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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.

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.

Trading places

It’s not just about picking investments wisely, it’s holding them in the most suitable place

Now that we’ve entered a new tax year, if you are already planning how you are going to fully utilise your current Individual Savings Account (ISA) tax-efficient allowance, it’s not just about picking investments wisely – it’s also important to make sure you hold them in the best place.
With this in mind, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has taken a look at investment company performance data when the full ISA limit is invested. If you had invested a lump sum of £15,000[1] into the average investment company ten years ago, you would now have £38,323.50. This is £6,433.90 more than the same investment in the FTSE All-Share, which would generate £31,889.60.

Pensions Freedom

Your questions answered

Most people now have more options when it comes to their retirement choices. But generally they’ll still want their pension income to last their lifetime – so careful planning is a must.

Getting more financially savvy

Sorting out finances high on most people’s list

Britons are determined to become more financially savvy about their saving and spending habits this year, with three quarters (76%) of adults admitting they are prepared to moderate their lifestyle, according to a new survey by Standard Life.