PlanGuard Finance Blog

Looking at different types of income

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:22:48 GMT

Imagine enjoying your retirement with the confidence that your money is working just as actively as you are.

Retirement gives you the freedom to choose how you spend your time, your energy and your resources. And the right income strategy can make all the difference.

Whether you’re exploring drawdown options, considering annuities, using savings or blending different income sources, understanding how each one supports your lifestyle is key to feeling secure and empowered in this chapter of life.

Ready to explore your options? Reach out today and discover the income strategy that fits your future.

#IncomeSource #Retirement #Wealth #FinancialPlanning

Planguard Finance Limited:

Planguard Finance Limited is a trading name of Planguard Finance which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 11/03/2026.

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 16 February 2026

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 15:27:28 GMT

AI disruption concerns again dominate global markets, with the US subsequently lagging global peers. Japan was the standout performer with stocks rallying strongly on the Liberal Democratic Party achieving a supermajority.

Last week’s performance – major stock markets

Commentary

US: Tech sector sell-off intensifies, while jobs data surprises to the upside
US equities declined over the week as concerns about widespread AI disruption pressured markets, with the Tech-dominated Nasdaq being hit hardest. Value stocks outperformed growth stocks for the seventh consecutive week, extending their year-to-date outperformance to 11%. Stronger than expected January employment data, including 130,000 new jobs and a decline in the unemployment rate to 4.3%, reduced expectations of near-term Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, pushing expectations for unchanged policy through June. Inflation cooled more than expected, with headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 0.2% month over month, although core inflation increased slightly. Retail sales were flat, missing expectations, while US Treasury Bonds gained as yields fell, helped by weakness in technology stocks.

Japan: Equities jump on Liberal Democratic Party supermajority
Japanese stocks rallied strongly, driven by the Liberal Democratic Partys sweeping election victory, which secured a supermajority and strengthened Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s mandate for expansive fiscal policy, investment initiatives, and potential constitutional reform on defence. The yen appreciated meaningfully following government verbal intervention. Economic data showed real wages falling 0.1%year over year in December, disappointing expectations amid continued pressure from inflation.

China: Stocks gain slightly ahead of Lunar New Year holidays
Chinese equities ended the week slightly higher ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays, where mainland markets will remain closed from 16 February – 23 February. Inflation data showed easing consumer price growth, with CPI rising 0.2% year over year in January, down from 0.8%, while producer prices remained in deflation for a 40 ^th consecutive month, falling 1.4%. The property sector showed tentative stabilisation as the decline in second hand home prices slowed and new home prices fell at the same pace as the prior month. The Peoples Bank of China reiterated its commitment to a moderately loose policy stance for 2026, signalling scope to strengthen financial support for key areas to boost domestic demand and technological innovation.

Europe: Europe ends volatile week down slightly, as investors digest US jobs data and AI disruption concerns

European stocks ended a volatile week slightly in the red. Among major stock indexes, Germany’s DAX rose 0.78%, Italy’s FTSE MIB declined 0.97%, and France’s CAC 40 Index gained 0.46%. Markets reacted to stronger than expected US jobs data and concerns about AI related disruption. Within the eurozone, 4 ^th quarter GDP expanded 0.3% with annual growth at 1.5%, led by Spain. Employment rose more than expected, although Germany experienced a slight contraction. Frances unemployment rate increased to its highest level since 2021, with youth unemployment particularly elevated. In Germany, wholesale prices rose 1.2% year over year, driven by higher metals and food prices.

UK: Retail sales rise at the fastest pace since August
Investor sentiment in the UK was weighed down early in the week by political uncertainty following calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign over his appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. Economic data showed modest 4 ^th quarter GDP growth of 0.1%, with output 1% higher than a year earlier. Manufacturing expanded while construction contracted. Retail sales provided a brighter signal, rising 2.3% year over year in January, the fastest pace since August. Bank of England (BoE) Chief Economist Huw Pill commented that disinflation is ongoing but is not as convincing as the BoE might have hoped 18 months ago. He urged caution with regards to further interest rate cuts.

Omnis - 12-month Rolling Commentary

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:51:41 GMT

Here’s a review of how some of the key events from the past twelve months have impacted markets.

1. Jan-25 : The FTSE 100 hit a record high as UK inflation fell to 2.5%, raising hopes for interest rate cuts. Meanwhile, as Trump raised tariffs on Mexico, China and Canada, markets grew cautious over how tariffs might impact inflation and economic growth. China continues to experience weak domestic demand.

2. Feb-25: Global markets diverged as trade tensions hit sentiment, while strong earnings fuelled gains elsewhere. US stocks fell amid tariff uncertainty and weakening consumer demand. Trump warned of a 25% tariff on EU imports and possible UK taxes, confirmed duties on Canadian and Mexican goods, and threatened an extra 10% on Chinese imports.

3. Mar-25: Global stock markets came under pressure amid growing concerns about the economic impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Stock market falls, trade tensions and weakening consumer sentiment, reignited US downturn fears. The EU responded to Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium with duties on €26 billion worth of American goods.

4. Apr-25: Trade tensions intensified as President Trump announced new tariffs on Chinese imports. Whilst stock markets tumbled, they did subsequently recover after the US paused most tariff increases. As a result, the global economic outlook has weakened, and investors are expecting central banks to cut interest rates further.

5. May-25: Global equity markets rallied strongly after the US and China agreed to a 90-day suspension (and reduction) of tariffs. This eased concerns of an escalating trade war between the two economic superpowers. Robust corporate earnings and better-than-expected retail and manufacturing data in the US provided further tailwinds for equity markets, however, analysts warned the full economic impact may still be felt.

6. June-25: Geopolitical tensions rose following an escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict; however, markets were happy to look through the noise, following the announcement of a ceasefire between the two countries. Global equities extended their gains from May, rallying strongly on expectations of additional trade deals and further interest rate cuts globally.

7. July-25: Global equities rallied strongly on optimism surrounding trade deals between the US and many of its key trading partners. Several indices hit record highs for the month, shrugging off concerns surrounding the potential inflationary impact of tariff implementation.

8. Aug-25: Global equities extended their rally in August, as the likelihood for near-term interest rate cuts in the US increased and second quarter earnings season delivered robust results. Several indices once again set new all-time highs, while Chinese equities rallied 10% for the month boosted by strong domestic buying.

9. Sep-25: Global equities rose in September following the announcement that the Federal Reserve recommenced cutting interest rates. Markets reacted favourably to commentary from Federal Reserve officials that further interest rate cuts are likely in the months ahead.

10. Oct-25: Several indices hit all-time highs in October, including the S&P 500, Japan’s Nikkei 225, the Euro Stoxx 50 and the UK’s FTSE 100. A combination of easing monetary policy, resilient economic growth, cooling trade tensions and strong corporate earnings saw global equities continue their march higher.

11. Nov-25: In November, volatility spiked to its highest level since April, driven by concerns over elevated tech stock valuations and a diminishing likelihood of a U.S. rate cut in December. Stocks rallied into the end of the month, as commentary from Federal Reserve members signalled a December rate cut was still on the cards, while corporate earnings continued to exceed expectations.

12. Dec-25: Global equities performed strongly in December, driven by resilient economic growth, AI tailwinds and a backdrop of falling interest rates. The U.S. was the exception, as it pulled back on valuation concerns. The Bank of England and U.S. Federal Reserve each cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points during the month, while Japan raised rates by 0.25 percentage points to their highest level in 3 decades.

If you are invested in a range of funds within your portfolio these are likely to be spread across different regions of the world and, depending on your attitude to risk, a range of different assets. This diversification reduces the impact on performance of any individual event like the coronavirus crisis. We take a long-term approach to investing, and we do not let short-term events force us into making decisions about how we manage your portfolio.

Delay the start of your mortgage

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 14:16:12 GMT

Buying your first home?��

It’s exciting, but we know it can feel overwhelming too.

To make things easier, some lenders let you delay your first mortgage repayment for up to three months. That means more time to settle in, cover moving costs, and start your homeownership journey stress-free.

Ready to take the first step? Start your home-buying journey today!

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 10/12/2025

<<Planguard Finance>> is a trading name of <<Planguard Finance Limited> which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Autumn budget highlight video

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:15:24 GMT

How does coffee and chocolate relate to the cost of your mortgage?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:38:21 GMT

At first glance, things like coffee and chocolate might not seem to have much to do with mortgages. But as you might have noticed, both have become noticeably more expensive in recent months.

Don’t worry, this isn’t another lecture about skipping your morning latte or Starbucks trip to save for your house deposit. Instead it’s a call to look behind those higher prices where you’ll find a bigger story about inflation, which has a direct impact on the mortgage deals available to you.

From everyday treats to global markets

Coffee beans and cocoa are traded on international markets, and their prices are influenced by factors like climate change, crop yields, transport costs and global demand. When supplies are disrupted, as has happened recently with poor harvests in key producing countries, prices rise sharply. For consumers, that means higher costs at the supermarket or coffee shop.

The link to inflation

When everyday goods like food, energy and raw materials go up in price, it feeds into inflation – the measure of how fast the cost of living is increasing. Food prices, in particular, remain one of the biggest contributors to overall inflation.

Higher inflation puts pressure on the Bank of England to act, since one of its main roles is to keep inflation close to its 2% target.

Why this matters for mortgages

When inflation is high or expected to rise, the financial markets anticipate that the Bank of England will hold interest rates higher for longer. This expectation pushes up “swap rates” - the rates at which banks lend to each other.

