http://www.investortoday.co.uk/ The Investor's and Day Trader's News. en-us Sun, 5 Feb 2012 21:04:18 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/imminent-recession-forecast-to-hit-uk The UK is set to return to technical recession in the first half of this year, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research. Recession will strike as households continue to retrench, credit conditions remain tight, and businesses are reluctant to invest given uncertainty about... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:53:44 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/imminent-recession-forecast-to-hit-uk http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/new-euro-zone-bail-out-warnings There are renewed concerns today about the scale of debt in the euro zone, with the plight of Greece once again at the forefront of the crisis. It is reported in the Daily Telegraph that euro zone finance ministers have scheduled a meeting for Monday to consider Greece's euros 130billion second... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:53:09 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/new-euro-zone-bail-out-warnings http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/protect-your-property-from-fraudsters Property is usually the most valuable asset people own. It can be sold and mortgaged to raise money and is therefore an attractive target for fraudsters. The properties most vulnerable to fraud are usually empty, tenanted or mortgage-free. Individuals at a higher risk of fraud include owners who are absent for whatever... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:52:48 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/protect-your-property-from-fraudsters http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/investors-warned-to-not-rush-into-newly-floated-companies There is considerable hype building around the Facebook IPO - making it the most anticipated floatation in the technology sector since Google. But here, Sheridan Admans, investment research manager at The Share Centre, warns investors of the risks of investing in a newly-floated company... "As of 30 December 2011, 59% of all... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:52:24 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/investors-warned-to-not-rush-into-newly-floated-companies http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/surprise-reduction-in-household-debt-over-christmas Money education charity, Credit Action has released its February statistics detailing the level of debt in the UK. Headline data include: * £55,823 is the average household debt including mortgages, and £7948 is the average household debt excluding mortgages (December); * £29,547 is the average amount owed by every UK adult (including mortgages)... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:51:54 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/surprise-reduction-in-household-debt-over-christmas http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/outlook-for-global-equity-income-investing Here James Harries, of Newton Investment Management, looks at the outlook for global equity income investing in the current tough economic environment... "Authorities in the developed world have put in place a raft of measures to try to tackle the challenges associated with their heavily indebted economies and especially the deleveraging... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:51:12 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/outlook-for-global-equity-income-investing http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/clear-inheritance-instructions-will-avoid-conflicts News coverage of a recent court case involving members of a wealthy family has highlighted the importance of drawing up Wills and Trusts correctly to prevent conflicts. "Unfortunately, this is a common problem," said Linda Cummins, head of Wills at legal firm, Goldsmith Williams. "Disputes often arise after pivotal members of the... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:50:48 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/clear-inheritance-instructions-will-avoid-conflicts http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/higher-cost-of-living-affects-first-time-buyers Despite average mortgage payments falling to 2003 levels, it is now more difficult for first-time buyers to get a foot on the housing ladder than during the 2009 recession. That is the finding of a new Ability to Buy Index from RBS which paints a mixed picture for first-time buyers in... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:50:20 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/higher-cost-of-living-affects-first-time-buyers http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/key-regulations-now-in-place-for-automatic-enrolment A key package of regulation to help employers prepare for automatic enrolment into workplace pensions was published this week. This package, alongside the revised timetable for automatic enrolment published last week, is designed to make it easier for business to manage their new duties. With these regulations in place, the legislative... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:49:54 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/key-regulations-now-in-place-for-automatic-enrolment http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/rapidly-changing-reporting-standards-concern-for-finance-chiefs Senior finance executives remain significantly unprepared for a raft of fundamental changes to financial reporting standards both in the UK and across the world, according to a survey from Ernst & Young. Financial reporters in companies across the UK are being forced to implement new standards that will impact everything from... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:49:11 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/rapidly-changing-reporting-standards-concern-for-finance-chiefs http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/euro-zone-break-up-remains-major-threat-to-uk Risks to the UK economy from a euro zone break up continue to loom large, according to the latest forecast from the Institute for Fiscal Studies. On the positive side, its Green Budget suggests that, even relative to major planned cuts, Whitehall departments will underspend by more than £3billion this year. The... Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:36:29 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/euro-zone-break-up-remains-major-threat-to-uk http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/public-remain-confident-in-property-sector Britons are relatively upbeat about the property market for 2012, according to new research from Santander Mortgages. It reveals that 8% (3.7 million) believe they are likely to successfully purchase a new home in 2012. The news comes as the Council of Mortgage Lenders reports slightly more positive data for the industry... Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:36:05 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/public-remain-confident-in-property-sector http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/transfer-spending-cut-by-premier-league-clubs The January transfer window closed last night with Premier League clubs estimated to have spent around £60million, according to analysis by business advisory firm Deloitte. That marks a sharp reduction of 70% on the record level of £225million in January 2011.   Dan Jones, Partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte,... Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:35:35 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/transfer-spending-cut-by-premier-league-clubs http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/landlords-less-likely-to-be-active-in-market-this-year Increased buying and selling activity was recorded in the Private Rented Sector in 2011 but may not continue in 2012, according to the latest landlord survey. Research from the Association of Residential Letting Agents shows the number of landlords that sold a property in the last 12 months increased from 6%... Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:35:14 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/landlords-less-likely-to-be-active-in-market-this-year http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/more-final-salary-pension-schemes-close-door-to-entry Increasing numbers of final-salary pension schemes are closing to new joiners and current staff. According to the Pension Protection Fund and the Pensions Regulator, the amount of final-salary schemes still open to new recruits in the private sector fell last year from 18% to 16%,. It also found that a quarter of... Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:34:45 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/more-final-salary-pension-schemes-close-door-to-entry http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/kent--a-good-county-in-which-to-invest-in-new-property KENT COUNTY – A PLACE TO ENJOY Kent is a huge county with miles of open countryside, a large coastal region, superb towns and an ever increasing network of road and rail links to London and Europe. The county has maintained its appeal of picturesque villages and fields with iconic Oast... Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:36:46 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/kent--a-good-county-in-which-to-invest-in-new-property http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/austere-climate-generates-record-amount-of-fraud The total amount of fraud in 2011 topped £3.5billion – a record year – according to KPMG’s Fraud Barometer, as Britons across the country continue to struggle with tough economic conditions. Some £2.5billion worth of fraud was recorded during the second half of the year – including five large fraud cases... Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:04:31 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/austere-climate-generates-record-amount-of-fraud http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/householders-braced-for-above-inflation-rise-in-water-bills The average household water and sewerage bill in England and Wales is forecast to increase by 5.7%, or about £20, according to Ofwat. This takes into account a rate of inflation of 5.2%, and will mean an average bill of £376 in 2012/13. In 2009 Ofwat made its decision on how much... Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:04:09 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/householders-braced-for-above-inflation-rise-in-water-bills http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/flood-risk-homes-could-be-impossible-to-insure Hundreds of thousands of homes could soon face huge problems with insurance when a protection agreement with the Government comes to an end. That is the warning from the Association of British Insurers. The ABI said a pact ensuring cover for high-risk homes would end in June 2013. It obliges insurers to... Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:03:45 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/flood-risk-homes-could-be-impossible-to-insure http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/investors-refuse-to-get-excited-about-interest-rates More than three in five investors (62%) expect no change in interest rates within the next six months, research from Legal & General Investments has revealed. The findings come from Legal & General Investments' annual What Matters Investment Index which aims to investigate the views of the everyday investor, and track... Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:03:23 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/investors-refuse-to-get-excited-about-interest-rates http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/commercial-lets-continue-to-remain-stable UK commercial property performance remained stable in the fourth quarter of 2011, despite continued economic uncertainty, according to CBRE. Both occupier and investment markets remained neutral on fears that the economic recovery could reverse in coming quarters. While prime retail occupier markets saw some deterioration this quarter, there was no headline decline... Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:02:48 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/commercial-lets-continue-to-remain-stable http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/home-buying-now-much-cheaper-than-renting Buying a home in the UK is more than a £100 a month cheaper than renting, according to research by Halifax. The typical monthly cost of buying a three-bedroom house in the UK was £600 in December 2011: £116 (or 16%) lower than the average monthly rent of £716 paid on... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:33:31 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/home-buying-now-much-cheaper-than-renting http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/problems-in-euro-zone-continue-to-impact-on-uk-growth Here, Alan Wilde, Head of Fixed Income and Currency at Baring Asset Management, offers an update on prospects for the UK economy... Last week's release of Q4 2011 GDP showed a contraction of 0.2% - below market expectations of a 0.1% fall. 2011 growth is just 0.8%, some way from the 1.7%... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:32:59 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/problems-in-euro-zone-continue-to-impact-on-uk-growth http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/rental-sector-under-threat-from-accidental-landlords Supply of property in the private rented sector is at an unsustainable level and urgent action is required to meet soaring demand. That is the warning from tenant eviction and referencing firm Landlord Assist. Demand for private rented properties has reached an all-time high due to a lack of mortgage availability for... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:32:36 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/rental-sector-under-threat-from-accidental-landlords http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/most-ppi-claims-made-through-management-companies The vast majority of consumers making claims for mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance from failed firms have done so through claims management companies, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme has revealed. More than three-quarters of people claiming PPI compensation from the FSCS do so through a claims management company. These companies take a... