London house prices rose twice as fast as the rest of UK in 2010s January 7, 2020 London house prices rose twice as fast as the UK average during the 2010s, a new report has shown, notching up a 66 per cent growth rate that was far faster than any other region. In the country as a whole, the average house price rose 33 per cent over the last decade as it [...]
What is an asset class? January 2, 2020 Today, diversification and alternative returns are our top portfolio concerns. Why? Because low interest rates may have driven valuations of stocks, bonds, and other asset classes to unsustainable heights, so we’re forever on the lookout for uncorrelated assets to incorporate into our portfolios. And of course, product providers are all too happy to accommodate us, [...]
House prices 2020: How will the UK property market fare next year? December 26, 2019 It’s been a rocky year for the property market, as protracted political uncertainty and affordability problems left house prices largely stagnant in London and across the UK. But with a resounding victory for Boris Johnson in the General Election earlier this month, and the prospect of an end to the Brexit saga in sight, 2020 [...]
Co-op owners sound out potential buyers December 18, 2019 The hedge fund owners of the Co-op Bank are reportedly on the hunt for potential buyers. Two-and-a-half years after the lender was rescued from collapse, the US investors which took control of the Co-op have started holding talks with possible bidders, according to Sky News. The broadcaster cited sources as saying that several British retail [...]
First-time buyer mortgage approvals increase in October December 17, 2019 The number of first time buyers securing mortgages jumped in October, according to the latest data. There were 32,260 new first-time buyer mortgages completed, 2.8 per cent more than in October last year. Read more: UK mortgage lending dips as buyers hesitate in Brexit uncertainty The number of homemover mortgages completed in the month grew [...]
Pension funds are putting more money into property debt December 17, 2019 When the Alternative Credit Council recently predicted that the global private debt market will be worth in excess of $1 trillion by the end of 2020, some might have called the claim a little audacious. Only seven years ago, less than £1 in every £10 lent in the UK came from an alternative lender. Today, [...]
Outlook 2020: Global economy December 16, 2019 The global economy should perform better in 2020, underpinned by a US-China trade truce and lower interest rates, Schroders’ chief economist Keith Wade explains. We recently upgraded our 2020 global growth forecast to 2.6 per cent, due to prospects of a “phase one” US-China trade deal and lower US interest rates US interest rate cuts [...]
Holiday homes: Limassol seeks new lease of life as a luxury property hotspot December 6, 2019 Cyprus has long been a favourite family holiday destination – sunny nearly all year round, moderately priced and famed for its homely Mediterranean cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. Glitzy St Tropez it is not, but that is all set to change as Limassol – located on Cyprus’ south coast – sets its sights on becoming Europe’s [...]
Moody’s downgrades outlook for global banks December 5, 2019 The outlook for global banks has been slashed by credit ratings agency Moody’s. Weakening economic growth, low interest rates and more volatile operating conditions will increase the credit challenges for lenders across the world, Moody’s Investors Service said in a report published today. The agency cut its outlook from stable to negative. Read more: Metro [...]
Growth in business lending set to hit five-year low December 5, 2019 Bank lending to firms is expected to creep up at its weakest rate since 2015 next year, with experts blaming dampened appetite for business investment. Growth in business lending will likely climb by 2.1 per cent in 2020, according to research out this morning by the EY ITEM Club. Read more: Moody’s downgrades outlook for [...]