There have been two major factors aiding emerging markets in recent months. The Chinese stimulus package which has spilled out into greater Asia and that US interest rates have hit a high, stabilising the value of the US$. These factors…
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Japan is another country to have its growth forecast for 2019 downgraded in recent months.The Japanese economy is now expected to grow by 0.9% this year despite the Bank of Japan (BoJ) on-going fiscal and monetary stimulus programme. Japan’s public…
Read more...Equity markets recovered sharply in the first five months of 2019 leading to the S&P 500 index hitting a new all-time high in early May. This rebound is attributed to the heavy sell off in Q4 and the Fed ending…
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It is at times of uncertainty over global growth, corporate earnings growth, high indebtedness and political uncertainty that gold has some relevance to a mixed asset portfolio. A key element in the rise of the price of gold was a…
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Last November the US imposed sanctions on Iran’s oil, shipping, ship building and banking sectors as a reaction to Iran not fully abiding by its nuclear proliferation deal with the West. Washington clamped down on oil sales and placed heavy…
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The Federal Reserve (Fed) did not cut rates at its June meeting, but is moving in the direction of easier policy. We think an “insurance” rate cut is likely in July, so-called because it is a move designed to help…
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The recent closure of the Neil Woodford Equity Income fund brings into focus the value of regular investment review. Neil Woodford is perhaps the UK best known fund manager. His reputation was built on many years of outperformance by his…
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People looking for professional financial advice on such important issues as Financial & Investment Advice, Retirement Planning or Estate Planning matters should seek an Independent Financial Adviser who has achieved Chartered Financial Planner status. A Chartered Financial Planner is someone…
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Out with the old and in with the new is very appt when talking about annual allowances. The last few weeks have been very busy as clients seek to take up their full ISA and pension contributions for the 18/19…
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