‘Surprise interest rate pause’

The Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey is facing a backlash from economists and MPs for ‘crying wolf’ over an interest rate hike. Critics questioned whether he was the right man to lead the Bank after a ‘big communications failure’ on...

Concerns over pension fees cap

Under new plans, the Financial Times reports, the Government is considering a relaxation of the pension fee cap in the hopes of raising funds for its flagship “levelling up” agenda. The move could drastically affect the pensions landscape, but also have a palpable...

The drive for greener pensions

The government must show “global leadership on pensions and climate change”, MPs have said. The call comes in a report published by the influential Work and Pensions Select Committee. It wants the government to “seize the opportunity” from the upcoming Glasgow-based...

Bitcoin surges to new high

Bitcoin surged to a record all-time high on Wednesday, following a weeks-long price rally. The cryptocurrency is now up more than 50% since the start of October, overtaking the market value of tech giants like Facebook and Tesla. After breaking the $64,800 record...

Experts urge action ahead of interest rate hikes

Families have been told to get ready for an imminent interest rate hike. The Bank of England has given its clearest warning yet that rates will have to rise soon to keep a lid on soaring inflation following a surge in energy prices. But while some experts forecast...

Vaccinations key for affordable life insurance

Countries are currently fighting the dilemma of creating a two-tiered society versus freedom of choice with policies like domestic covid vaccine passports. The UK government has flip flopped on the concept of covid passports for the last few months. Sajid Javid,...

Tax nudge’ letters sent to crypto investors

HM Revenue & Customs plans to send crypto investors nudge letters warning them to check they have the paid the right tax. News of the letters, which have yet to be issued, was released by CryptoUK, a trade association, on Wednesday, accountants reported. HMRC...

VCTs surge ahead of dividend tax increase

The dividend tax rise announced last month is likely to increase demand for venture capital trusts (VCTs), expert say. This is because VCTs can offer a 30% income tax relief on an allowance up to £200,00 per year. Returns, which are paid through dividends, are also...

When will energy prices bite?

High energy costs are forcing manufacturers to warn of higher prices for their goods as they pass on increases to consumers. Iceland boss Richard Walker said higher energy bills and other costs meant price rises were now “inevitable”. The warning came as...

Growing demand for green investment trusts

Booming demand for green infrastructure investments has helped power a record run of fundraising for UK investment trusts, with managers breaking the previous annual record for capital raising in the first nine months of 2021. UK investment trusts have raised £8.7bn...