Savers positive about pension reforms but concerned about scams
The new pensions freedom rules giving far greater flexibility over what you can do with your pension pot came into force on 6 April 2015.
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How long will your pension income last?
Why people are applying a rule of thumb when it comes to their retirement
According to new research conducted by YouGov and Old Mutual Wealth, nearly half (48%) of those approaching retirement (aged 55-64) do not know how long their pension income will last. With pension providers reporting demand for flexible withdrawals, there is a significant danger that pension funds could run dry if people do not plan carefully or take professional financial advice.
Emerging market attractions creep back up
Living with several pending risk events, liquidity and risk appetite go with the territory
The fundamental environment in emerging markets remains stable. As the market has grown accustomed to living with several pending risk events, liquidity and risk appetite have been creeping back up. Buyers of emerging market mutual funds have been returning to the asset class after the commencement of the ECB’s version of QE.
Blurred vision of the future
Three quarters of UK adults struggle to picture themselves in retirement
UK adults have an average eight-year blind spot when it comes to financial planning – and can only see themselves in the future as far ahead as 2023, new research from long-term savings and investment specialist Standard Life reveals.
Dividend heroes
Companies which have increased their dividends each year for at least 20 years
Interest rates recently marked a sixth year at a record low of 0.5%. Therefore, it is noteworthy that research from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) shows that a fifth (21%) of AIC member investment companies which have been in existence for more than 10 years have raised their dividends for at least 10 years in a row.
Generating an income from your portfolio
Narrowing the knowledge gap for investors
Record-low interest rates are rarely out of the news these days. With UK investors struggling to achieve a decent income from traditional investment sources, it might raise a few eyebrows to learn that less than half can correctly explain the term ‘income investing’.
Hunting for income
What gives specialist sectors an advantage?
The hunt for income has shown no sign of slowing. Alternative assets in areas such as infrastructure, debt and property can offer a high level of income, and, being illiquid assets, they are particularly suited to being held in a closed-ended fund. Indeed, of the 49 investment companies yielding over 5%, 32 (65%) are from specialist sectors[1]. What gives these specialist sectors an advantage when it comes to yield? Why would investors consider these specialist sectors as part of their income portfolio?
Nation of savers
Year-on-year rise in the number of long-term savers
The UK is becoming a nation of savers, with three quarters (74%) of people saying they are currently saving, research from Scottish Widows has revealed.
Ten key announcements from Budget 2015
In his final Budget speech to parliament on 18 March, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, announced that Britain was ‘walking tall again’ after five years of austerity.
Gender disparity
Funding a post-work life will be difficult without sufficient planning
A new report has revealed a huge gender disparity when it comes to pension savings and income, indicating that funding retirement is likely to be a significant challenge for many women.
