Category Archives: Investment

Investment

Prudential Reveals Pensioners Fail To Count The Cost Of Ill-Health In Retirement

Prudential has revealed new research which shows that despite the ongoing debate about the need to fund long-term care for the elderly, only one in five people planning to retire this year have made financial provision for ill-health in retirement.

Prudential’s ‘Class of 2012’ study into the finances and expectations of those planning to retire this year shows that just 20 per cent have set money aside for any care needs. This drops to 16 per cent among those aged 65 plus.

Prudential’s research also found that less than half (45 per cent) of this year’s retirees have planned for the fact that they may need more income in retirement as they get older.

However, funding long-term care has never been more important. Although average life expectancy for men over the age of 65 is 17.6 years, and 20.2 years for women, healthy life expectancy is just 9.9 years for men and 11.5 years for women.

Vince Smith-Hughes, retirement expert at Prudential, said: “People retiring this year realise that living longer may mean they will need a higher income as they get older, but few of them have made the connection between the risk of ill-health, and needing money to pay for healthcare.

“Although life expectancy is increasing, healthy life expectancy is flat-lining. With the average person now working until they are aged 63.4, people are enjoying fewer healthy years in retirement.

“Spending the first few years of retirement trekking in the Andes and running around after grandchildren may be a reality for some, but it is important not to forget that health will worsen as pensioners get older.

“Making financial provision for the possibility of ill-health in retirement should be an integral part of the retirement planning process.”

Across the country, those planning to retire this year in Wales are the most likely to have prepared for the risk of ill-health in retirement (32 per cent), while those in the East of England (7 per cent) are the least prepared.

The Government is currently considering recommendations from the Dilnot Commission on the Funding of Care and Support which, in July 2011, proposed that an individual’s contribution to social care should be capped at £35,000, with any additional costs funded by the State.

Via EPR Network
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Vebnet Reports J.P. Morgan In Its Element With Take Up Of Re-Branded Employees Benefits Scheme

J.P. Morgan, advised by Vebnet, has just announced impressive results from the recent re-brand and re-launch of their employee benefits scheme. Enrolment first opened in February 2012 and within the first three weeks over two-thirds (66%) of staff had made active benefit choices, an increase of 26% on the previous year.

J.P. Morgan employs around 13,500 staff in the UK and before the re-launch had significant challenges communicating the benefits package they were providing their UK employees.

Adam Brooke, Vice-President of Employee Benefits, J.P. Morgan said: “Information about many of the benefits on offer to employees, including core benefits, was scattered across a confusing array of different company websites. This meant that employees were often not even aware of what benefits they had.

“Employees were not proactively engaged with their benefits so they, and the company, were missing out on valuable benefits and tax savings. We needed to go back to basics and develop an innovative approach to communicating and explaining our benefits.”

J.P. Morgan started working with Vebnet in September 2011 to develop a new brand, look and feel for the company’s reward package. The two teams developed a new website that pulled all the information in to once place and re-named the scheme ‘Elements’.

Pat Appleby, Senior Communications Consultant, Vebnet commented: “With the new brand, we wanted to convey the fact that the reward package as a whole is greater than the sum of its individual parts so in ‘Elements’ we have the ideal name.”

Elements opened for enrolment in February this year and while 66% have made active choices 77% of staff have logged on to the website.

Adam Brooke added: “The fact that over three quarters of employees have logged onto the site at least once, if not necessarily to make active changes, instantly gives staff a better awareness of the total value of all their benefits – from core benefits and pensions to flex.

“And this isn’t a one-off project; we’re using the website to publicise wellness seminars and improve information about pensions: initiatives that will bring traffic to the site throughout the year, beyond enrolment.

“Next year we’ll be looking to add a big new benefit or two to the scheme, but so far I’m very proud of what it’s achieved.”

Via EPR Network
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The Royal Mint reveals Britannia 25th anniversary sets for 2012

The Royal Mint has announced that it will reprise Philip Nathan’s original 1987 depiction of the British icon on the Gold and Silver Proof coins for 2012, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Britannia commemorative coin. To mark the milestone The Royal Mint has also created two very special sets that will feature all nine of the Britannia coins launched since 1987 available together for the first time.

Since her first appearance on English coins in the seventeenth century, Britannia has grown to become a powerful emblem, personifying the spirit of Great Britain. Her elevation to gold coinage came in 1987 and still today she adorns the high value coins of the realm. During the last 25 years nine different renditions of this most British of female figures have graced Britannia coins.

Designed by Philip Nathan, the 1987 portrait depicts Britannia as a standing figure in a classical, flowing gown, armed with her trident and shield and wearing a Corinthian helmet. This famed design has been chosen for 2012 to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and is complemented by the current portrait of The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS on the obverse. All coins within the range feature the crenellated edge particular to Britannia coins.

Britannia’s first appearance on English coinage was on copper coins issued during the reign of Charles II. Since this time, Britannia has become an increasingly important symbol, her image becoming synonymous with national pride, unification and celebration.