Swap rates play a big part in determining the cost of fixed-rate mortgages, so if they climb, so does the cost for lenders to borrow money. This means they are less able to offer cheaper deals.

In other words, the higher cost of your flat-white or favourite chocolate bar can ripple through the economy and ultimately influence the rate you are offered on your next mortgage.

What you can do

The good news is that while global markets are outside our control, you can prepare for what’s happening closer to home. If your fixed rate is coming to an end, speaking to an adviser early can help you secure a new deal in advance and avoid being moved onto a higher Standard Variable Rate (SVR). An adviser can also guide you through all your options, whether you’re set to remortgage or looking to buy.

One of the key benefits of using an adviser for this process is that they have a much wider choice of mortgage options available to them – compared to your bank or even your own online search. This means you can be reassured that you’re accessing competitive options that are best suited your needs and circumstances.

Coffee and chocolate may be everyday luxuries, but their rising costs are a reminder of how interconnected our finances really are. Understanding those links, and planning ahead, is the best way to stay one step ahead of changes in the mortgage market.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

Protecting your wealth for your lifestyle and your family

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:43:21 GMT

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the importance of protecting our financial security both for now and in the future.

We work hard to build a comfortable life for ourselves and our loved ones, but what happens if the unexpected happens and we become too ill to work. How can we ensure that our security today and our financial legacy remains intact for the next generation?

One of the most effective ways to protect our wealth is by incorporating income protection and critical illness cover into our financial planning. These two insurance options provide a safety net during challenging times, offering financial support when we need it most.

Together, these two types of insurance complement each other to offer comprehensive financial protection:

· Income protection provides ongoing financial support during periods of incapacity, ensuring you have a reliable source of income to sustain your lifestyle and your financial plans

· Critical illness cover offers a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of a specified serious illness, providing a financial cushion to take a huge weight off your mind at a difficult time.

By combining income protection and critical illness cover, you can protect your wealth, protect your lifestyle and protect your financial legacy in the face of unexpected health challenges.

· Maintaining your lifestyle
Both income protection and critical illness cover can help you continue your lifestyle by providing financial support. Whether it's paying the mortgage, paying bills, continuing your pension and investment contributions, these insurance options offer flexibility, security and peace of mind.

· Preserving your savings and investments
You won't need to dip into your savings, sell investments or reduce your pension contributions to maintain the lifestyle you're accustomed to and are planning for. With income protection in place, you'll have a reliable source of income to cover your expenses during times of illness or injury. This means you can preserve your savings for future goals and emergencies, without the worry of depleting them.

· Protecting your legacy
By safeguarding your financial stability, income protection and critical illness cover can ensure that your wealth remains intact for future generations. You can pass on your assets and provide for your loved ones without worrying about unforeseen financial setbacks.

Incorporating income protection and critical illness cover into your financial planning strategy is a proactive step towards protecting your financial legacy for the future. Speak to us to secure your financial well-being for now and for generations to come.

Call Planguard Finance on 01455 817477 or drop them an email on clientservices@planguardfinance.co.uk

Family Protection

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 13:27:22 GMT

Do you have a family who rely on your income?

Get covered for sickness, injuries, life cover & more. DM me for advice.

01455 817477

clientservices@planguardfinance.co.uk

Planguard Finance is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Self Employed and need Protection

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:13:01 GMT

Self-employed? Taking time off work if you’re sick can be worry.

DM me for advice on income protection and other options.

Planguard Finance is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Omnis - Weekly Market Update

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:51:29 GMT

A strong week for global equities, as favourable economic data supported risk-on sentiment. Japanese equities led the way, rallying strongly following the announcement of Sanae Takaichi as new Prime Minister.

Commentary

US: Stocks rally on better-than-expected inflation print
Stocks advanced for the week, shaking off volatile headlines related to U.S.-China trade relations and a pop in oil prices after the U.S. announced sanctions against Russia’s two largest oil companies. Small and mid-cap equities led the way. The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has disrupted the release of key economic data series. However, inflation data released on Friday buoyed markets. Headline inflation increased to 3.0% from the 2.9% annual rate registered in August but was below the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 3.1%. An early reading of the purchasing managers’ indexes (PMIs) compiled by S&P Global suggested that business activity strengthened in October. Once again, the service sector was an area of strength, with the latest PMI reading notching a three-month high of 55.2. Manufacturing PMI also rose to 52.2 from 52.0, signalling an improvement in business conditions.

Japan: Stocks jump on announcement of Sanae Takaichi as Prime Minister
Japan’s stock markets rose sharply over the week, with the Nikkei 225 Index gaining 3.61% and the broader TOPIX Index up 3.12%. Markets welcomed the election of the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) Sanae Takaichi as Japan’s prime minister, as her focus on the economy and proactive fiscal policy are likely to be positive for stock prices. Given the LDP formed a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP), Takaichi’s government can be expected to become relatively stable. Growing speculation that Takaichi could announce a large-scale stimulus package in the near term weighed on the yen. On the economic data front, inflation remained above the BoJ’s 2% target, with the nationwide core consumer price index (CPI) rising 2.9% year over year in September, matching expectations and accelerating from the prior month’s 2.7%. Energy and food prices drove the increase.

China: Tech rally drives stocks higher

Mainland Chinese stock markets rose amid strength in technology-focused shares despite economic data highlighting weak domestic demand. China’s economy grew 4.8% in the third quarter from a year ago, putting it on a “solid foundation” for meeting the official growth goal of around 5% this year, the country’s statistics bureau said Monday. Other data, however, highlighted several pockets of weakness in China’s economy. Retail sales grew 3.0% year over year (YoY) in September, the slowest pace since November, while fixed asset investment unexpectedly fell 0.5% YoY in the first nine months of the year. Industrial output rose a better-than-expected 6.5% YoY in September, driven by the booming export sector.

Europe: Equities rise on strong business activity data point

Germany’s DAX gained 1.72%, Italy’s FTSE MIB added 1.44%, and France’s CAC 40 Index was up 0.63%. Eurozone purchasing managers’ surveys showed business activity hit a 17-month high in October, supported by the strongest increase in new orders in two-and-a-half years. A solid increase in German output helped. However, business activity in France fell for the 14th month running and at the fastest pace since February. Consumer confidence in the eurozone rose to -14.2 in October, the highest level in eight months, from -14.9 in September, according to an early estimate from the European Commission.

UK: Stocks jump on December rate cut bets
UK equities performed strongly, as headline annual inflation in the UK unexpectedly held steady at 3.8% for a third consecutive month. Analysts polled by FactSet had called for an uptick to 3.9%. Core inflation, a measure of underlying price pressures, eased to 3.5% from 3.6% in August. This resulted in financial markets significantly raising their bets that the Bank of England would cut interest rates in December. Meanwhile, retail sales unexpectedly expanded for a fourth consecutive month in September, rising 0.5% sequentially, with strong volume growth seen by online jewellers amid demand for gold as well as in the non-store retail and computer and telecommunications retail segments. Economists polled by FactSet had predicted retail sales would fall 0.4%.

Is a tracker mortgage still an option for remortgage in 2025?

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:34:38 GMT

The mortgage market is shifting. Following several cuts to the Bank of England base rate - including a 0.25% cut to 4% in August - tracker mortgages are once again on the radar for borrowers remortgaging in 2025. These rate moves make trackers more appealing, but how do they stack up against other options?

Why tracker mortgages matter now

- A tracker mortgage mirrors the Bank of England’s base rate plus a fixed margin. This means your monthly payments go down if rates fall and rise if rates go up.

- This is different to a fixed rate mortgage where you will pay the same amount each month for a set period - typically two or five years, but with longer fixes also available.

- If interest rates change so does the rate on your tracker mortgage, expectations are that interest rates will continue to decrease, which could make a tracker mortgage an attractive option for some borrowers. In fact, Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, recently told the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee that “the path of [interest] rates is still downwards”.

- Following the recent base rate cut in August, some experts are predicting further cuts later in the year and perhaps further movement into 2026.

- However, the Governor has long stated that any future movement will need to be made gradually and carefully and is heavily reliant on a number of key factors such as inflation, the UK economy and any external geopolitical shocks.

- While these factors remain very hard to predict, those who have the means and confidence to ride the wave of future interest rates are exploring tracker rate mortgages.

But fixes remain strong too

- That said, fixed-rate mortgages do remain very competitive and in some cases are more affordable than trackers – at least in the short term. According to Moneyfacts, average mortgage rates on both two-year and five-year fixed rate products sit at around 5%, with sub-4% rates available on some mortgages for qualifying borrowers.

- Fixed rates offer predictable payments and peace of mind, which is especially helpful when budgeting in uncertain times. While you may not reap the benefits of a drop in interest rates, you will always know how much you’re paying and to many borrowers, that is more powerful than any potential saving.

Which might suit you best?

- Choose a tracker mortgage if you’re comfortable with potential fluctuations and want to benefit immediately from any further base rate cuts.

- Opt for a fixed-rate mortgage if your focus is on stability and knowing exactly what your mortgage will cost, regardless of rate movements.

- Discuss whether discount variable options might suit your situation, especially if you’re unsure how long you’ll stay in your home.

Get advice before you decide

- The right choice depends on your personal situation, risk appetite, and future plans. A mortgage adviser can explain the differences clearly, help you weigh tracker benefits against fixed-rate certainty, and guide you toward a solution that best fits your needs.

