 2016 This year is set to be the worst for dividends in six years despite growth of 6.4 per cent in the first quarter year-on-year, the latest dividend monitor from Capita Asset Services has found. The total paid out to investors reached £14.2bn in the first quarter, though it will be offset over coming months by £2.7bn of [...]