Commenting on the 2012 Britannia design, Dr Kevin Clancy, Director of The Royal Mint Museum said: “Philip Nathan’s design captures Britannia in her full splendour and is itself a triumph of numismatic art. It draws its inspiration from a strongly maritime approach, Britannia windswept on a cliff-top, the very essence of authority and elegance. In such a momentous year for Britain it is entirely fitting for the coinage to be graced with an acknowledged masterpiece.”

The 2012 UK Britannia Gold Proof range includes a Tenth-Ounce Coin, a Quarter-Ounce Coin, a Three-Coin Set and a Four-Coin Set. The 2012 UK Britannia Silver Proof range includes a Brilliant Uncirculated One Ounce Coin, a Proof quality One Ounce Coin and a Four-Coin Set.

In addition to the Gold and Silver Proof coins now available within the 2012 Britannia range, The Royal Mint has created a very unique 25th anniversary set, in both silver and gold Proof, which includes all nine designs of Britannia struck as half-ounce coins and dated 2012. This landmark collection includes a special 25th anniversary booklet and Certificate of Authenticity. The Gold Nine-Coin Anniversary Collection is available to purchase exclusively via The Royal Mint’s contact centre on 0845 60 88 222. All other coins and sets are available to purchase now from The Royal Mint’s website www.royalmint.com.

Via EPR Network
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Prudential Reveals Two In Five 2012 Retirees Want To Stay In Work

Prudential has revealed that two in five (40 per cent) people planning to retire this year would be happy to work past 65 if they had the chance.

Prudential’s Class of 2012 study, which looks at the finances and expectations of those planning to retire this year, shows that 48 per cent of men and 32 per cent of women would be happy to continue working past the standard retirement age.

The main motivation for more than two thirds (68 per cent) of this year’s retirees who want to stay in the workforce past 65, is a desire to remain physically healthy and mentally active, while 39 per cent do not like the idea of retiring and just staying at home. More than half (54 per cent) claim that they enjoy working.

However, despite wanting to stay in work, only 13 per would choose to continue to work full-time with their current employer. Nearly half (49 per cent) of those retirees who want to work past 65 years old would prefer to work part-time, either with their current employer or in a new role, in order to strike a better work life balance.

More than one in 10 (11 per cent) of entrepreneurial retirees would consider starting their own business after the age of 65 or earn money from a hobby in order to keep working. Five per cent would work as charity volunteers.

Recent ONS figures show that average retirement ages are rising, with men now retiring at an average age of 64.6, compared with 63.8 in 2004, and women working until 62.3 years compared with 61.2 previously.

Vince Smith-Hughes, retirement expert at Prudential, said: “There is a new retirement reality taking shape across the UK, with thousands of people actively choosing to work past the traditional retirement age.

“The fact that so many of this year’s retirees would keep working on a part-time basis is a strong indication that, for many, working is as much about staying young at heart as it is about funding retirement.

“Gradual retirement is an increasing trend among pensioners, whether this means remaining in the same job on a flexible basis or even setting up their own business. Those retiring at 65 will face an average of nineteen years in retirement which makes the financial and social benefits of working for longer an even bigger draw for a new generation of industrious retirees.”

Around the country, those planning to retire this year from the East of England were the most keen to stay part of the workforce with 54 per cent saying that they would choose to work past 65 if they had the option. Half (49 per cent) of Londoners and 45 per cent of people in the South East would also like to continue to work.

However, just 29 per cent of Scots planning on retiring this year would be happy to work past 65 if given the choice, along with 30 per cent of retirees in Wales and in Yorkshire and Humberside, and only 21 per cent of those in the North East.

Via EPR Network
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Prudential Reveals Saving Money Is Top Priority For Thrifty Retirees

Prudential has revealed the results of new research which shows the top priority for people intending to retire this year is saving money to ensure they have enough to live on in retirement. Nearly 6 out of 10 people (57 per cent) said saving will be a top priority.

The insurer’s Class of 2012 study, which looks at the finances and expectations of those planning to retire this year, also found that women are more likely than men to prioritise saving during retirement. 62 per cent of women will make this a priority compared with 52 per cent of men.

Although saving money is a key focus, those intending to retire this year are still determined to have a fun-filled retirement. More than a third (36 per cent) say that spending money on travelling the world will be a priority for them, while 43 per cent will make spending money on enjoying themselves a priority.

Giving to charity and spending money on fighting the ageing process are low priorities for this year’s retirees. Fewer than 1 in 20 (4 per cent) image-conscious pensioners say that spending money on anti-ageing treatments will be a priority in retirement, while only slightly more will prioritise giving money to charity (5 per cent).

Vince Smith-Hughes, retirement income expert at Prudential, said: “Today’s retirees are likely to spend longer in retirement than previous generations so it is encouraging to see that they understand the importance of saving money to ensure they can live comfortably. Saving shouldn’t be regarded as something that suddenly stops once you retire, and the current generation of retirees seems to be more aware of this than ever before.

