Asian markets flat as Chinese shares disappoint April 22, 2014 Asian shares are broadly flat as weak Chinese shares offset a positive day on Wall Street.The Chinese Enterprises Index fell by one per cent to its lowest point in nearly four weeks. Fears over a slowdown in the Chinese economy were reinforced over the past week as Great Wall Motor and Air China reported poor [...]
Tesco’s 2013 pre-tax profit drops to £3.05bn April 16, 2014 Tesco, the world's third-largest supermarket, has announced a 6.9 per cent drop in full-year underlying profit before tax, to £3.05bn. Over the next three years, it's hoping to stake a claim as the multichannel, middle-market store. But the question is how easy that'll be in a climate of booming discounters and high-end stores, where consumers [...]
Where to put your money to see real returns on cash April 15, 2014 Current accounts offer eye-catching rates, but remember the tax advantages of Isas WITH inflation dipping to 1.6 per cent on the consumer price index in March, and competition starting to hot up among retail banks, many current accounts are now offering the chance to earn decent real returns on cash. As many as 10 new [...]
Asian markets remain subdued as Bank of Japan holds firm April 8, 2014 Asian markets are holding steady after the Bank of Japan maintained its stance on monetary policy and disappointed some investors with a refusal to hike purchases of risk assets. Japan's current account balance showed a surplus for the first time in five months in February, this was attributed to strengthening exports and an increase in [...]
Clothing sales at M&S set to come up short April 7, 2014 MARKS & SPENCER chief executive Marc Bolland is expected to come under renewed pressure this week when the retailer posts yet another fall in underlying sales for its key clothing arm. The high street retailer is expected to report a decline of around one per cent in like-for-like general merchandise sales – which included clothing [...]
The lessons that big business must learn from the EU debates April 2, 2014 WHAT a disaster for Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrats. They were slaughtered by Nigel Farage in yesterday’s TV debate on the EU and other matters, with a YouGov poll showing that the public thought the Ukip leader won it by 68 per cent to 27 per cent. Whether or not one agrees with them, [...]
Last-minute themes to boost your Isa portfolio April 1, 2014 THE ISA deadline is just days away, and the chancellor’s recent decision to enhance the tax wrapper’s flexibility (as well as increasing the annual allowance to £15,000 from 1 July) has heightened its attractiveness as a vehicle for long-term capital growth. We ask the experts for some last minute ideas – and funds – to [...]
Avoid these costly end of tax year mistakes April 1, 2014 THE LAST-MINUTE Isa frenzy is underway. But as you scramble to fill up the £11,520 allowance before 5 April, be wary of some of the most common mistakes made by hasty investors. Buying funds and stocks in a hurry is dangerous, says Jason Witcombe of Evolve Financial Planners. And as most stocks and shares Isas [...]
Q & A March 28, 2014 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DOUGLAS & GORDON Q I have a house that I’m renting out and I’m worried about changing capital gains tax rules. Should I stay or sell? A From next year, capital gains tax relief will be limited to 18 months of capital growth, as opposed to 36 months previously. This means that you’ll [...]
How the Budget has made Isas even nicer March 25, 2014 The tax wrapper has even greater potential for capital growth, but pension tax relief will still prove decisive Much of the reaction to George Osborne’s “Budget for savers” has focused on the freeing-up of pensions. And while a loosening of drawdown restrictions will no doubt be a boon for retirees, radical Isa reforms have important [...]