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:31:56 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/most-ppi-claims-made-through-management-companies http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/facebook-prepares-huge-share-offering Social networking website Facebook will this week set in motion plans to go public. It is expected that the site - which is one of the most-visited on the internet - will be valued at between US $75-100billion and will float later this year. Such a valuation should make Facebook one of... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:25:25 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/facebook-prepares-huge-share-offering http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/house-prices-continue-to-defy-economy UK house prices fell 1.3% through 2011, according to the latest official data from Land Registry. Its House Price Index shows no change in monthly house prices from November to December - with the average house price in England and Wales now standing at £160,384. The only region in England and Wales... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:24:57 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/house-prices-continue-to-defy-economy http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uk-firms-have-huge-competitive-advantage Here James Griffin, manager of Fidelity's MoneyBuilder Growth Fund, considers various investment prospects for UK businesses... If much of the "noughties" was characterised by easy money and cheap funding from banks and private equity firms, in today's world of scarce capital it is big companies with big balance sheets which now... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:24:33 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uk-firms-have-huge-competitive-advantage http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/rising-fuel-costs-to-push-1-in-5-drivers-off-road One in five motorists will give up driving completely if petrol costs hit £2 per litre, according to a survey by car insurance provider Hastings Direct. That price is also the trigger point for 12% to purchase a hybrid or electric car. A decade ago petrol prices were about 77p per litre... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:24:11 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/rising-fuel-costs-to-push-1-in-5-drivers-off-road http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/how-to-make-mortgage-market-work-best-for-you With consumers set for another year of low interest rates and increasing financial pressures, here unbiased.co.uk offers 12 mortgage tips for borrowers and first-time buyers on how to get the best out of the current market... 1 Karen Barrett, Chief Executive at unbiased.co.uk   "Navigating a complex market of attractive mortgage deals... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:22:01 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/how-to-make-mortgage-market-work-best-for-you http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/cost-of-raising-child-increases-to-E2A3218-000 The annual Cost of a Child Report from LV= reveals the cost of raising a child from birth to their 21st birthday now totals a record £218,024. This equates to £10,382 a year, £865 a month or £28.44 a day. The report shows the overall cost of raising a child has... Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:21:10 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/cost-of-raising-child-increases-to-E2A3218-000 http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/worrying-prospects-for-uk-housing-market A generational divide in the UK property market is likely to cause housing stagnation in 2012, with young people unable to buy and older homeowners unwilling to sell, according to HSBC. Its 2012 Moving Home Survey revealed that only 12% are thinking about moving home or getting on the housing ladder. Of... Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:05:11 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/worrying-prospects-for-uk-housing-market http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/cameron-condemns-eu-over-euro-zone-crisis Prime Minister David Cameron has already incurred the wrath of many European leaders after his use of the veto on the Lisbon Treaty revisions last month. Yesterday he went on the offensive again at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he was highly critical of Europe's handling of the euro... Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:04:47 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/cameron-condemns-eu-over-euro-zone-crisis http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/high-street-sales-fall-as-shoppers-rein-in-january-spending Retail sales fell in the year to January, after modest growth last month, and sales were considered poor for the time of the year, the CBI said. According to its latest monthly Distributive Trades Survey covering the first two weeks in January, 44% of retailers saw sales volumes fall on a... Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:04:24 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/high-street-sales-fall-as-shoppers-rein-in-january-spending http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/gold-continues-to-shine-through-downturn Gold has continued to be dependable and solid throughout the euro zone debt crisis, bank bailouts and changes of government bought about by financial needs rather than political. According to Valbury Capital, the price of gold will continue to be driven by fears over sovereign debt default, the solvency of the... Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:04:00 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/gold-continues-to-shine-through-downturn http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/cost-of-moving-rises-faster-than-house-prices The cost of moving house in the UK has risen at a faster rate than house prices over the past decade, according to new research by Lloyds TSB. Since 2001, the average cost associated with moving home for someone who already owns a home rose by 69% (£3632) from £5290 in... Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:03:27 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/cost-of-moving-rises-faster-than-house-prices http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/true-scale-of-uk-insolvencies-laid-bare Nearly 10,000 construction and manufacturing businesses went into insolvency since the start of 2010, PricewaterhouseCoopers figures have revealed. Corporate insolvencies for the two sectors also show London alone suffered 927 insolvencies since the start of 2010. Under the ongoing cloud of economic and unemployment uncertainty, PwC experts say that 2012 could see... Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:32:26 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/true-scale-of-uk-insolvencies-laid-bare http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/time-running-out-for-first-time-buyers-to-save-stamp-duty Estate agents have issued a reminder to all first-time buyers that the Government's holiday on Stamp Duty Land Tax will come to an end in two months' time, on 24 March 2012. NAEA President Wendy Evans Scott said: "With only two months remaining, first-time buyers must act quickly to avoid paying... Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:32:04 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/time-running-out-for-first-time-buyers-to-save-stamp-duty http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/almost-half-of-investors-seeking-opportunities-outside-europe Following sustained market volatility in the euro zone, and recent ratings agency downgrades, investors are taking stock and re-focussing their investment portfolios elsewhere, according to Barclays Stockbrokers. Its research reveals that when asked about their investment outlook for the euro zone, almost half of respondents (44%) have refocused their investment portfolio... Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:31:36 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/almost-half-of-investors-seeking-opportunities-outside-europe http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/impressive-returns-on-student-property-in-2011 Returns on student housing have nearly doubled year on year in London jumping from 8.4% in September 2010 to 15.1% in September 2011, according to the latest Knight Frank annual student accommodation index.   James Pullan, head of student property, Knight Frank, said: "Limited supply coupled with rising global interest in the... Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:31:06 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/impressive-returns-on-student-property-in-2011 http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uk-middle-managers-feeling-squeezed UK middle managers are feeling the squeeze as a result of the economic downturn, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development's quarterly Employee Outlook survey. Almost half (49%) of middle managers say they are under excessive pressure either every day or once or twice a week, compared to a... Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:30:26 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uk-middle-managers-feeling-squeezed http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/euro-zone-dragging-uk-back-into-recession--official Trouble in the euro zone is having a significant impact on the UK economy, official figures have revealed. UK economic activity shrank by 0.2% in the last three months of last year according to the Office for National Statistics. This is a significant fall from Q3 2011 in which gross domestic product... Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:01:01 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/euro-zone-dragging-uk-back-into-recession--official http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/grim-economic-warning-from-imf The International Monetary Fund has warned that the global economy is "deeply into the danger zone" as a result of the euro zone crisis. The IMF has revised down its global economic growth forecast for the year to 3.25% from 4%. UK growth looks particularly poor at only 0.6% - down from... Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:00:38 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/grim-economic-warning-from-imf http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/massive-scale-of-uk-government-debt-revealed Government debt now stands at more than £1trillion - that's £1,000,000,000,000. UK debt has risen sharply from £883billion a year ago. Despite this, the Government remains on course to hit its target borrowing level for the financial year of £127billion. Increased taxation - including the bank levy and VAT rise - has boosted... Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:00:16 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/massive-scale-of-uk-government-debt-revealed http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/clients-name-top-investment-sector-for-2012 Barclays Stockbrokers clients have revealed the sector they believe offers the best investment opportunities for 2012. Investors were asked to name the sector they felt would offer the best prospects for their portfolio this year, and the research revealed Oil and Gas topped the list, with backing from 21% of respondents. The... Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:59:53 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/clients-name-top-investment-sector-for-2012 http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/1-in-10-rely-on-credit-cards-to-make-ends-meet Nearly one in ten Britons admit they are relying on credit cards to make ends meet. New research has revealed that more than a quarter (26%) of Britons expect to owe money on their credit cards throughout 2012, with nearly one in ten (9%) admitting they are entirely reliant on their... Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:58:49 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/1-in-10-rely-on-credit-cards-to-make-ends-meet http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/final-warning-for-vat-registered-firms The taxman is reminding VAT-registered businesses that all VAT returns must be submitted online from this spring, meaning paper returns will soon be a thing of the past. Currently, only newly-registered businesses and those with turnovers of more than £100,000 have to submit their VAT online, as well as pay electronically.... Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:28:52 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/final-warning-for-vat-registered-firms http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/economic-gap-widens-among-uk-cities Many UK cities are continuing to feel the effects of the downturn and disparities between cities are growing, according to Centre for Cities’ annual health check. However, despite the sombre national forecast, Centre for Cities suggests that there will be glimmers of growth from some cities this year. The national economy is... Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:28:31 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/economic-gap-widens-among-uk-cities http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uk-country-house-prices-in-decline UK country house prices fell 3% last year, according to the latest data from Knight Frank. Grainne Gilmore, Head of UK Residential Research, said: "Despite recent headline price falls, there are marked differences across the regions, with the Home Counties benefiting from money flowing from London and overseas. Prices in the... Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:28:11 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uk-country-house-prices-in-decline http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/2012-european-equity-market-outlook Following the launch of the BlackRock European Barometer one year ago, Nigel Bolton, Head of the BlackRock European Equity Team, provides the latest quarterly update... "Investors became fatigued by the volatile 'risk-on, risk-off' market in 2011 as company fundamentals were swept aside by the actions of politicians and bond markets. "The first... Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:27:49 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/2012-european-equity-market-outlook http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/can-businesses-make-most-of-2012-olympics-boom More than three-quarters of large businesses in the UK expect London 2012 to generate an increase in demand for their goods and services, according to a report from Deloitte. The research reveals that 81% of companies across the UK anticipate an economic boost from the Games, compared to just 38% of... Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:27:17 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/can-businesses-make-most-of-2012-olympics-boom http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uks-top-performing-asset-revealed UK bonds were the best performing asset class in 2011 amid the ongoing uncertainty in the euro zone, according to research by Lloyds TSB Private Banking. In 2011, investors enjoyed a return of 13.5% from UK bonds, the largest annual return from this asset class since 1998. Concerns over the outlook... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:05:41 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uks-top-performing-asset-revealed http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/371-000-non-uk-nationals-claiming-benefits The Government has published the first detailed research tracking the country of origin of benefit claimants currently in the UK who were overseas nationals when the entered the country. It found that as of February 2011 there were 371,000 people claiming DWP working age benefits who were non-UK nationals when they... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:05:13 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/371-000-non-uk-nationals-claiming-benefits http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/greek-debt-returns-to-economic-centre-stage The continuing crisis with Greece's debt problems is set to return to centre stage once again today at the latest meeting of euro zone finance ministers. Greek debt restructuring as a result of a second bailout package looks likely to be the key issue. Last year it was agreed in principle by... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:04:52 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/greek-debt-returns-to-economic-centre-stage http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/more-britons-cut-back-on-spending With growing pessimism about the state of their household finances, a third of Britons plan to cut back on spending this year - a significant rise from in October. More also say they are now saving and planning to pay down their debt, according to independent think-tank, the Resolution Foundation. The poll... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:04:29 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/more-britons-cut-back-on-spending http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/180-000-single-wage-families-set-to-lose-child-benefit Hundreds of thousands of parents may be better off paying more of their earnings directly into their pensions to avoid losing any child benefit entitlement if a Treasury plan to hit higher earning parents goes ahead. With the 2013 deadline looming, Chancellor George Osborne is yet to reveal the detail behind... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:04:04 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/180-000-single-wage-families-set-to-lose-child-benefit http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/house-price-fall-prompted-by-economic-worries The rate of decline in house prices this month was similar to that in December, according to the latest Knight Frank/Markit January House Price Sentiment Index. Some 5% of households said that the value of their home had risen since December, while around 19% reported a fall. The resulting HPSI figure... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:03:33 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/house-price-fall-prompted-by-economic-worries http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/gross-mortgage-lending-records-year-on-year-increase Gross mortgage lending in December was an estimated £11.7billion, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders. This represents a 12% drop from £13.2billion in November but a 12% rise from December 2010 (£10.5billion). December was the fifth month in a row of higher year-on-year lending. Lending totalled an estimated £37.3billion in the fourth... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:03:02 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/gross-mortgage-lending-records-year-on-year-increase http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/older-people-get-more-help-to-live-at-home-longer The Government is urging councils to use every opportunity under the New Deal for Older People to give elderly people more choice and control over where they live, so they are not pressured to sell their home or move into residential care. Housing Minister Grant Shapps said councils should learn from... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:02:35 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/older-people-get-more-help-to-live-at-home-longer http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/drawdown-rules-contribute-to-massive-pensions-cut SIPP provider A J Bell is pressing the Government to act as new rules on income drawdown combined with near record low gilt yields have led to a 32% cut in retirement income for many pensioners. The maximum income available from drawdown is calculated using tables prepared by the Government Actuary's... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:02:13 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/drawdown-rules-contribute-to-massive-pensions-cut http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/tax-returns-key-to-savings With the deadline for filing online tax returns fast approaching, including the correct information on a tax return and making the most of current legislation could be the key to big savings this tax year, according to pension and investments provider NFU Mutual. Sean McCann, personal finance specialist at the Mutual... Mon, 23 Jan 2012 02:01:24 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/tax-returns-key-to-savings http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/millions-need-drastic-cutbacks-to-pay-mortgage More than one in five people (22%) have spent less on gas and electricity to help pay their rent or mortgage in the last 12 months, and just over one in three (34%) have spent less on food, Shelter has revealed. The results from the YouGov survey of 4014 people in... Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:29:03 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/millions-need-drastic-cutbacks-to-pay-mortgage http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/improvement-in-uk-retail-sales Volumes of UK retail sales increased 0.6% between November and December, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics Heavy discounting by shops in the run-up to Christmas was behind the rise. ONS figures also revealed that sales rose 2.6% over the year to December. Improved clothing and footwear sales... Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:27:25 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/improvement-in-uk-retail-sales http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/consumer-confidence-remains-at-low-ebb Consumer confidence was at a low ebb as 2011 drew to a close, according to the latest data from Nationwide Building Society. Its main Consumer Confidence Index recorded its second lowest reading ever in December. Chief Economist Robert Gardner said: "While disappointing, the results are not surprising. Right to the end, 2011... Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:27:06 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/consumer-confidence-remains-at-low-ebb http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/equity-and-corporate-debt-offer-best-opportunities Here, Iain Stewart, manager of the Newton Real Return Fund, considers the investment outlook as we enter the 2012, against the backdrop of the ongoing euro zone sovereign debt crisis and significant financial market volatility... "The final quarter of 2011 provided a tumultuous end to an extraordinary year, but little has... Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:26:23 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/equity-and-corporate-debt-offer-best-opportunities http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/landlords-alerted-as-rental-sector-demand-falls Easing demand for rental property and a rise in the numbers of tenants struggling to meet their monthly rent payments signals that the market may be softening, according to the Association of Residential Letting Agents. Its latest research found that in Q4 2011 just over half (55%) of ARLA members reported... Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:25:50 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/landlords-alerted-as-rental-sector-demand-falls http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/easy-guide-to-understanding-and-beating-inflation In a nutshell, inflation indicates how the general cost of living is performing. According to the Office for National Statistics, inflation has increased once again and the Consumer Price Index annual inflation rate has also risen to 4% (double that of the Bank of England). All in all, inflation is now... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:31:23 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/easy-guide-to-understanding-and-beating-inflation http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/european-banks-need-to-raise-capital Here, John Greenwood, Chief Economist at Invesco, provides his views on the current state of Europe's finances... Has the ECB embarked on QE? The downgrade of the debt of France and eight other euro zone sovereigns by S&P has grabbed the headlines, but the decision of the European Central Bank in December... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:59:32 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/european-banks-need-to-raise-capital http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/camera-giant-kodak-files-for-bankruptcy-protection Eastman Kodak, the pioneering and ever-present name in the world of photography, has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US. Bankruptcy protection gives the company that invented the hand-held camera time to reorganise itself without having to face creditors. Customers will not be affected. The main problem the firm has faced has been... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:59:04 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/camera-giant-kodak-files-for-bankruptcy-protection http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/careful-planning-can-generate-higher-income-in-retirement The latest 15-year gilt yield has fallen to a new record low of 2.25%, which will lead to a lower income for people retiring today, whether it be via a smaller annuity income or a lower maximum income level in income drawdown, according to Skandia. However, the other variable that affects... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:58:42 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/careful-planning-can-generate-higher-income-in-retirement http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/mortgage-lending-sees-rare-increase House purchase lending in November experienced a year-on-year rise for only the second time in 2011, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders.   Loans for house purchase totalled 47,000 (worth £6.9billion) in November, a 4% rise (5% in value) from October and a 3% rise (5% in value) compared to November... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:58:09 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/mortgage-lending-sees-rare-increase http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/naea-offers-guidance-for-winter-home-sellers Winter is often seen as a low-point for property sales but there can be advantages to buying or selling a property in these months, according to the National Association of Estate Agents. "There are fewer homes for sale in the winter but also fewer buyers which means less competition for both... Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:57:35 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/naea-offers-guidance-for-winter-home-sellers http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/prepare-for-the-worst-world-bank-forecasts Developing countries must prepare for shocks as global economic growth slows, the World Bank has warned. It has cut growth forecasts and now predicts a 0.3% contraction for the euro zone in 2012. "Developing countries need to evaluate their vulnerabilities and prepare for further shocks, while there is still time," said Justin... Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:25:31 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/prepare-for-the-worst-world-bank-forecasts http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/unemployment-now-highest-for-16-years UK unemployment stands at its highest level for 16 years after rising 118,000 in the three months to November. Official figures now show the number of people out of work stands at 2.685 million. The Office for National Statistics also said the rate of unemployment also increased to 8.4% from 8.3%. Some 1.6... Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:24:47 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/unemployment-now-highest-for-16-years http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uk-inflation-sees-sharpest-fall-in-3-years--with-more-to-come Inflationary pressures fell in the UK in December, as CPI consumer price inflation fell back to 4.2% over the year, down from 4.8% for the year to November. The last time there was a sharper decrease in the annual inflation index was between November and December 2008. The annual rate of inflation... Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:24:24 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uk-inflation-sees-sharpest-fall-in-3-years--with-more-to-come http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uk-in-recession-already The UK economy is probably already in recession with negative GDP growth in Q4 2011 and Q1 2012, according forecasts released by the Centre for Economics and Business Research. Cebr has also revised down its forecast for growth for 2012 as a whole from 0.7% growth as predicted last October to... Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:24:02 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/uk-in-recession-already http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/update-on-implications-of-european-rating-downgrades Here, Alan Wilde, Head of Fixed Income & Currency, Baring Asset Management, London, considers the implications of the recent European credit ratings downgrades by Standard and Poor's... "Credit ratings agency Standard & Poor's announced the decision to remove their top AAA rating from the sovereign debt of France and Austria on... Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:23:32 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/update-on-implications-of-european-rating-downgrades http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/economic-growth-in-china-starts-to-slow The Chinese economy last month grew at its slowest pace in more than two years, official figures have revealed. Gross domestic product of the world's second-largest economy expanded by 8.9% in the three months to the end of December, from a year earlier. The previous quarter saw that figure at 9.1%. In addition,... Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:14:05 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/economic-growth-in-china-starts-to-slow http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/which-urges-end-to-complex-and-exorbitant-overdraft-charges Which? experts have discovered that consumers using unauthorised overdrafts would find it virtually impossible to calculate how much their bank would charge them, or to compare charges between banks, as the fee structures are so complicated. Which? asked a group of consumers to work out the cost of an unauthorised overdraft... Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:13:44 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/which-urges-end-to-complex-and-exorbitant-overdraft-charges http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/fuel-bill-payment-worries-increase More than four in ten people (43%) are worried they cannot afford their next fuel bill and one in two say energy bills will put a strain on their finances this year, according to Citizens Advice. Its Big Energy Week - which runs until 21 January - will see advisers across... Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:13:22 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/fuel-bill-payment-worries-increase http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/mortgage-lending-enjoys-rare-improvement House purchase lending in November experienced a year-on-year rise for only the second time in 2011, according to the Council of Mortgage Lenders.   Loans for house purchase totalled 47,000 (worth £6.9billion) in November, a 4% rise (5% in value) from October and a 3% rise (5% in value) compared to November... Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:12:59 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/mortgage-lending-enjoys-rare-improvement http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/retail-crime-cost-soars-as-organised-gangs-target-shops The overall cost of retail crime has soared 31% to £1.4billion as the sector is increasingly targeted by serious, organised criminals. This figure includes the value of goods stolen and damage done combined with the money retailers spend on preventing and tackling crime. The latest Retail Crime Survey from the British... Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:12:24 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/retail-crime-cost-soars-as-organised-gangs-target-shops http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/paralysed-uk-sliding-into-recession Political uncertainty in the euro zone has paralysed the UK recovery, according to the latest quarterly forecast from the Ernst & Young ITEM Club. As a result, UK GDP is expected to flatline for the rest of year. ITEM Club’s winter forecast says that deteriorating levels of confidence will see business investment... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:37:06 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/paralysed-uk-sliding-into-recession http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/clegg-urges-creation-of-john-lewis-economy Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg wants more companies to offer shares to employees to create a "John Lewis economy". John Lewis department stores are owned by employees who receive profits. Clegg said if more companies did the same it would improve productivity and unlock growth. Speaking at an event hosted by the City... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:36:41 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/clegg-urges-creation-of-john-lewis-economy http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/france-hits-back-after-downgrade-shock The French government has hit back after its credit rating was downgraded by ratings agency Standard and Poor's. The move - announced on Friday night - saw S&P downgrade France one notch, to AA+. In addition, S&P's cut Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Portugal by two notches. Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta were also... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:36:16 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/france-hits-back-after-downgrade-shock http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/missing-tax-deadline-could-be-costly With HMRC bringing in new penalties for late submission of self-assessment tax returns, missing the deadline could prove very expensive, according to KPMG. "Even those who have no tax to pay will face fines of at least £100 for being just one day late - this could increase to £1000 if... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:35:44 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/missing-tax-deadline-could-be-costly http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/homes-most-affordable-for-14-years Mortgage payments for a new borrower in the second half of 2011 were at their lowest as a proportion of disposable earnings for 14 years, according to the latest Halifax Affordability Review. Typical mortgage payments for a new borrower - both first-time buyers and homemovers - at the long-term average loan... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:35:20 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/homes-most-affordable-for-14-years http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/no-change-for-uk-commercial-property-market UK commercial property performance for December followed the pattern of previous months, with total returns of 0.5% and no overall movement in capital values, according to CBRE’s latest Monthly Index. Despite declining market momentum as the year progressed, annual total returns of 8.1% for 2011 were relatively healthy. As has been... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:34:55 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/no-change-for-uk-commercial-property-market http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/top-10-secrets-to-reducing-void-periods Here, lettings professional and senior ARLA representative, Sally Lawson, of national multi-branch residential agency Concentric Lettings, offers advice on how to dramatically reduce your voids... Did you know the national average for voids is less than three weeks? If you take more than three weeks, then you have a problem with... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:33:24 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/top-10-secrets-to-reducing-void-periods http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/public-sector-fraud-increases Public sector organisations are experiencing increasing levels of economic crime and are particularly at risk from being defrauded by their own employees and their suppliers, according to findings from PwC’s latest Global Economic Crime Survey. Based on the views of more than 180 respondents from public sector organisations in 36 countries,... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:32:55 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/public-sector-fraud-increases http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/impact-of-agency-worker-regulations-assessed It is more than 100 days since the Agency Worker Regulations came into force. Helping employers understand and approach the regulations remains a major priority for recruiters, according to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation. As a result, the REC said that providing ongoing support to members and monitoring the impact were key... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:32:23 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/impact-of-agency-worker-regulations-assessed http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/floods-leaks-and-storms-insurers-biggest-concerns Escape of water, floods and storms are the risks that most concern home insurers, according to a survey of the UK’s leading insurers conducted by Deloitte. Analysis indicates that the household insurance market will make an underwriting profit in 2011 following the losses it made in 2010. However, based on research for... Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:32:00 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/floods-leaks-and-storms-insurers-biggest-concerns http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/property-sector-continues-to-defy-expectations House prices in the UK continue to defy economic expectations, the latest data from LSL Property Services reveals. It shows that last month property prices rose 0.2% to £220,385 -  although they lost 0.5% in value over the year. London is leading the resistance with property values now 3.1% higher than last... Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:49:25 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/property-sector-continues-to-defy-expectations http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/true-scale-of-uk-financial-strife-revealed Every day in the UK there are 101 property repossessions, 1764 redundancies and 26.3 million plastic card purchases, according to the latest January Debt Statistics from Credit Action. Based on the latest available data, Credit Action also estimates that in an average 24 hours: * 331 people are declared insolvent or bankrupt;... Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:49:02 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/true-scale-of-uk-financial-strife-revealed http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/retailers-shudder-as-even-tesco-hits-trouble The scale of problems faced by UK retailers was revealed yesterday when it emerged that even supermarket giant Tesco has been experiencing problems. Shares in Tesco plunged 16% when the firm said it was "disappointed" by its seasonal trading perfomance. Tesco also warned it expected "minimal" profit growth for the current year... Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:48:37 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/retailers-shudder-as-even-tesco-hits-trouble http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/traders-should-enjoy-lull-while-storm-looms Here, Paul Brain, manager of the Newton Global Dynamic Bond Fund, looks at the challenging investment environment... "As we look at the year ahead we continue to see significant risks during this ongoing 'deleveraging' phase, not least because authorities are being compelled to keep monetary policy extremely loose in order to... Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:47:12 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/traders-should-enjoy-lull-while-storm-looms http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/boe-holds-rates-but-more-asset-purchases-likely The Bank of England yesterday kept interest rates on hold for the 34th consecutive month. It also maintained the size of its Asset Purchase Programme at £275billion. The Monetary Policy Committee's decision was widely anticipated, despite a slew of worsening economic indicators. According to Benjamin Williamson, Economist, Centre for Economics and Business Research,... Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:46:53 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/boe-holds-rates-but-more-asset-purchases-likely http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/The-Top-10-Secrets-To-Reducing-Your-Voids   Experienced Lettings Business Professional and senior ARLA representative, Sally Lawson, of national multi-branch residential Lettings Agency Concentric Lettings with 5,000 plus properties managed worth £1.1billion, over a 21 year track record, gives you some smart advice on how to dramatically reduce your voids... Did you know the national average for voids... Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:07:07 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/The-Top-10-Secrets-To-Reducing-Your-Voids http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/lowest-shop-price-inflation-for-16-months Overall shop price inflation fell to 1.7% in December from 2% in November, the latest BRC-Nielsen Shop Price Index, December 2011 has revealed. Food inflation rose to 4.2% in December from 4% in November. Non-food inflation fell to 0.3% in December from 0.8% in November. Stephen Robertson, British Retail Consortium Director... Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:35:30 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/lowest-shop-price-inflation-for-16-months http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/signs-of-life-for-housing-market Sales activity remained relatively firm during December and an increasing amount of new stock came onto the housing market, the latest RICS UK Housing Market survey has found. The average number of completed sales per surveyor in the three months to December was 15.2. While slightly down on November's figure, this... Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:34:54 GMT http://www.investortoday.co.uk/news_features/signs-of-life-for-housing-market