“Saving as much money as possible, from as early an age as possible, is the best way to ensure you can afford a comfortable lifestyle in retirement. Consulting a financial adviser can also be an important step in helping retirees to make the most of their pension pots.

“It’s not only about saving though; many retirees in the Class of 2012 are determined to spend money on enjoying themselves and travelling the world, which seems a fair reward for all their hard work during their working lives.”

Via EPR Network
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Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange (MOFEX) names He Zhengtang as new President

Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange (MOFEX), one of the world’s leaders market place in futures, today announced the appointment of He Zhengtang as President of Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange all operations, effective this month pending the board’s approval. He will be replacing Russell Holland, the legendary MOFEX president expert, who has also been the driving force of MOFEX from the beginning to where it is now, as a global trading market place. Mr. He Zhengtang comes from a very prestigious Singapore corporation where for nearly two decades he was the head of trading for the corporate division.

During this period Mr. He Zhengtang contributed directly to the creation of two joint ventures. “The rapidly evolving futures markets present new and exciting opportunities, and with the experience of He Zhengtang we will be enabling MOFEX to continue its path to success,” said Peter Cole, Chief Executive Officer at Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange.

“An innovator and accomplished individual, He Zhengtang brings with him a multitude of experience in futures markets for MOFEX. Russell Holland has established a successful start and a path for MOFEX during the beginnings of an industry that has faced many challenges. We would like to thank Russell Holland for his exemplary leadership and contributions, and we along with the organization look forward to working with He Zhengtang”, Mr. Peter Cole also stated.

William Cornel, Managing Director for Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange said,“Russell Holland has absolutely done a fine job in the beginnings and the development of MOFEX. He single-handedly brought success to the organization through his personal involvement and catapulting MOFEX towards difficult times, as well as being professional in managing MOFEX during the most difficult times of this markets. MOFEX and I share satisfaction and pleasure with He Zhengtang as a successor for the growth of MOFEX’s operations.”

Via EPR Network
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Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange (MOFEX) Launches New Software-Based Service Trading Platform

The Trading Department of the Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange today released a statement regarding the availability of its open source trading platform over MOFEX TECH’S network. The service is specifically designed for high volume traders and provides a high-performance hosted infrastructure with the versatility of an open source platform at a small portion of the cost of on-premise proprietary trading systems.

“The clients of today are requiring the best performance and the most minimal inactivity possible while discharging IT management problems and unneeded costs so that they can focus on what they do best which is to trade,” said He Zhengtang, President of Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange. “With MOFEX TECH by our side, we can provide this solution through a managed hosting platform. Our customers can expect to experience reduced costs of payments, versatility and performance advantages that they need to compete in this era of trading.”

The new service from the Trading Department of Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange gives Trading Companies of different sizes the versatility traders need to pursue alpha at a cost model that only an open source business model can deliver.

The clients begin with the level of capacity that they require and expand seamlessly, making payments on a basis of what they use. MOFEX TECH will host the trading platform as a partnered solution. The customers will be able to access this platform together with other services including MOFEX TECH’s high-performance, dependable and flexible directed order routing capability.“The end-to-end solution available from Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange Trading Department and MOFEX TECH shows our dedication to searching for other methods to attract liquidity and meet the needs of our clients with versatile, open and cost-effective products,” said Jiang Dao Lee, Head of MOFEX Trading Department. “By giving a solution in a secure environment, we can address concerns such as Internet speed requirements, procurement, maintaining market data infrastructure and connectivity so that our clients can spend more of their time focusing on their core competencies”, completed Mr. Dao Lee.

About MOFEX
The Melbourne Options and Futures Exchange (MOFEX) is a leading multi-product commodity and currency derivatives exchange.

Via EPR Network
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MOFEX Names Arthur Hatch to Head Team as Director of Services

MOFEX, one of the world`s most diverse marketplace announced that it has appointed Arthur Hatch, as an executive with over two decades of industry experience, to its team as Director of Services. Arthur Hatch will report to William Cornell, the Managing Director. Arthur Hatch will be in charge for heading the growth, enactment and management of MOFEX interest rate, derivatives, swaps and other product lines. He previously served as Managing Director for a leading Asian banking corporation. “MOFEX proceeds to expand its business and client base all over the world, with our extensive suite of financial products,” said MOFEX C.E.O Peter Cole. “Arthur Hatch’s addition to our executive team, along other key personnel who leads our commodity trading department, and William Hudson who leads our OTC Trading Department, will further enhance the capabilities of our team as we continue to successfully enact our global growth strategy.”

“Our global sales force continues to focus on providing innovative products and clearing services, as well as outstanding customer service, to market participants worldwide,” exclaimed Mr. Hatch. “William`s experience growing MOFEX volumes of almost twice the previous figures calculated, as well as his expertise enhancing our team and our product offering as one of the largest regulated marketplace in the Asia – Pacific, will be of incredible advantage to us, as we expand our on-MOFEX and OTC offerings in our interest rates, credit swaps and other business lines.” Prior to joining MOFEX, Arthur Hatch, acquired nearly two decades’ worth of experience in the global market, most recently as Managing Director, for a leading banking corporation where he was tasked with the development and management of the product platform, trading, technology and structured products offering in the company’s futures options business.