- Is your fixed term ending soon? We can help you compare your options and choose with confidence.

To book your appointment with a mortgage adviser, please get in touch here (email address and phone number).

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Omnis Weekly Market Update

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:43:32 GMT

Major global stock indices rose modestly for the week, despite US equities lagging on hawkish commentary from the US Federal Reserve. Chinese equities performed best, as domestic investment continued to propel share prices higher.

Commentary

US: Stocks ease on hawkish commentary from the Federal Reserve

Major U.S. stock indices finished the week lower, driven in part by some hawkish commentary from Federal Reserve officials that seemed to dampen investor optimism around the pace of further interest rate cuts. Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted that the economy is in a “challenging situation” due to near-term upside inflation risks and downside labour market risks while also acknowledging that “equity prices are fairly highly valued.” The Nasdaq Composite fared worst, falling 0.65%, followed by the Russell 2000 Index, which registered its first weekly loss since early August. Inflation was little changed in August, according to the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, which showed a 0.2% rise in prices from the prior month, in line with estimates and July’s revised reading. Across both the manufacturing and services sectors, businesses’ expectations for output over the next 12 months improved to the highest level in four months.

Japan: Stocks rise as expectations for a near-term interest rate hike are tempered

Japan’s stock markets rose over the week, with the Nikkei 225 Index gaining 0.69% and the broader TOPIX up 1.25%. Expectations of a near-term interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ) were to a degree tempered by a lower-than-expected Tokyo area consumer inflation print, while Japanese pharmaceuticals lagged after the latest U.S. tariff announcements targeted the pharma sector. Political uncertainty weighed on the yen, given a range of possible outcomes in the Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) presidential election. The Tokyo area consumer price index (a leading indicator of nationwide trends) rose 2.5% year on year in September, holding steady from the prior month but falling short of economists’ estimates of a 2.8% gain. The soft consumer inflation print, largely because of temporary subsidies, tempered some investors’ expectations of a BoJ rate hike in the near term.

China: Stocks climb in a quiet week for economic data

Mainland Chinese stock markets recorded a weekly gain. The onshore benchmark CSI 300 Index advanced 1.07% and the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.21% in local currency terms, according to FactSet. No major economic indicators or corporate earnings were released during the week, giving traders little news to act on. Rather, a high level of domestic liquidity has fuelled strong gains in China’s stock markets since April as cash-rich households seek higher returns amid low interest rates and a lack of better investing options. Recent breakthroughs in homegrown artificial intelligence startups and Beijing’s “anti-involution” campaign to curb excessive price competition in several industries have also bolstered risk appetite.

Europe: Business activity rises to highest level in 16 months in eurozone

Major stock indices were firmer. Italy’s FTSE MIB gained 0.79%, Germany’s DAX rose 0.42%, and France’s CAC 40 Index added 0.22%. The eurozone economy maintained a modest pace of growth in the third quarter, according to purchasing managers’ surveys. An early reading of the HCOB Flash Eurozone Composite PMI Output Index rose to a 16-month high of 51.2 in September from 51.0 in August (a reading above 50 indicates an expansion in activity.) Services activity grew at the fastest pace this year, driving the overall increase, while manufacturing output expanded at a slower pace. German business sentiment suffered an unexpectedly sharp drop as gloom about the economic outlook set in, according to data from the Ifo Institute. However, a survey by the GfK market research institute and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions indicated that consumer confidence was somewhat less pessimistic going into October, as households’ views of their incomes improved.

UK: UK stocks rally despite consumer confidence falling to the lowest level since June

The UK’s FTSE 100 Index rallied 0.74% during the week. UK PMI data fell to 51.0 from the 12-month high of 53.5 hit in August. Activity in both the services and manufacturing sectors slowed, with output in the latter declining at the fastest rate since March, partly due to disruptions in the auto industry. Business confidence fell to the lowest level since June, reflecting uncertainty ahead of the November budget. Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill noted that the central bank’s decision to dial back “quantitative tightening” would provide only temporary relief from recent turbulence in gilt markets and argued that other tools were better suited to addressing rising borrowing costs.

Product transfer v remortgage: what’s right for you?

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:17:01 GMT

When your mortgage deal comes to an end, it’s natural to wonder what’s next. Should you stick with your current lender and switch to a new deal—or explore what other providers have to offer?

Understanding the difference between a product transfer and a remortgage is the first step. And with expert advice, you can turn uncertainty into confidence.

What is a remortgage?

A remortgage is when you move your mortgage to a new lender. It’s often done when your current deal ends and you want to avoid being moved onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR)—which is usually much higher.

Remortgaging can help you:

• Access better interest rates

• Adjust your loan amount or term

• Release equity for home improvements or other needs

What is a product transfer?

A product transfer is when you switch to a new mortgage deal with your existing lender. You’re not changing providers—just choosing a different product.

This option can be quicker and simpler, often with:

• No legal work

• Fewer checks

• Faster turnaround

Which option is right for you?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your goals, financial situation, and the deals available.

• Product transfers can offer convenience and stability—especially if you’re happy with your lender and want to avoid extra paperwork.

• Remortgaging might unlock better rates, more flexibility, or the chance to borrow more.

Even if staying put feels like the safest option, it doesn’t always mean you’re getting the right deal for you. That’s why it’s worth comparing both routes.

Take the weight off your shoulders with specialist help

This is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make—and it pays to get it right. As mortgage advisers, we will:

• Review deals from your current lender and across the wider market

• Help you avoid slipping onto a costly SVR

• Talk you through the pros and cons of each option

• Tailor our advice to your unique circumstances

Whether you’re looking for certainty, flexibility, or a new rate, we’ll help you make a confident, informed choice.

Ready to explore your options?

Don’t leave it until the last minute. Speak to an adviser around six months before your deal ends to give yourself time to plan and secure the right rate.

But don’t worry if you’ve left it a little late—there are still options available. We can act quickly to help you avoid slipping onto your lender’s SVR and find a deal that works for you.

Call the office on 01455 817477 or email clientservices@planguardfinance.co.uk to book your appointment.

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 22 September 2025

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:30:12 GMT

A mixed week for global equity markets as investors digested a raft of monetary policy decisions. US equities again reached record highs, while UK equities eased on the back of cautious commentary from the Bank of England.

Last week’s performance – major stock markets

Commentary

US: STOCKS RISE TO RECORD HIGHS ON THE BACK OF 0.25 PERCENTAGE POINT INTEREST RATE CUT

Major U.S. stock indexes rose to record highs during the week, as the Federal Reserve lowered short-term interest rates for the first time in nine months. With the 0.25 percentage point rate cut in-line with expectations, investors’ attention quickly turned to signals from policymakers around the path forward for interest rates. The Fed’s Summary of Economic Projections indicated that most policymakers expect to lower the central bank’s policy rate by an additional 50 basis points by the end of the year. Expectations for rate cuts in 2026 and 2027 also increased. Trade developments were also in the headlines following a Friday morning call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a social media post following the call, Trump announced that they had reached an agreement regarding U.S. ownership of the short-form video platform TikTok and had made progress on several other issues.

JAPAN: EQUITIES MIXED ON NEWS THAT THE BANK OF JAPAN PLANS TO SELL ETF AND REIT HOLDINGS

Japan’s stock markets registered mixed performance over the week, with the Nikkei 225 Index gaining 0.62% and the broader TOPIX Index falling 0.41%. The Bank of Japan (BoJ) surprised investors by announcing plans to begin selling its holdings of exchange-traded funds and Japanese real estate investment trusts much earlier than markets had anticipated - a move widely seen as a signal toward monetary policy normalization. As had been widely anticipated, the BoJ held interest rates steady at 0.50%, in an environment of domestic political and global trade uncertainty. However, for the first time during Governor Kazuo Ueda’s tenure, two policymakers dissented, preferring a rate hike over holding rates steady. The BoJ continued to assert that it will raise interest rates if the economy and prices develop in line with its forecasts.

CHINA: DATA POINTING TO AN ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN SEES INVESTORS TAKE PROFITS

Mainland Chinese stock markets declined as investors pocketed gains after a recent rally and a trio of indicators pointed to an economic slowdown. August retail sales rose 3.4% and industrial output gained 5.2% year on year, China’s statistics bureau reported, marking the worst monthly performance for both gauges this year. Fixed asset investment growth slowed to 0.5% in the year’s first eight months, the lowest reading for the period on record except for 2020, a pandemic year, according to Bloomberg. All three readings trailed expectations and pointed to a broad slowdown in China’s economy after it grew a surprisingly strong 5.3% in the year’s first half.

EUROPE: MIXED RETURNS FOR EUROPEAN EQUITIES AS INVESTORS ASSESSED A RAFT OF MONETARY POLICY DECISIONS

Major stock indexes were mixed. France’s CAC 40 Index gained 0.36%, Germany’s DAX lost 0.25%, while Italy’s FTSE MIB pulled back 0.60%. Norway’s central bank reduced its key policy rate by 0.25% to 4.0% - the second rate cut this year. The Bank of England left interest rates on hold and decided to slow their bond selling programme. Industrial production in the euro bloc rebounded in July by a seasonally adjusted 0.3% sequentially, after shrinking 0.6% in June. Increased output of capital, durable, and non-durable goods, despite tariff-related uncertainty, more than offset a contraction in energy production.

