Scrapping stamp duty could boost investment in UK stocks February 2, 2026 Brits have called for the removal of stamp duty on UK shares in order to incentivise them to allocate capital into the London market. Three quarters of investors said that the scrapping of stamp duty on UK shares and trusts would prompt them to take more interest and potentially invest more, according to the latest [...]
Premium bonds fall short as investors miss out on thousands February 2, 2026 Premium bond holders are falling short compared to UK investors, missing out on thousands by choosing to dodge the stock market. Brits who keep capital instead of premium bonds instead of stocks could be losing out on almost £3,800 in earnings, according to data from investment platform Lightyear. The average premium bond holder with the [...]
Private market allocations reach record high as investors pump in £4.7 trillion January 28, 2026 Global private market allocations from institutional investors have reached record highs, with many planning to increase their allocations over the next few years. Private markets have risen to represent 12.5 per cent of overall portfolio allocations, accounting for $6.5 trillion (£4.7 trillion) of assets under management, according to the latest study from Aviva Investors. North [...]
Old hands vs new kids on the block: Investment platforms battle for customers January 28, 2026 Last year marked a significant change in attitudes towards retail investing in the UK, after the Treasury made tearing consumers away from the safety of their cash savings a firm ambition. In the government’s bid to revitalise London’s flagship index, Rachel Reeves slashed the cash ISA allowance from £20,000 to £12,000, introduced a three year [...]
Hargreaves Lansdown overhauls fees in face of rising competition January 26, 2026 The UK’s largest DIY investment platform is reducing fees for roughly half of its 2m-plus customers as it continues to face escalating competition within the industry. Hargreaves Lansdown said it will cut its annual account and share dealing fees, but add a charge for fund trading in its first overhaul of pricing in more than [...]
Gold hits new record high amid fresh Trump turmoil January 26, 2026 The price of gold jumped above $5,000 on Monday, as investors once again scrambled to get their hands on the safe haven asset amid heightened Trump tariff turmoil and policy changes. The precious metal surged to $5,078 (£3,716) per ounce, extending its record rally, before reaching $5,097.24 on Monday morning. Silver also hurtled past $100 [...]
Institutional investors brace for IPO revival as general partners eye listings January 26, 2026 Global institutional investors are anticipating an uptick in IPO activity in 2026, as more general partners prepare to enter the stock market. Almost eight in ten limited partners (LPs), investors in a partnership who contribute capital but do not manage operations, reported that their general partners (GPs), individuals who manage investments, were preparing portfolio companies [...]
Fund giant slashes UK exposure as investors sour on Britain January 23, 2026 One of the world’s largest money managers is shedding its investments in the UK, after investors said they wanted more of their cash to be allocated overseas despite a government push to encourage investment in domestic equities. Vanguard, the world’s second largest asset manager, said it would reduce its £52bn Life Strategy fund’s UK equity [...]
Ask the expert: I’m a higher rate taxpayer. Where can I save that won’t result in a big tax bill? January 22, 2026 Fidelity International personal finance specialist, Marianna Hunt, helps a taxpayer looking to lower their tax bill. Q: I’m a higher rate tax payer and likely to become an additional rate taxpayer. I currently hold both a cash and stocks and shares ISA. I also have Premium Bonds and a healthy amount in pensions. Where can [...]
UK retains investment appeal but CEO confidence falters January 19, 2026 The UK has strengthened its position as a global investment hub over the last twelve months, as it works to offset competition from other countries. Britain remained the second-most attractive destination for international investment for chief executives last year, according to the latest survey from PwC, but now shares the position with Germany and India. [...]