Via EPR Network
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Prudential Study Reveals One In Six Will Retire With No Pension

Prudential’s Class of 2012 study has revealed that one in six people (16 per cent) planning to retire this year will depend on the State Pension to fund their retirement as they have no other pension.

The figures come from Prudential’s Class of 2012 research, which provides insights into the financial expectations of Britons planning to retire this year.

Women are more than twice as likely as men to have no pension; 20 per cent of women retiring in 2012 will depend on the State Pension compared with just 8 per cent of men.

The average person planning to retire this year will look to the State for 34 per cent of their income, with State Pension payments set to rise to £107.45 a week for single people from the 6th April 2012. Company pensions (35 per cent) are the second highest source of income and the remaining 30% comes from a mixture of savings, investments, personal pension savings, part time work and money from family members.

The Prudential research also shows that one quarter (26 per cent) of people retiring this year either overestimate by more than £500 a year what the State Pension pays, or simply do not know.

Vince Smith-Hughes, retirement income expert at Prudential, said: “While the State Pension is a safety net for pensioners in the UK, it should only ever be regarded as part of an overall retirement plan.

“For far too many people, the State Pension has become the default income option in retirement. Even those who have some private provision depend so heavily on the State that it makes up a third of their retirement income.

“Although State Pension levels will rise to £107.45 for single people per week on Friday, this will still only provide relatively low levels of income to people in retirement. It’s a weak safety net for those without any savings and the real income shock for many retirees will come when the gap between their current earnings and the State Pension becomes apparent.

“If people want to maintain their standard of living in retirement it is important that they start to save as much as possible as early as possible, and the vast majority should join company pension schemes where possible. Seeking early advice from a financial adviser should also be a prerequisite to helping people achieve the level of retirement income they want and need.”

Regionally, people retiring this year in the Midlands are the most likely in the UK to rely on the State Pension (40 per cent). This compares with a quarter (28 per cent) of those in Scotland, who claim that they will be the least reliant on the state for their retirement income.

Via EPR Network
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Business Monitor International Highlights Myanmar’s Most Promising Investment Sectors

Business Monitor International (BMI) has released the latest special report “Myanmar Awakens: Unearthing Asia’s Hidden Gem” analysing Myanmar’s recent rapprochement with the West and its promising signs of political and economic liberalisation.

The recent by-election results appear to mark a watershed moment in the country’s recent reform drive, with positive implications for both the political system and the state’s improving relationship with the international community. The impact on Myanmar’s investment prospects will be closely watched, with investors particularly interested in whether or not EU and US economic sanctions will be lifted. According to BMI, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) has a history of poor market accessibility and many hope that the country will now emulate the success of countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, fuelled by hopes that the country is finally emerging from decades of isolation to join the ranks of Asia’s economic powerhouses.

While a timetable is still hard to pin down, sanctions are expected to be drawn down incrementally over the course of the coming year. The report recognises key political and geopolitical factors that will drive or constrain Myanmar’s reforms for the changing nation and identify the challenges faced by investors as a result of Myanmar’s business environment.

“Myanmar Awakens: Unearthing Asia’s Hidden Gem” assesses the ‘new era’ in sight and as seen in other resource-rich frontier markets, BMI expects a number of key sectors to dominate investor attention in the short to long term, should there be a relaxation of the US and EU economic sanctions.

BMI’s portfolio of products provides comprehensive analysis across emerging market economies and enables global investors, emerging market strategists and decision-makers across the corporate spectrum to assess and evaluate global political and economic risks and aid strategic planning activities over the short, medium and long term.

Via EPR Network
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The Royal Mint Marks 100th Anniversary Of The Titanic With Commemorative £5 Coin

The Royal Mint has released the Titanic £5 coin in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the historic ships’ maiden voyage in 1912. Designed by Royal Mint engraver, Lee Robert Jones, the coin commemorates a maritime legend.

The Titanic coins depict the instantly recognisable profile of RMS Titanic with the goddess Thane looking down on the ship as it sails through the Atlantic Ocean. Erected on 26th June 1920 as a memorial to all those who died, the marble figure of the goddess stands in Belfast, home of the Harland and Wolff shipyard, the biggest in the world at the time, where Titanic was constructed.

Commenting on his design, Jones said: “My design is concerned with the spectacle of the ship and her story. Thane, the goddess of death, is to reflect the significance of the event; she symbolises respect and sorrow for the loss that ultimately occurred. Her stark silhouette contrasts with the detailed image of Titanic, cutting through the waves with purpose and pride.”

The first voyage of RMS Titanic, the largest passenger steamship in the world at the time, began on 10 April 1912, when she set sail from Southampton to New York, with 2,223 people on board. Owned by the White Star Line, the luxurious passenger liner was one of three sister ‘Olympic class’ ships built to cater for the most elite passengers, her lavish fittings reflecting the opulence and elegance of the Edwardian age.