UK: UK EQUITIES EASE AS BANK OF ENGLAND LEAVES INTEREST RATE CUTS ON HOLD

The Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee voted 7–2 to leave the key interest rate unchanged at 4%, as expected. Policymakers also decided to slow the annual pace at which the BoE sells bonds on its balance sheet to GBP 70 billion from GBP 100 billion, partly to minimise the impact of sales on the gilt market amid higher long-term bond yields. BoE Governor Andrew Bailey said: “Although we expect inflation to return to our 2% target, we’re not out of the woods yet so any future cuts will need to be made gradually and carefully.” The BoE’s decision to keep rates on hold came after economic data showed headline annual inflation stayed at 3.8% in August. Overall wage growth, which includes bonuses, rose to 4.7% in the three months through July - an increase from the 4.6% registered in the three months through June and well above the 3% level seen as consistent with the BoE’s inflation target. Although the unemployment rate remained at 4.7% in the three months through July, tax records showed the number of payrolled employees dropped for a seventh consecutive month in August, according to a preliminary estimate.

Omnis - Weekly update

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 10:04:01 GMT

- US: STOCKS RALLY TO RECORD HIGHS AMID RATE CUT EXPECTATIONS AND AI OPTIMISM 3 4 Most major U.S. stock indexes finished the week higher ahead of the Federal Reserve’s September 16-17 monetary policy meeting, at which the central bank is widely expected to lower short-term interest rates. Enthusiasm surrounding the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) boom supported by Oracle’s announcement of a substantial guidance increase amid several large new AI deals - also helped lift major indices. Consumer price growth accelerated in August, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) on Thursday. The agency’s consumer price index (CPI) data showed headline prices rose 2.9% year over year in August, an increase from July’s reading of 2.7%. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy costs, rose 3.1% over the same period. The BLS also reported that its August producer price index (PPI), a separate measure of inflation that gauges price increases at the wholesale level, unexpectedly decelerated to a 2.6% year-over-year increase versus 3.1% in the prior month

- JAPAN: EQUITIES RALLY ON IMPLEMENTATION OF TRADE DEAL WITH THE U.S. Japan’s stock markets rose over the week, with the Nikkei 225 Index gaining 0.70% and the broader TOPIX Index up 0.98%. Japanese auto shares were boosted by the U.S. officially implementing a trade deal with Japan reached in July, which caps tariffs on most Japanese goods, including autos, at 15%. In exchange for lower tariffs, Japan agreed to investments of USD 550 billion in the U.S., as well as granting U.S. producers greater access to many of its markets, including for rice and other agricultural products. The yield on the 10-year Japanese government bond hovered near 17-year highs midweek on political uncertainty, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba facing calls to step down.

CHINA: BULLISH SENTIMENT AMONG RETAIL INVESTORS DRIVES EQUITIES HIGHER Mainland Chinese stock markets rose as bullish sentiment among retail investors persisted. Ample domestic liquidity - as opposed to improving corporate earnings or economic data - has fuelled a rally in China’s stock markets since April as cash-rich households seek higher returns amid low interest rates and a lack of better investing options. Recent advances in artificial intelligence have also boosted sentiment. On the economics front, data showed that deflationary pressures continue to weigh on China’s economy. The producer price index fell 2.9% in August year on year, marking the 35th straight month that the gauge has remained in negative territory, but narrowed its decline from July’s 3.5% drop.

EUROPE: EUROPEAN STOCKS RISE AMID EXPECTATIONS THAT THE U.S. FEDERAL RESERVE IS POISED TO LOWER INTEREST RATES Major stock indexes rose for the week, with Italy’s FTSE MIB climbing 2.30%, France’s CAC 40 Index advancing 1.96%, and Germany’s DAX adding 0.43%. The European Central Bank (ECB) held its key deposit rate at 2%, as expected. ECB President Christine Lagarde reiterated that the Eurozone was “in a good place” with inflation at 2%. The central bank also slightly raised its forecasts for inflation and economic growth this year, which financial markets interpreted as a signal that the current rate-cutting cycle was over. The ECB now projects 2.1% inflation in 2025 and 1.7% in 2026 and expects the economy to expand 1.2% this year compared with its previous estimate of 0.9% growth.

UK: UK EQUITIES GAIN FOR THE WEEK DESPITE DATA POINTING TO A STALLING ECONOMY The UK’s FTSE 100 Index gained 0.82% for the week, despite data pointing to a stalling economy in July. Equities were lifted by expectations that the U.S. is likely to cut interest rates this month. UK gross domestic product (GDP) was unchanged in July, after growing 0.4% sequentially in June. Services and construction expanded marginally, but broad-based weakness in manufacturing - which shrank a greater-than-expected 1.3% month over month - offset the gains. The rolling quarterly rate slowed to 0.2% from the prior 0.3%. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has made growth her “number one mission”, but the economy has lost momentum in recent months.

Omnis - Market Update September 2025

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:24:22 GMT

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 1 September 2025

Global equities ease amid concerns surrounding geopolitical tensions and the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Chinese equities were again the standout performer for the week, rallying another 2.71%.

Last week’s performance – major stock markets

Commentary

US: STOCKS ENDED THE WEEK MODESTLY LOWER AS MARKETS HEADED INTO A HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Small-cap stocks performed best, with the Russell 2000 Index posting moderate gains and outperforming the S&P 500 Index for the third week in a row. Much of the attention was focused on chipmaker, NVIDIA’s, earnings release after the market closed on Wednesday. NVIDIA posted earnings that were better than expected and while the stock pulled back, the numbers appeared strong enough to ease recent concerns around the artificial intelligence-driven rally. Concerns about the potential erosion of the Federal Reserve’s independence also garnered attention during the week following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would be firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook, citing allegations that she committed mortgage fraud. Cook filed a lawsuit seeking to block the firing on Thursday, and a spokesperson for the Fed said the central bank will abide by any court decision. Inflation held steady month over month in July, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’s (BEA) core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index—which excludes food and energy costs and is the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation.

JAPAN: PROFIT TAKING BY INSTITUTIONS SAW STOCK PERFORMANCE AS MIXED

Japan’s stock markets ended the week mixed, with the Nikkei 225 Index gaining 0.20% and the broader TOPIX Index down 0.83%. Profit taking tied to month-end portfolio rebalancing by institutions that seemed to favour bonds more than equities was cited as a major reason, although equity markets also steadied ahead of a U.S. inflation report. In addition, trade talks with the U.S. were further delayed after chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa cancelled a trip to Washington at the last minute, apparently due to unresolved issues that stand in the way of finalising an agreement.

CHINA: STRONG DOMESTIC LIQUIDITY UNDERPINNED FURTHER EQUITY MARKET STRENGTH

Mainland Chinese stock markets advanced, extending the recent rally, with the onshore benchmark CSI 300 Index rising 2.71%. China’s stock markets have been on a tear in recent weeks. The CSI 300 gained almost 10% in August, ranking among the best-performing major indexes, and average daily turnover volume so far this month is on track for a record high, according to Bloomberg. Many analysts believe that ample domestic liquidity, rather than a strong economy, is fuelling the rally as cash-rich households in China seek higher returns amid low interest rates and a lack of compelling investment options. The amount of margin debt taken out to buy stocks climbed to its highest level since 2015, according to Bloomberg, suggesting elevated retail interest in the stock market. On the economics front, China reported that industrial profits fell a less-than-expected 1.5% in July, as strong tech sector earnings outweighed weakness in industries straining under weak demand and deflationary pressures.

EUROPE: EUROPEAN STOCKS PULLBACK AMID ONGOING GEOPOLITICAL INSTABILITY

European equities fell for the week amid worries about the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Renewed tariff uncertainty, political instability in France, and fading hopes of peace between Russia and Ukraine also weighed on sentiment. Major countries’ stock indexes fell as well. France’s CAC 40 Index dropped 3.33%, Italy’s FTSE MIB lost 2.57%, and Germany’s DAX declined 1.89%. European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers kept the deposit facility rate at 2.0% in July but were split over the outlook for inflation. Several rate setters argued that risks were tilted to the downside at least for the next two years, citing weaker growth prospects, the impact of U.S. tariffs, and a strong euro. A few members warned that inflation risks could still be tilted to the upside, especially over the longer term, given uncertainties around energy prices and currency movements.

UK: EQUITIES EASE FROM ALL-TIME HIGHS ON THE BACK OF SHARE PRICE WEAKNESS IN THE BANKING SECTOR

UK equities slid for the week, largely driven by selling in the banking sector. This was on the back of the Institute for Public Policy Research recommending a new tax on lenders. NatWest and Lloyds fell -4.8% and -3.4%, respectively, while Barclays pulled back -2.2%. Retail sales volumes weakened for an 11th consecutive month in August. Meanwhile, shops raised prices by the most since the end of 2023, according to the Confederation of British Industry distributive trades survey.

Buying your first home is exciting but the costs can be confusing

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:16:08 GMT

Unsure where to start or being asked to pay loads of fees already!

Don't panic, get in contact today and one of our Mortgage Advisers can help explain the fee's and the process of when the payments are due.

Call us today on: 01455 817477

Email us on: clientservices@planguardfinance.co.uk

Pension Planning

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:07:31 GMT

Want to retire in style?

We can help with plenty of different options to best suit your needs and wants.

Get in touch today either by telephone on 01455 817477 or by email which is clientservices@planguardfinance.co.uk

Fed up with renting and want to get on the property ladder

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 13:28:13 GMT

Unsure where to start with getting on the Mortgage ladder after renting.

