The Bank of England has raised interest rates above the emergency level introduced after the financial crisis despite mounting fears about the economic impact of Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal. Citing concern that the lowest unemployment…

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) are tax-efficient vehicles that allow you to save and invest without having to pay income tax or capital gains tax. They can be a good way for people to start saving or to add to their…

The outlook for the UK economy has brightened, according to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Spring Statement. Chancellor Philip Hammond described himself as “positively Tigger-like” in the face of an improving economy for which there is “light at the end…

"To err is human" said the poet Alexander Pope; however, in investment, errors can be expensive. Sometimes, it’s only hindsight that helps us realise where we went wrong – so what are the most obvious hazards? Investors face many potential…

The controversial Brexit vote took place on 23 June 2016. 18 months on from the historical referendum, what has changed? Since June 2016, the pound has fallen by about 15% against the US dollar and by about 13% against the…

Emerging markets continue to develop in size and importance, and their contribution to the global economy is increasingly significant.  At present, China is the second-largest economy in the world, superseded only by the US. However, by 2050, China is forecast…

It has long been recognised that medical advances, combined with a greater understanding of the impact of our lifestyle choices upon our health, have led to an increase in life expectancy. Looking ahead, future generations are, on average, likely to…

Inheritance tax (IHT) is charged on your taxable estate at 40%. Before you look to offset IHT, however, it is important to establish what is likely to accumulate as a potential liability. For most people, the key contributor to their…

November 2017 marked the first anniversary of Donald Trump’s election as the 45th President of the United States. US equity indices have hit new highs over the past year, boosted by strong corporate earnings announcements. Since Mr Trump’s controversial victory…

In a move that surprised almost nobody, Bank of England (BoE) policymakers raised interest rates for the first time in over a decade at its November meeting. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by seven votes to two in favour…