Late on the morning of 14 April 1912, RMS Titanic struck an iceberg leading to the ship sinking less than three hours later, a disaster that resulted in the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

Commenting on the new coin, Dr Kevin Clancy, Director of The Royal Mint Museum, said: “The story of Titanic has long captured imaginations. The passing of 100 years has not lessened the interest in the tragic outcome of her maiden voyage, the personal stories of those on board or the achievement of the iconic ship as a feat of British engineering. The Royal Mint’s coin will mark this occasion and, we hope, will be passed on to future generations to honour the lives that were lost, underlining the significance of RMS Titanic in British history.”

The Titanic Alderney* £5 coin has an uncompromising finish; struck to a higher quality than every day coinage. For more stand-out brilliance you can view silver coins available from the Royal Mint. For further information, please visit www.royalmint.com.

Via EPR Network
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Standard Life Reveals Less Than A Third Of UK Adults Know When The Tax Year Ends

Standard Life’s ‘Financial Efficiency’ research shows that a large number of people in the UK are at risk of missing the opportunity to capitalise on their ISA tax allowance and their pension contribution limits because they don’t know when the tax year ends. The research, which asked a poll of over 2000 people in the UK to say when they thought the end of the tax year was, found that only three in 10 Brits (31%) know the correct date.

The tax year end falls on April 5th, but the majority of the public (69%) either doesn’t know or thinks it’s a different date. Some said it was earlier in the year, with one in 12 (8% – more than 4.08 million people*) thinking the end of the tax year is April Fool’s day.

But more alarmingly, 7.27 million people** (15%) of respondents believe their tax deadline falls after April 5th. Even those who already actively save into ISAs can still get it wrong. Only 36% of ISA investors were able to correctly identify the tax year end date and a worrying one in six (17%), thought the tax year end was later than April 5th.

People in Northern Ireland seem to be the most clued up on the tax year-end deadline, with almost two in five (38%) identifying the correct date. While people in Wales were the least aware, with only one in four (25%) people able to correctly identify April 5th as the tax year end.

Standard Life’s Julie Russell commented: “Our research shows that few people know when the tax year ends. While more people believe it is before April 5th, each year than after, and that is perhaps less of a worry, it’s a real concern that so many ISA investors don’t know when the annual cut off point is for their investments.

“If you are saving into tax efficient savings or investments like ISAs or pensions, then you really do need to know when the tax year ends. The 5th of April should be front of mind. Otherwise you risk not making the most of these products and their valuable allowances.”

People can find out more about being financially efficient with investments like pensions and stocks and shares ISAs at www.yourfuturemoney.co.uk which also includes top tips and interactive tools.

Via EPR Network
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The Royal Mint Reveals New Precious Metal Coins To Commemorate Diamond Jubilee

The Royal Mint has unveiled five new precious metal variations of the only official UK £5 coin, struck to mark the occasion of Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Like the Brilliant Uncirculated version released a few months ago, the diamond jubilee coins have been designed by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS to celebrate a regal achievement matched only by Queen Victoria, The Queen’s great-great- grandmother. The portraits encapsulate The Queen’s 60 years on the throne, and will appear exclusively on the Diamond Jubilee £5 coins, now available in Silver Proof, Silver Piedfort, Gold-Plated Silver Proof, Gold Proof and Platinum Piedfort.

The first of the new portraits shows a contemporary image of Her Majesty dressed in formal Garter Robes with gravitas and stately bearing. The other portrait is a tribute to Mary Gillick’s youthful 1953 effigy; a classical depiction of a young monarch wearing a laurel wreath alongside the Latin words ‘Dirige Deus Gressus Meos’ – ‘May God Guide My Steps’.

Combined, both portraits tell a celebratory story of a rich, historic reign, from the fresh and optimistic beginning of a new Elizabethan era to the gravitas of an assured and dignified Head of State 60 years on.

Commenting on the new coin, Kevin Clancy, Director of the Royal Mint Museum, said: “Ian’s new portraits tell the story of The Queen’s long reign with beauty and elegance and his artistry combines with the fine quality of these precious metals to create five beautiful coins that truly honour this remarkable occasion. The coins offer collectors a chance to mark this momentous achievement with an individual and treasured piece of history.”

For those interested in coin collecting, the official UK £5 precious metal coins to commemorate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee are available now from The Royal Mint’s website www.royalmint.com.

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Assetz To Fly Flag For North-West At National Residential Property Awards

Stockport-based property investment firm and advice service Assetz has been nominated for a top award by its peers.

The company will contest the title of ‘UK Sales Agency of the Year’ at the RESI Awards, organised by Property Week, which are designed to recognise and reward the leading players in all areas of the residential property market.

From developers and builders, through to funding specialists and property managers, the awards set out to pinpoint the pinnacles of achievement in each of these areas of expertise.

And as a result, Assetz CEO Stuart Law is delighted that his company has been singled out for attention in a highly competitive property investment market.

“At a time when there is a great deal of negative news on the investment climate generally in the UK, such awards show that there are plenty of companies which are always prepared to go the extra mile to secure the best possible deals for their clients,” he said.