We have you sorted with plenty of different offers to best suit you!

Give us a call today on 01455817477 or email us clientservices@planguardfinance.co.uk

Worried a credit blip will stop you getting a mortgage

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:33:49 GMT

The cost-of-living crisis and inflationary pressures has put pressure on people’s finances and made it harder for people to get on the housing ladder due to affordability constraints and more people having a less than perfect credit history.

How important is your credit history for mortgage lenders?

Looking into your credit history is one of the ways in which a mortgage lender will gain information on how reliable you have been at paying back debts and loans in the past. A mortgage lender needs to be confident that you’ll be able to keep up with your repayments across the whole lifetime of the loan.

What if your credit history isn’t perfect?

Don’t worry, if your credit history isn’t perfect, you're not alone! Many people experience minor setbacks in their credit history at some point. Such as missing a credit card payment, neglecting to pay utility bills on time, or going into an unarranged overdraft. These types of “credit blips” can leave a mark on your credit history but this doesn’t mean you aren’t eligible for a mortgage.

Specialist mortgage support

An expert adviser can assess your financial situation, including your credit history, guide you through the application process and increase your chances of getting approved for a mortgage by finding the most suitable mortgage deal for your circumstances.

We have access to lenders who specialise in working with people with varying credit, whether you've had late payments, past debts, or no credit history at all, there are options available for you.

Don’t let a credit blip throw you off track! Get in touch today.

Call Richard Chamberlain on 01455 817477 or drop them an email on clientservices@planguardfinance.co.uk

Need some expert advice

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:03:59 GMT

Are you struggling to know where to start when buying your first home?

Self employed/ credit debt/ relationship breakdown/ family looking to buy there first home

At Planguard Finance we can help you from start to finish to make the process as easy and as manageable as possible!

Contact the office today:

Richard Chamberlain

01455 817477

or email us:

clientservices@planguardfinance.co.uk

Six key factors that can affect your first mortgage application

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:27:28 GMT

Six key factors that can affect your first mortgage application

Applying for your first mortgage is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. Lenders assess numerous factors to determine your eligibility, and some seemingly minor financial decisions can significantly impact your application. To help you secure approval, here are six key areas to focus on before applying for your first mortgage.

1. Changes to outgoings
Lenders consider your affordability based on your income and regular outgoings. Making significant financial commitments or increasing expenses before your application can reduce the amount you’re eligible to borrow. Avoid taking on new subscriptions, expensive memberships, or other recurring costs that could make lenders question your ability to manage mortgage repayments.

2. New credit applications
Every time you apply for credit, such as a credit card, loan, or car finance, it leaves a mark on your credit report. Multiple credit applications in a short period can make lenders wary, as it may indicate financial stress. Before applying for a mortgage, avoid taking on new credit and focus on keeping your existing credit lines in good standing.

3. Outstanding debt
High levels of outstanding debt can impact your debt-to-income ratio, a crucial factor in mortgage applications. Lenders assess whether you can comfortably afford mortgage repayments while managing existing debts. Paying down credit card balances, personal loans, and overdrafts before applying can improve your affordability and overall creditworthiness.

4. Electoral roll registration
Being registered on the electoral roll at your current address helps lenders verify your identity and residence history. Not being registered can cause delays in your application or even lead to rejection. Check your voter registration status and update it if necessary before submitting your mortgage application.

5. Employment stability
Lenders prefer applicants with stable employment or self-employment and a consistent income. Frequent job changes or being in a probationary period may weaken your application. If possible, avoid switching jobs right before applying and ensure you have at least three to six months of payslips to demonstrate a reliable income.

6. Excessive gambling
Lenders scrutinise your bank statements to assess financial stability. Regular or excessive gambling, even if you can afford it, raises red flags about risk and financial management. If your statements show large or frequent gambling transactions, lenders may view this as a sign of financial instability, potentially affecting your approval chances.

Final thoughts

Taking the time to manage your finances before applying for a mortgage can improve your chances of approval and secure better loan terms. Avoid excessive gambling, limit unnecessary spending, reduce outstanding debt, and maintain a stable financial profile. If you’re unsure where to start, speaking with a mortgage adviser can help you navigate the process and find the right mortgage option for your situation.

To book your appointment with a mortgage adviser, please call Richard Chamberlain on 01455 817477 or email richardchamberlain@theopenworkpartnership.com.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Using Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) in Omnis Agility

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 12:05:14 GMT

Learn more about Exchange Traded Funds in Omnis agility with Omnis Investments

4 signs of a financial scam and what to do if you spot one

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:44:41 GMT

4 Signs that your being scammed financially

Guide to saving for a mortgage deposit

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 12:40:08 GMT

The way forward for saving towards a property

Manager research with Hannah Evans

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 11:51:41 GMT

Click above for an explanation on our manager selection.

Newsletter 06/25

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:42:21 GMT

Welcome to our newsletter

Click below to download our latest newsletter.

Understanding Bull and Bear Markets

Fri, 30 May 2025 13:17:55 GMT

Video: Understanding Bull and Bear Markets

You may get concerned when markets fall (bear market) because you are losing value. However, if we look at markets over the medium to long term and take into account market rallies (bull market), the bulls always beat the bears. This video provides an easy explanation from Rohit Vaswani, Client Portfolio Manager, of Bull and Bear Markets. This shows that periods of growth 'Bull markets', are longer and more valuable than periods of downfall 'Bear markets'.

How protection insurance gives financial security

Wed, 14 May 2025 08:37:19 GMT

How protection insurance gives financial security

This video explains how protection insurance gives financial security and peace of mind should the unexpected happen.

3 April – Special Market Update

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:18:05 GMT

3 April – Special Market Update

Watch Rohit Vaswani's market on the Omnis Website (Transcrypt below)

So we've woken up to the news about tariffs. President Trump announced that a baseline 10% tariff would be introduced on all imports from the 5th of April, and that a series of higher reciprocal rates on specific countries will take effect on the 9th. This includes 34% tariffs on all imports from China, 20% on imports from the EU, 24% from Japan and 10% here in the UK. In essence, for the US, the effective tariff rate on imports will jump to 24% if President Trump follows through with the plan. And this is assuming that 25% tariffs are included on all imports from Canada and Mexico, which were not mentioned yesterday. Now, this increase in tariff rates is likely to increase inflation in the US. It could be quite impactful, but in reality, we could expect consumers to substitute towards products that were produced domestically or to products that were produced by or imported from lower tariffs countries. Retailers could also absorb absorb some of the cost as the profit margins are currently higher than they were a decade ago.

We think these mitigating factors help to reduce the impact of tariff increases in inflation, but these tariffs are inflationary nonetheless. Nonetheless, personal consumption expenditure could also come down, especially with a drop in consumer confidence and the decline in stock prices that we are seeing. At the same time, the US economy will be impacted if businesses respond by reducing investment and if other countries retaliate forcefully, which would weigh on US exports. Both of these scenarios are look quite likely right now. Thinking about the other side of the cone, it is feasible that the revenues raised by the tariffs might then fund tax cuts in the US, and it is also reasonable to expect that the US central bank may cut interest rates further than previously expected, which would limit the damage done to the US economy. That said, this deadline of the 9th of April for kind reciprocal tariffs leaves the door open to backtracking and further delay. So this is very much a watching brief. Now let's be honest, the tariff announcements yesterday were much bigger than most investors expected and markets have reacted negative. It's currently just before 7 o'clock in the morning in the UK and Asian markets have moved sharply down and all signs point to European, UK and U.S. markets falling today too. In these kind of environments, investors move to what we call safe haven assets and we have seen bonds should typically seen as a safe haven asset hold up well since the announcement.

What does this mean for you as investors? Well firstly, remember the diversification. You will have a portfolio that has both equities and bonds in in it and whilst you can expect your portfolios to drop in value in the very short term, the bonds in your portfolios will cushion some of the blow. Secondly, remember that reacting to market events is never a good idea. It usually means you experience the losses, the losses, but do not benefit from any recovery we may see. If we think back to five years ago, 2020 during COVID, some of the best days in the year happened right after some of the worst days. And just by missing those 10 best days in the markets, you could impact your long term returns. That leads me to the need for composure in these environments.

Maintaining composure is super important. If your circumstances haven't changed, you should not react to this week's news and your financial advisor can help you understand what these market moves mean for your specific portfolio and your long term investment objectives. And lastly, patience. Markets will always go through turbulent times in the short term, but in the long term markets always recover. So think about and focus on your long term goals and not on the short term market impact over the next.

Spring Statement 2025 - Key highlights

183:797691190 (David Hookway) — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 09:52:09 GMT

Spring Statement - Key Highlights

Omnis - Magnificent Seven vs Diversification

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:48:06 GMT

Omnis - Magnificent Seven vs Diversification

In recent years, a select group of companies have risen to unprecedented dominance in the U.S. equity market. Dubbed the 'Magnificent Seven,' these tech giants have significantly shaped the returns and direction of the market. However, their dominance raises important questions about portfolio diversification and investment strategy.

Omnis Weekly Market Update - 24 February 2025

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:11:40 GMT

Omnis Weekly Market Update - 24/02/2025

The Omnis Investment Club podcast is now out - week in the life of financial markets #omnisinvestmentclub #omnisinvestments

Blog: Stamp duty relief is changing - what first-time buyers need to know

183:797691190 (David Hookway) — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 09:15:03 GMT

Stamp duty relief is changing...

