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 [...]
Week ahead: Economic data and miners set to drive FTSE April 18, 2016 Investors will be wading through economic data this week, with the March unemployment report out on Wednesday and the latest retail sales and public finance figures due Thursday. On Friday the FTSE 100 index was down 21.35 points, or 0.3 per cent, at 6,343.75 points by the close, broadly in line with the European market. [...]
Industry experts join forces in fight against confusing pensions jargon April 18, 2016 A group of pension experts has decided enough is enough for jargon and have today clubbed together to clean up the language of the industry. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is heading up a Pensions Language Steering Group formed of bodies from government, industry, regulators and consumer groups. Names on the list include the Financial Conduct [...]
From savings to investments – here are nine signs you’ll never be rich April 15, 2016 Contrary to popular belief, "everyone has the same opportunity to acquire wealth," says self-made millionaire Steve Siebold. Is wealth in the cards for you? To help you evaluate, we've rounded up nine red flags you might want to watch out for. While no one can predict the future, the following choices most likely won't accelerate [...]
UK pensions puzzle: Pension freedoms spark both young and old to ask more questions April 14, 2016 Annuity providers may have been worried their work would drop off once the pension freedoms were introduced, but there's one organisation in the pensions sector that has seen work flood in. The Pensions Advisory Service has received a 71 per cent increase in people seeking guidance on their pensions since the pensions freedoms rules came in [...]