“That’s what we’ve always been about at Assetz – getting to know thoroughly the property investment market, and then putting that knowledge to productive use in achieving strong and sustainable returns for the people who entrust their investments to us.”

Stuart Law and his colleagues at Assetz will find out whether they have been honoured with the prestigious UK Sales Agency of the Year award on 15 May, at the InterContinental London on Park Lane.

“We’re confident that we at Assetz will stake a strong claim for another prestigious honour this September, which we believe will be a feather in the cap of the residential property sector for the north-west”, Stuart Law added.

Get the expertise of the industry-leading team at Assetz behind you in your efforts to make winning property investment or buy to let property decisions by visiting www.assetz.co.uk, or calling 0845 400 9000.

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Constantly Improving its Trading Facilities, OFM Group Unveils New Program

OFM Group announced a new Program, to consolidate the platform supporting its International Services, which will be brought online starting March 2012. The platform is now host to a number of new migrants, and more are planning to move aboard.

Building and capitalizing on OFM Group’s leadership in processing orders, the new Program boasts of an end-to-end solution that provides confirmation control, reporting and settlements, capture and lifecycle management. A wide range of products can be accessed online by clients across multiple asset classes.

“New connectivity, reporting and timing issues have to be addressed by clients by reviewing their current infrastructure as the market undergoes constant change,” remarked Beatrice Bloomfield, International Services Executive for OFM Group.“Customers need to manage their portfolios on a larger scale, and with greater control, while keeping costs associated with processing low. Our new program is highly scalable and will provide direct customer access via a web front end.”

Ever since OFM Group acquired its web based platform, the Company has been making key investments to develop it, leading to its perpetual improvement. The platform has received numerous awards. There are 3460 clients live who are on the platform, and more clients are coming aboard in the span of the coming months.

OFM Group is dedicated to providing clients with all-inclusive trading support, market research and advice and the finest futures trading and options advisory services available in the market. Our futures specialists are armed with the necessary knowledge and experience to help clients succeed in trading markets such as currencies, energies, precious metals and even grains.

The highlights of our services include highly professional customer service, secure and stable financial status, competitive rates, real time quotes, accuracy and speed of execution. We take pride in our advisors who have been trained and honed by education and experience. Here at OFM Group, we know and understand that the company you trade with can make the difference between profit and loss so we invest in the best of everything—manpower, technologies, facilities and security systems.

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OFM Group announced the hiring of Steven Cartridge as Chief Officer for Technologies

OFM Group announced the hiring of Steven Cartridge as Chief Officer for Technologies. Mr. Cartridge has fifteen years of experience in technologies, having worked with major firms that capitalize on financial services.

“OFM Group’s position as a global market strategist is harped on by having the latest technology to support our activities,” said Gabriel Sanders, managing director of OFM Group. “Steven Cartridge has established himself as an exemplary manager of IT talents and will have no problems keeping abreast with broking cutting-edge products and tools. He is tailor-fit to supervise our IT platform, which has taken on far-reaching, global proportions, and will ensure that it will remain as the standard the industry is measured by,” he added. Mr. Cartridge holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and is active in various charities, including domestic violence, lung cancer and animal rescue.

In his keynote speech, Mr. Cartridge said, “It is with great humility that I accept this appointment to become a member of OFM Group’s ever-growing team. With this appointment comes a resolve on my part to make every effort count in keeping the company on the pulse of technologies as they change the way we do business, and ultimately our lives. I am elated to be part of this company, and will look forward to working with all of you in pursuit of our goals and meeting the challenges that the technological landscape brings to us.”

OFM Group is dedicated to providing clients with all-inclusive trading support, market research and advice and the finest futures trading and options advisory services available in the market. Our futures specialists are armed with the necessary knowledge and experience to help clients succeed in trading markets such as currencies, energies, precious metals and even grains.

The highlights of our services include highly professional customer service, secure and stable financial status, competitive rates, real time quotes, accuracy and speed of execution. We take pride in our advisors who have been trained and honed by education and experience. Here at OFM Group, we know and understand that the company you trade with can make the difference between profit and loss so we invest in the best of everything—manpower, technologies, facilities and security systems.

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OFM Group Silver outlook bullish for 2011 and into 2012

This year worldwide silver investment demand is expected to reach a value of $10bn on a net basis for the first time in history. A new OFM Group report, commissioned by The Tokyo Silver Institute, forecasts silver investment will achieve yet another historically high total this coming year in spite of a significant level of position unwinding by institutional investors.

In the report, OFM Group says the outlook for silver prices remains bullish, “with the potential of prices nearing, if not exceeding, the $45/oz, a realistic prospect as the first quarter develops.”

“However, should silver exceed $45,” the report cautioned, “Some unwinding may occur, principally of institutional positions, given their focus on upside potential. This raises the possibility of some deleveraging in the future markets.”

However, the study noted, “this should have little impact on silver’s safe haven qualities, with the potential for retail and high-net-worth investors to raise their asset allocation in favor of both silver and gold.”

