Inflation may prompt interest rate rise next year
A Bank of England policymaker has suggested that UK interest rates could rise in the next year if the recovery continues and rising prices lead to ‘more persistent’ inflationary pressures. Michael Saunders, a member of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee which sets...How seriously should investors take inflation
Inflation has been on the rise recently in the UK and around the world. Is this rise transitory, as central bankers are saying it is, or persistent and therefore cause for concern? The importance of this question cannot be understated. The high inflation of the ’60s...Equity fund resurgence
UK equity funds enjoyed a resurgence in July as low interest rates and cash savings prompted a flood of new money during the typically quiet summer lull. After two months of net outflows UK equities saw a reversal of fortunes during the period, raking in £245m, making...Pension contributions hold up despite Covid
The number of eligible employees participating in a workplace pension remained stable year-on-year in 2020 at 88%, equal to around 19.4 million savers, the latest government figures have shown. Additionally, the data revealed that the total annual savings for eligible...Record house prices
The average UK house price reached a fresh record high in August while annual inflation cooled to a five-month low, after the partial end of the stamp duty holiday in England and Northern Ireland. Halifax, one of the country’s biggest mortgage lenders, said the...Investing for children
As we grow older, our financial priorities change. It looks like this is especially the case for grandparents who are big fans of investing accounts like Child SIPPs and the Junior Stocks and Shares ISA. Here’s what you need to know about investing money in these...Social care reform
The prime minister wants to fix the social care system – a policy welcomed by almost everyone – but his plan to fund reforms by increasing National Insurance has been roundly condemned by current and former ministers on both sides of the political...Partners and sole traders face tax hikes
Experts are warning that small businesses could see significant changes to the way they are taxed following the launch of a consultation by the Government, which may result in some facing higher tax bills than expected. The proposed Basis Period Reform, HMRC claims,...FCA ends insurance loyalty penalties
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is bringing an end to the practice of car and home insurers charging loyal customers more than new customers. ‘Price walking’ – commonly known as the ‘loyalty penalty’ – is a pricing practice where existing customers are...