If you’re a first-time buyer , there are two words that you might not be familiar with – stamp duty. When you are thinking about buying your first home you'll have been saving for a deposit and thinking about how you will pay to kit out your home but there are other costs to account for when buying a property.

It’s important to note that changes are coming to stamp duty very soon for those buying in England and Northern Ireland, changing the amount of relief available to first-time buyers. So, whether you’re deep in your search or still waiting for the right moment to move, here is all the important information you need to know ahead of the changes.

Download our blog on why stamp duty relief is changing and what first-time buyers need to know.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 27/11/2024.

*Please note, this only applies to stamp duty in England and Northern Ireland.

The Omnis Investment Club Podcast: 2 September

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:27:58 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

The Omnis Investment Club podcast is now out - week in the life of financial markets #omnisinvestmentclub #omnisinvestments

The cost of raising a child

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:56:55 GMT

The cost of raising a child

Lisa is a university lecturer and a keen kayaker in her early 50s. She’s also a single mum to two teenage daughters – Lila and Eliza. Lila is in the final year of her A-levels and Eliza is in the first year of her GCSEs. Both daughters are very academic – Lila wants to be a doctor and Eliza a vet.

With the cost-of-living crisis showing no signs of lessening its grip, despite earning over £50,000 a year, Lisa is finding she has less and less disposable income at the end of the month. With the cost of her daughters’ continuing education and her own retirement on her mind, she is finding money is becoming a constant source of worry. After giving up work, she was planning to throw her kayak in the back of her campervan and explore Europe. But she’s becoming increasingly concerned that those retirement plans will have to be seriously curtailed.

Why it’s more expensive being a single parent

Lisa is one of 2.9 million single parents in the UK, with a quarter of all families in this position. And research shows it’s more expensive raising a child alone. Figures from the Child Poverty Action Group, the cost of a child report, reveals that in 2023, the full cost (including housing and childcare) of raising a child in the UK was £166,000 for a couple and an eye-watering £220,000 for a single parent. Single parents pay more because fixed costs like transport are shared between fewer people, so a higher proportion of those costs are attributable to the child.

As a result, single parents like Lisa are being disproportionately affected by the cost-of-living crisis. A report from the charity Gingerbread found the financial situation of two in three single parents in the UK is worse than it was a year ago, with one in five using credit to pay for household essentials and a similar number turning to food banks.

The same report revealed one in three single parents have seen the amount of debt they have increased over the past year, with almost half of those finding themselves more than £1,000 deeper in debt. In total, 76% of all single parents are in debt and half of those owe more than £2,000.

So what financial support is there for single parents?

If you’re a single parent, it’s worth using a benefits calculator to check you’re claiming all the financial support you’re entitled to. There’s a calculator on the Gingerbread website or you can use the government one.

Depending on your situation, the benefits and financial support you may be able to claim include:

Child benefit
Council tax reduction
Universal credit
Widowed parent's allowance
15-30 hours of free childcare
Tax-free childcare
Healthy start vouchers
NHS low-income scheme
Free school meals

Why single parents should get financial advice

If you’re a single parent, it makes sense to get financial advice regardless of your age or income. Whether you’re approaching retirement like Lisa or you’re at the start of your career, speaking to a professional can be vital in ensuring you make the most of every penny and avoid costly mistakes. Expert advice is useful for everyone but arguably more so if you’re a single parent with children who are financially dependent on you.

A financial adviser has the experience and market knowledge to assess your situation accurately and provide recommendations for suitable products and services. So, if you’re a single parent and you’d like advice on any money-related matters, we’d be delighted to help.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 03/06/2024

Omnis Investment Club Podcast: 17th June 2024

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:49:44 GMT

The Omnis Investment Club podcast is now out - week in the life of financial markets.

Overpaying your mortgage: should you do it?

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 09:46:48 GMT

Overpaying your mortgage: should you do it?

Hardly a day goes by without the cost of living hitting the headlines. For many homeowners the increasing costs of owning and running a home is having a huge impact on household budgets. Even if you are near the top end of your monthly budget, or are expecting a ‘payment shock’ when you come to remortgage next, you may be wondering whether it’s worthwhile paying more than the minimum repayment each month, with the aim to save money in the long run.

So, what are the benefits of making mortgage overpayments?

Mortgage-free sooner

Overpayments can either be a one-off lump sum or a regular overpayment made throughout the year. Overpaying on your mortgage means you can potentially clear your mortgage balance quicker.

Reduce the amount of interest you pay

It could also make sense to overpay on your mortgage rather than keep your money in a savings account, because you may earn more in interest savings on your mortgage than you could earn in a typical savings account.

Access to better rates in the future

Lenders will offer you better rates if you have a lower loan to value. The more you can pay to reduce your mortgage, the potentially lower interest rates you’ll have when you come to remortgage to a new deal.

Are there any downsides to overpaying your mortgage?

Overpaying on your mortgage might not be right for everyone. Using savings to overpay on your mortgage could leave you with less cash to fall back on in an emergency.

Not all lenders have the same rules for overpaying and there may be a penalty fee called an Early Repayment Charge (EPC) if you overpay too much.

You should only make overpayments if you’re sure you can afford them. It’s a good idea to make overpayments if you already have an emergency fund, and you don’t have any other, more pressing debts that need to be repaid.

It’s always a good idea to discuss your options with an adviser, we can help guide you through all your mortgage options including advice on making overpayments.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 07/02/2024

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and do I need one?

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:49:40 GMT

What does a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) cover?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more people to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime. The people you appoint to manage your affairs are called the attorneys. An LPA is a completely separate legal document to your will although many people put them in place at the same time as getting their will written, as part of planning for their future.

What does a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) cover?
There are two types of LPA which come into effect when you are no longer able to make your own decisions.
A health and care LPA lets your attorney make decisions about your medical treatment and day-to-day care. This can include where you live, what you eat, what medical treatment you receive and who you see.

A financial decisions LPA lets your attorney handle (and make decisions about) your money and property. This can include paying your bills, selling your property, collecting your pension and collecting your benefits.

Do you need an LPA?
Without an LPA, if you need someone to step in and manage your finances or make decisions about your healthcare in the future, their only option will be to apply for a deputyship order through the court. This can be a costly, complex and lengthy process. If you have an LPA, it can take effect as soon as it’s needed, meaning your chosen attorney can step in to help straight away.

Once your LPA is in place, you have peace of mind in knowing that someone you trust can look after your affairs if you're ever unable to yourself, because of an illness or an accident.

Don’t put it off
More than 75% of the over 55s have not registered an LPA. The benefits and the simplicity of putting one in place should encourage you to make the decision to get your ducks in a row before it’s too late.

Which is where we can help. Getting it right is too important to leave to chance, so get in touch and we can ensure you’re directed to the right place to organise and register your LPA.

Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 20/02/2024
Will writing and Lasting Power of Attorney are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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The Omnis Investment Podcast 22/01/24

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:17:19 GMT

The Omnis Investment Club Podcast: 22 January

The Omnis Investment Club podcast is now out - week in the life of financial markets #omnisinvestmentclub #omnisinvestments

The Omnis Investment Podcast 08/01/24

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:46:04 GMT

The Latest podcast from Omnis Investments

The Omnis Investment Club podcast is now out - week in the life of financial markets #omnisinvestmentclub #omnisinvestments

Newsletter Nov '23

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:12:29 GMT

Newsletter November '23

Click the button below to download our latest newsletter. If you have any questions or queries, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Should I consider private medical insurance?

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:53:07 GMT

Should I consider private medical insurance?

Life can be full of surprises. You can’t be prepared for everything. You may have some insurance to support you financially if the unexpected happens, but have you considered how private medical insurance might offer you and your family the peace of mind you need if your health takes a turn for the worst?

A growing trend

According to data published by The Telegraph, close to half a million people have taken out private medical insurance over the past year, as NHS waiting lists hit record levels this autumn. According to government statistics almost 7.8 million people were waiting to start routine hospital treatment in September 2023.

Against this backdrop, it’s hardly a surprise that more people than ever are considering the benefits of private medical insurance including faster access to medical treatment for themselves and their families.

It’s not just speed of access, it’s also about the quality of care you receive, the flexibility of choosing where and when you would like to receive treatment, and the range of treatments, medicines, facilities and consultants available to you. Cost-restrictions in an already stretched NHS mean that not all breakthrough treatments are accessible. With private medical insurance you can sleep easy, safe in the knowledge that the very best care is available.

It’s more affordable than you think

Avoiding lengthy waits for treatment and quality of care are just two of the biggest attractions of taking a route which has traditionally been seen as too expensive for most. But through our specially selected health insurance partner we can help you find the right policy for your budget. If you already have private medical insurance, we may be able to find you cheaper premiums for your circumstances, and all with a free no obligation quote.

The pandemic provided a reminder to us all of just how precious good health is – and acted as a reset for many. Health became a priority, and continues to be so. Spending money on private medical insurance may not have previously been a priority but protecting you and your family over the long-term means a growing number of people are taking the time to consider a more proactive approach to getting the treatment they may need.

We love our NHS but we know the pressure it’s under

We have nothing but respect for the hard-working and talented individuals who make the NHS what it is. But we also know that the service that has given so much to so many is under unprecedented pressure. We also know that there is often a faster and better alternative.

We can make sure you get all the information you need to decide whether private health insurance is the right option for you.