This situation “argues well for bullion coin and small bar demand, not only in western markets, but also in India and China.” Indian physical investment demand could comfortably exceed 45 million ounces this year, up from 29 million ounces last year.

“Overall, therefore, world investment demand in 2012 is expected to realize a near record high total in volume terms,” the report predicted, and “in value terms likely to reach $10bn on a net basis for the first time.”

The study found the principle investment vehicles for retail investors remains ETFs and physical bars and coins. Along with growing physical silver demand, investor interest in silver futures traded on future exchanges has also increased.

Nevertheless, 2011 investor activity in silver futures “has been notably volatile,” according to the report.

Meanwhile, total silver ETFs holding have lost some ground. By the end of October, total holdings were reported at 577 million ounces, some 44 million ounces below the record peak of 621 million ounces established in April of this year.

The OFM Group study determined the U.S. and Germany dominated the global physical investment market. “This year a fresh peak will be set, in excess of 41 Moz., which will therefore achieve a similar gain to the 20% improvement posted in 2010.

In Canada, the market is dominated by sales of the locally produced 1oz Maple Leaf bullion coin. Sales of the coins rose by over 50% in 2010 with a further substantial increase anticipated this year.

Although China’s silver demand is considered still in its infancy, concerns about inflation, together with still robust price expectations, suggest a bullish outlook for Chinese investment demand over the remainder of this year, the OFM Group report suggested.

In India, total silver demand is expected to exceed 45 million ounces this year, a 55% increase over 2010.

The report identified the top five silver producers as BHP Billiton, 46.6 Moz in 2010; Fresnillo, 38.6 Moz; KGHM PolskaMiedz, 37.3 Moz; Pan American Silver, 24.3 Moz; and Goldcorp, 23 Moz.

“Given that only a relatively small percentage of annual world silver production is derived from primary silver producer,” the report observed, “it is of little surprise to learn that the market features a modest number of primary silver companies.”

Meanwhile, for investors seeking a pure play upon silver there are streaming companies such as Silver Wheaton with a market cap of $11 billion.

The study found world silver fabrication (not including coins) this year is expected to achieve its highest total since 2007. “However, this will be offset by a health rise in global mine production.”

“As a result, we expect this year to generate a silver market surplus not dissimilar to the 2010 total of 190 million ounces,” predicted OFM Group. “In other words, the surplus should remain at near record highs, against the far more modest levels seen in the mid-2000s.”

“In value terms, the forecast surplus for 2011 is even more noteworthy, at an estimated US$7.5 billion, nearly double the positive in 2010 (which itself was a record level),” the report observed. “In spite of this hefty surplus, silver prices, in broad measure, strengthening further this year, pointing to, at times, still robust levels of investors demand, which has effectively ‘stepped in’, as occurred in 2009 and 2010, to absorb this excess metal.”

OFM Group is dedicated to providing clients with all-inclusive trading support, market research and advice and the finest futures trading and options advisory services available in the market. Our futures specialists are armed with the necessary knowledge and experience to help clients succeed in trading markets such as currencies, energies, precious metals and even grains.

The highlights of our services include highly professional customer service, secure and stable financial status, competitive rates, real time quotes, accuracy and speed of execution. We take pride in our advisors who have been trained and honed by education and experience. Here at OFM Group, we know and understand that the company you trade with can make the difference between profit and loss so we invest in the best of everything—manpower, technologies, facilities and security systems.

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OFM Group Announced Today That Joel Qin Hsiung Was Promoted To Counsel General, Effective First Quarter 2012

Mr. Hsiung, who joined OFM Group as Associate Counsel General in 2009, will be managing the Company’s legal affairs on a global basis, with accountability for corporate litigation, human resources, contract negotiation and labour relations, and outside counsel relationships. He takes the place of Francis Peters, the Company’s previous Counsel General who had been promoted as Chief Officer for Legal Affairs early this month.

“In his colourful tenure as Associate Counsel General, Joel’s experience, leadership attributes, and tried-and-tested track record in legal affairs deftly handling all differing aspects of OFM Group’s legal needs have become an unquestionable asset to the company,” said Mr. Peters. “He has earned the accolades and respect of OFM Group’s management and its workforce, and is perfect for the position of Counsel General, he continued.

Mr. Hsiung joined OFM Group, after he has worked for more than two decades, lastly as counsel in its Corporate Litigation group. He earned his undergraduate degree with honours and distinctions from the University School of Law, where he was a member of its Law Review Board for two years.

“In the wake of this, my appointment to the helm of one of the largest financial institutions in this part of the world, I am one happy man,” Hsiung said. “Working with OFM Group in meeting the business landscape’s ever-changing legal issues head-on is my No.1 priority, and I will be working with you to see that end,” he added.

OFM Group is dedicated to providing clients with all-inclusive trading support, market research and advice and the finest futures trading and options advisory services available in the market. Our futures specialists are armed with the necessary knowledge and experience to help clients succeed in trading markets such as currencies, energies, precious metals and even grains.