Call Richard on 07749 522 065 or drop us an email at enquiries@planguardfinance.co.uk

The Omnis Investment Podcast

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 10:39:29 GMT

Onmis Investment Update - 7th November 2023

The Omnis Investment Club Podcast

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:54:26 GMT

Weekly Market Update - 30th January 2023

The Omnis Investment Club podcast is now out - week in the life of financial markets #omnisinvestmentclub #omnisinvestments

OMPS Video Market Update - Dec 22

183:797691190 (David Hookway) — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 10:36:11 GMT

Listen to the latest OMPS Video Market here

The Omnis Investment Club Podcast: Dec 22

183:797691190 (David Hookway) — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 10:25:01 GMT

Listen to the latest Omnis Investment Podcast update here

The Omnis Investment Club Podcast: 03 October

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 10:34:05 GMT

Listen to the latest Omnis Market update here!

What does the base-rate increase mean for you?

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:41:20 GMT

What does the base-rate increase mean for you?

Written by Kirsty Telling

In a bid to tackle rising inflation, the Bank of England has increased the base rate for the seventh time since December 2021. The 0.5% hike takes the interest rate to 2.25% - the highest since November 2008, when the banking system faced collapse. So, what does this mean for you?

Mortgages
If you’re on a fixed-rate mortgage, you’ll be protected from the latest rise until your current deal runs out. If that happens any time soon, you may well find the cost of a new fixed-rate mortgage has shot up - with even the most competitive two-year deals currently priced at between 4 and 4.5% compared to less than 1% a year ago.

For those on tracker mortgages, you’ll almost certainly see your payments go up in the next few weeks to reflect the full increase in the base rate. In general, you can expect to pay an extra £23 a month on a £100,000 mortgage.

Homeowners on their lender’s standard variable rate (SVR) will also probably see their monthly payments go up. They may not be hit with the full increase though, as these rates go up at a lender’s discretion. Banks and building societies may take longer to decide on SVR changes, as they come under pressure to shield customers from the full impact of the latest base-rate hike.

Other debt
The base-rate increase will also more than likely see the cost of borrowing rise in other areas. Although often not explicitly linked to the base rate, credit card rates are generally expected to go up in response to the latest rise. This means they’ll almost certainly reach the dizzying heights of 30%.

It’s also widely anticipated that many lenders will pass on the increase to people taking out new personal loans and car finance.

Savings
The base-rate rise should be good news for savers, although it can take time for increases to be passed on to customers. Getting professional advice can help you make the most of your money.

Investments
Changes to interest rates can affect different types of investment in different ways. Your financial adviser can build a diverse portfolio which may minimise the effects of any rate fluctuations.

Budgeting
In light of the latest base-rate increase and changes announced by Kwasi Kwarteng in the government’s mini-budget, it makes sense to review your own budget. A financial adviser can help you weather these uncertain times and ensure you’re making more of your money.

Key takeaways:

Homeowners with tracker mortgages are likely to see their monthly payments go up in the next few weeks. People on their lender’s SVR will probably see an increase to the amount they have to pay too, although they may be shielded from the full impact. The cost of new fixed-rate deals is also set to rise.
The cost of credit card debt, along with new car finance and personal loans, will almost certainly increase in response to the change in the base rate.
The rise should be good news for savers, although it may be worth waiting before switching to see if rates increase further.
Making sure you have a diverse portfolio can protect investments from rate fluctuations.
A financial adviser can help ensure you’re making the most of your money in these uncertain times.

The Outlook for Bonds

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:55:03 GMT

A Positive Outlook for Bonds

With inflation spiralling and central banks raising interest rates, it’s been a tough year for bond markets. Nicolas Trindade, senior portfolio manager at AXA Investment Management and manager of the Omnis Short-Dated Bond fund, explains what has been happening this year and why he thinks conditions are going to improve for investors.

To continue reading, click here.

The Omnis Investment Club

On 8 September, host Rohit Vaswani, Client Portfolio Manager at Omnis chatted to Nicolas Trindade, from Axa Investment Management , who runs out Omnis Short Dated Bond Fund on this very topic.

This episode aims to try and simplify some of the mechanics of how bonds work and the outlook from here. Even with these simplifications, this is one of our more technical podcasts but I think provides some really valuable insights into the world of bonds.

To listen to the podcast, click here!

Newsletter Sep 22

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:34:17 GMT

Newsletter Sep 22

Click the button below to download our latest newsletter. If you have any questions or queries, please don't hesitate to contact us!

Weekly Markets

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 10:22:41 GMT

Weekly Market Update - 20th June 2022

Click here to read our latest weekly update from Omnis

Newsletter Jun 22

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 09:44:24 GMT

Please click below for our latest newsletter

If you have any questions or comments about our newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact us !

Mortgages - Sorting the fact from the fiction

Fri, 27 May 2022 11:40:27 GMT

Mortgages - Sorting the fact from the fiction

Lindsay and Sam have just found out they’re expecting their first baby. Although they’re excited at the prospect of starting a family, it’s come as a bit of a surprise and their current living situation is far from ideal. They’ve been staying with Lindsay’s dad in his two-bedroomed terrace for just over a year while they save up a deposit for their first house. The lack of space and privacy has proved challenging to say the least. Adding a baby into the mix seems like a terrible idea.

On the positive side, Lindsay and Sam now have a decent deposit to put down on a house. Despite this, friends have warned the couple they’ve no chance of getting a mortgage due to their working situation. Sam is a self-employed roofer and he’s pretty successful. However, he’s only been working for himself for two years. His friends have told him, he’ll need at least three years of accounts before a lender will go anywhere near him. They say any mortgage the couple can get will be based on Lindsay’s income alone. Lindsay works as a hairdresser and her salary is nowhere near enough to secure the kind of mortgage they’re hoping for.

What can Lindsay and Sam do?

Should they resign themselves to bringing up their baby in Lindsay’s dad’s spare room? Or maybe they should accept that, for now, renting is their only realistic option.

In fact, the best thing Lindsay and Sam can do is stop listening to their friends – no matter how well meaning – and seek help from a qualified mortgage adviser.

But why? What can we tell you that you can’t find out online?

We know the market

If, like Lindsay and Sam, your needs or circumstances are ‘out of the ordinary’, your options may indeed be more limited than those of other buyers. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t have options. We know the lenders who are willing to consider buyers in your situation and we’ll check you’re likely to meet their specific lending criteria before submitting a formal application. This will save you time and avoid unnecessary searches on your credit file.

We look beyond the headline rate

An attractive rate may seem like your best bet when choosing a mortgage but you also need to factor in things like fees, loan conditions and the mortgage term. We look beyond the headline rate and can help you understand how the length and type of loan will affect how much you pay in the long term. We’ll also highlight any additional expenses like administration and booking fees, and valuation costs.

We do the hard work for you

As well as helping you select the right mortgage, we’ll work with you to complete all of the necessary application forms and liaise on your behalf with solicitors, valuers and surveyors. We can also recommend products that provide financial protection should the unexpected happen.

We’re professionally qualified

Unlike many mortgage sellers working for banks and building societies, we’re fully qualified to advise you on a wide range of lenders and products.

Key takeaways:

Get help from a professional. Don’t rely on friends’ advice. The market is constantly evolving. Things that may have been true when your friends bought a house may not be true now.

Look beyond the headline rate when choosing a mortgage deal.

A mortgage adviser can help with more than just choosing the best deal, they can ensure the whole house-buying process runs as smoothly as possible.

Introducing our Omnis Managed Portfolio Service (OMPS)

Fri, 27 May 2022 11:24:11 GMT

How does OMPS work?

Our informative video explains the journey our clients take when deciding to invest in one of our OMPS portfolios. Learn more about the building blocks for the portfolios and funds which are managed by some of the world’s leading investment managers, who we’ve carefully selected.

Omnis Annual Report 2022

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 12:51:22 GMT

A Year in Review...

Click here for the Omnis Annual Report 2022.

Why Cohabiting Couples Should Make a Will

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 10:01:59 GMT

Why cohabiting couples should make a will

When Tom and Pete bought their first property together, life couldn’t have been better. They both had good jobs pulling in decent salaries and were excited about spending the rest of their lives together.

They chatted about making a will a few times, but somehow life always got in the way. Until one day, 10 years after moving in together, Pete got a call that would change his life forever – Tom had been killed in a car accident.

The intestacy trap

On top of grieving for his partner, Pete found he was also facing an uncertain financial future. UK intestacy laws meant he wasn’t entitled to inherit any of Tom’s property or financial assets unless he had joint ownership. Pete knew that Tom would have wanted him to inherit everything but, without a will, that didn’t matter.

Pete and Tom had owned their property as joint tenants, meaning Tom’s share automatically passed to Pete according to the rights of survivorship. However, without children or any surviving parents or siblings, the remainder of Tom’s assets ended up being passed onto a distant uncle he had scarcely known.

Without Tom’s savings and investments, life insurance policy or even the car that Tom owned but they both used, Pete now struggles to pay his bills.

How a will could have helped

Had Tom got around to writing a will, he would have been able to specify exactly who would receive what from his estate, including his savings, investments, car and other belongings. As well as writing a will, Tom could have made his wishes known by nominating beneficiaries to his pension and writing life policies under trust. By taking these steps, he would have given Pete the extra financial support he now so desperately needs.

As it stands, Pete still has the legal right to claim against Tom’s estate as they had been cohabiting for more than two years - but this will be a costly and time-consuming process and a positive outcome isn’t guaranteed. If Tom had made a will, this added stress could have been avoided.

Don’t put it off

In the UK, the number of cohabiting-couple families is growing faster than the number of married-couple and lone-parent families. However, cohabiting couples have none of the legal protections afforded by marriage. A will is one way to ensure your partner inherits according to your wishes. Despite this, three in five UK adults do not have one.

Let us help

Any will must be drawn up accurately without ambiguities and executed correctly for it to be valid and effective. So, it makes sense to use an experienced professional.

A consultation with a will-writing expert will allow you to explore ways in which to reflect your wishes and protect the financial future of your loved ones in the most tax-efficient way possible.

If you’d like to find out more about how to arrange a will, we’re here to help.

Will writing is not part of The Openwork Partnership’s services and is offered in our own right.

The Openwork Partnership accepts no responsibility for this aspect of our business. Will writing and Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Key takeaways:

If you’re cohabiting with your partner (but you’re not married or in a civil partnership), it’s important you both make a will. This can ensure that if one of you dies, the surviving partner inherits according to the other’s wishes.

An expert can help ensure your will is drawn up accurately and executed correctly so that it is valid and effective.

Newsletter Feb 22

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 16:22:33 GMT

Click below for our latest Newsletter

If you wish to discuss anything in our newsletter, please feel free to contact us ...

Omnis Investments Podcast

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 13:02:12 GMT

Weekly Market Update - 7 February

Markets continue to be volatile and continue to be dominated by expectations of what central banks will do throughout 2022. This week we also saw a lot of share prices move because of either positive or negative reports from companies. Oil prices continue to rise which has benefitted some energy companies. It would be fair to say that markets will continue to be volatile over the coming weeks and months.

Omnis Invesments

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 09:46:13 GMT

The Omnis Investment Club Podcast: Episode 39

Equity markets were mixed across the world this week. Corporate earnings appear to have boosted investor sentiment in the US and in Europe. Japan readies for its upcoming general election and China seeks to contain the property crisis amid a slowing economy. In the UK, investors are expecting that an interest rate hike could come sooner than expected.

1. Equity markets were mixed across the world this week. Corporate earnings appear to have boosted investor sentiment in the US and in Europe. Read more in the Omnis Weekly Market Update #omnisinvestmentclub #omnisinvestments

2. How did stock markets perform last week? The Omnis Investment Club podcast is now live - summarising a week in the life of financial markets. #omnisinvestmentclub #omnisinvestments

Budget 21

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 09:40:03 GMT

Autumn 2021 Budget: what’s coming up?

The communication teams at the Treasury have been busy in the run up to the Autumn Budget on Wednesday. After a weekend that, according to The Times, contained no less than 11 announcements covering £26 billion of expenditure, you might think that there is not much left for Mr Sunak to talk about when he addresses Parliament on 27 October.

We now know to expect extra spending on Manchester trams, the NHS, post-16 education, incentives for UK investment by overseas companies and even new cutters for Border Force…can there be anything left for tomorrow?

The answer is yes. For a start, 27 October is not just Budget Day, but also the date when the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) publishes its latest Economic and Fiscal Outlook and the Chancellor publishes a three-year Spending Review, which will take us beyond the next election.

Much of the pre-Budget releases are likely to include the parts of those documents which the government want to be heard and remembered. Those ‘leaks’ also have the benefit of a degree of spin – for example the emphasis on total spend rather than annual spend: £5 billion sounds much better than £1 billion a year for half a decade, half of which has been previously announced.

The good news is that the latest public sector finance data, published on Thursday, showed that in the first half of 2021/22 the Treasury had borrowed £43.4 billion less than the OBR had projected at the time of the March Budget, giving Mr Sunak some spending wiggle room.

The bad news is that the reduced borrowing still amounted to over £108 billion. Nevertheless, it looks unlikely that any major tax increases will be revealed this week. Mr Sunak has already introduced £42 billion of tax rises this year (corporation tax, NICs, dividend tax) which have yet to bite.

Where the Chancellor may take some tweaking tax action is around the topics sitting in his in-tray. For example:

The Office for Tax Simplification (OTS) reports on inheritance tax have to date yielded no response beyond a promise – so far unrealised – to simplify application paperwork from the start of 2022.

The second of the OTS reports on capital gains tax, originally commissioned by Mr Sunak, arrived after the March Budget and might now be addressed. Rumours continue to suggest that CGT rates will be more aligned to those for income tax.

Pension tax relief is a Budget perennial and the Treasury has still not addressed the issues around net pay arrangements and low earners on which it consulted in 2020.

As ever, the Budget’s most interesting content will be in the detail, not necessarily the headlines surrounding it.

Falling oil prices drag down shares

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 12:51:09 GMT

Investment Update: Falling oil prices drag down shares

A drop in oil prices sent international shares tumbling when stock markets opened this morning.

Concerns about the impact of the coronavirus on global economic growth have weighed on demand for oil. Over the weekend, talks took place between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers about cutting output to support oil prices, but they failed to come to an agreement. In response, Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s de facto leader, said it would raise production and lower prices in an effort to preserve its market share and win over new customers from rivals.

When the commodity markets opened on Sunday evening, oil prices plunged. Investors reacted on Monday morning by moving money out of riskier assets such as shares and into what are traditionally considered ‘safe haven’ assets like government bonds which fluctuate less in price during periods of turbulence. The FTSE 100 opened 8% lower, but recovered some of those losses in early trading.

The coronavirus outbreak has rattled markets. In China, where it originated, the authorities appear to have contained the virus, but it continues to spread internationally with new cases reported in most countries around the world. Italy has been hit particularly hard, with much of the northern part of the country now under lockdown.

Central banks have taken steps to limit the impact of the virus on the global economy. At its meeting last week, the Federal Reserve, the US central bank, cut interest rates by 0.5%. The Bank of England looks set to follow suit at its next meeting on 26 March, if not before, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer is expected to include various measures to help businesses when he announces the budget on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has pledged US$50 billion to support developing countries struggling with the virus.

While the current turbulence may cause you some concern, try to avoid any knee jerk reactions. It’s important to remember to look on your portfolio as a long-term investment, with most portfolios designed to deliver returns over a period of at least five years. Although coronavirus may hinder the markets in the short term, we do not expect the effects to be long lasting.

Diversification, the spread of investments across different asset classes and regions, can also help. While bond holdings may not completely offset the losses caused by shares, they should offer a degree of protection as the market fluctuates.

If you have any questions about the impact of the coronavirus on your portfolio, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

This update reflects our view at the time of writing and is subject to change.

The document is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information but no assurance or warranties are given.

Providing a retirement windfall for your child

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 12:15:20 GMT

Providing a retirement windfall for your child

Planning ahead and starting early can really help when it comes to building up a financial future for the children in your life. The Junior ISA (JISA) is a popular choice for many, but one often overlooked investment option is the ability to open a pension for your child, to help set them up for retirement.

Increasingly popular choice
Although retirement is a very long way off for your child, putting some money aside now means they can be one step ahead when they come to plan their retirement. Any parent or legal guardian can set up a pension, which will automatically transfer to your child once they reach the age of 18, at which time they can continue to contribute or leave the savings invested. Under current rules (which may be subject to change in the future) they can access the pension from age 55.

A valid option, worth considering
In addition to your own pension contribution allowances, people often don’t realise that they can also put money into someone else’s savings. If the recipient is a non-taxpayer, as most children are, they are still entitled to tax relief on any contributions made. Pension rules allow anyone to pay contributions on behalf of a child, so other family members such as grandparents can get in on the act too.

HMRC data indicates over 60,000 families have opened pension plans for their children. As personal pensions come with no minimum age restriction, many people opt to open one when their child is born.

Know the numbers
Current pension rules allow you to put up to £2,880 a tax year into a pension for a child. Tax relief of 20% means that this is then topped up to £3,600. No further Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax will be payable on the investments held in the personal pension, until your child starts taking benefits, (which currently cannot be before age 55). If you start pension contributions once a child is born and used the full allowance, the contributions would cost just under £52,000 over 18 years, and this, under current rules would be topped up by around £13,000 in tax relief.

Assuming growth in investments over the period, when the child reaches age 55 currently, they would have a sizable pension pot to draw upon, the spending power of which will of course depend on the passage of inflation over the intervening years.

Getting the balance right
Aside from retirement provision, you also need to consider providing financial assistance for more pressing priorities, such as university fees or money for a house deposit, or a wedding perhaps. Any pension savings won’t be available to help children with these financial priorities earlier in their adult lives. So, ideally a pension for your child should be regarded as part of a wider plan, rather than the only investment embarked upon.

Start a pension for your child today
With the full State Pension currently £168.60 a week, this is certainly not enough on its own to provide a comfortable retirement, so why not set the wheels in motion to provide a retirement windfall for your child? It’s also a great way to introduce your child to the concept of long-term saving. Families thinking about how to save and invest most efficiently during 2020 shouldn’t overlook pensions for children. Even if the full allowance isn’t contributed, any money saved could still provide a valuable nest egg at retirement.

If you would like to know more about investing for children, please get in touch.

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.

HM Revenue and Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen.

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What does the base-rate increase mean for you?

What does the base-rate increase mean for you?

The Outlook for Bonds

A mixed week for global equity markets as investors digested a raft of monetary policy decisions. US equities again reached record highs, while UK equities eased on the back of cautious commentary from the Bank of England.

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