The highlights of our services include highly professional customer service, secure and stable financial status, competitive rates, real time quotes, accuracy and speed of execution. We take pride in our advisors who have been trained and honed by education and experience. Here at OFM Group, we know and understand that the company you trade with can make the difference between profit and loss so we invest in the best of everything—manpower, technologies, facilities and security systems.

OFM Group is dedicated to providing clients with all-inclusive trading support, market research and advice and the finest futures trading and options advisory services available in the market. Our futures specialists are armed with the necessary knowledge and experience to help clients succeed in trading markets such as currencies, energies, precious metals and even grains.

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Standard Life Reveals “Don’t Spend What You Don’t Have” As Top Money Saving Tactic In UK

Research carried out for Standard Life suggests that, in the last three years, 5.3 million additional UK adults* have started adopting money saving habits, such as reviewing their utility providers, going online to find the best deals and using online voucher codes to save money. According to Standard Life’s ‘Financial Efficiency’ research, the recent downturn has now encouraged more than nine out of ten (91%) of us to engage in financially efficient behaviours.

But the most popular tactic, adopted by three in five people (57%), is a common sense approach – avoid spending what they don’t have and running up a debt on credit and store cards. Around 6.1 million more people are making sure they “don’t spend what they don’t have**”.

The research also shows that half of the UK (50%) regularly makes sure they shop around for the best prices at places such as the supermarket. Looking at those adults who could recall their habits three years ago in 2009, an increased number have turned to online voucher codes and loyalty cards to save money, and have also started budgeting. A third of people in the UK (30%) now set a weekly or monthly budget; up from only one in five (22%) saying they did so in 2009.

Yet the findings also suggest that in the last three years, there has been no change in the number of people seeking financial advice (8%) and only one in six (17%) is currently planning their finances to make the most of tax breaks from products such as stocks and shares ISAs and pensions.

Commenting, Standard Life’s Julie Russell said: “The results show just how well many of us are doing when it comes to setting budgets, shopping around and genuinely looking to get the best out of our money. And it’s great to hear that so many more people are determined not to run up card debt.

“Our research also shows that only a few of us are being quite so savvy when it comes to saving. That’s perhaps unsurprising in the current climate when the focus for many is on paying down debt and making ends meet. But that’s also why it’s so important to make sure we are getting the best returns on anything we are actually able to save. That means using ISAs which are really tax efficient, and not missing out on tax breaks offered by private pension contributions, for example. Efficiently managing whatever we are able to save can make a huge difference to both our weekly budget and our long term plans.”

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Standard Life Launches Ground-Breaking Corporate Investment Range

Standard Life has launched a new range of investments for corporate pension schemes aimed at making it easier for employees to select an investment strategy to suit their individual needs and attitude to risk.

The two new risk-based fund ranges, built on the success of MyFolio, are specifically tailored for the corporate pensions market and introduce new auto-enrolment default options, addressing the challenge of meeting the diverse needs of a workforce

Ann Flynn, Head of Corporate Marketing said: “Over the past two years we have been conducting extensive research with advisers, employers and employees. The employee’s investment choice, and lack of engagement in it, has been an issue the industry has been wrestling with for many years.

“The majority of employees are invested in the default fund and that’s why default strategy needs to be able to meet the diverse needs of a workforce. We’re now excited to be launching a range of investment solutions which addresses this challenge head on.”

Key findings of the research include:
– Employees find a wide range of investment choice confusing however there is still a demand to have some level of choice.
– Employees want a level of risk and return which is right for them but managed by experts.
– Employers simply want better outcomes for their employees within a strong governance framework, with competitive charging and minimal risk.

Flynn added: “Against a backdrop of negative pension stories and turbulent stock markets, employees tend to have a very low tolerance for taking investment risk with their pension and understandably so. However for many, a level of risk is needed to help generate the returns to achieve a decent standard of living in retirement.

“Our new range will help employees identify their attitude to risk through a simple questionnaire and align themselves to a strategy that best fits their needs. The information will be presented in a way that keeps it simple and shows them at a high level what they are investing in. However, they will also be able to ‘look under the bonnet’ if they want to. The risk-based range will be dynamically managed by internal and external experts who will monitor and adjust asset allocation to optimise performance.”

Key features and benefits of the range include two new risk-based ranges, Passive Plus and Active Plus, specifically for the corporate pensions market to complement the MyFolio Managed funds. A new life styling approach allows the underlying funds to be changed as necessary to help future-proof the investments while the Vanguard index-tracking funds, added in December 2011, will complement the BlackRock index-tracking range.

Employees will be able to easily identify their risk appetite and select an investment strategy to meet their needs and risk-based funds will be actively managed to help optimise returns. Moreover, employees will be offered clear options, based on how ‘hands on’ or ‘hands off’ they want to be with their investment selection and the new range provides employers and trustees with the flexibility to support a broad demographic. Advisers will also be able to recommend from an ‘off the shelf’ package of investment funds or design bespoke solutions for their clients.

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