Category Archives: Investment

Investment

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LittmanBerg Launches New Integrated Prime Services Model Leading-Edge Technologies and Global Footprint Changes the Face of Boutique Prime Advisory

LittmanBerg is a leading provider of investment technologies and execution solutions to individual and institutional clients worldwide, today announced that it has completed the integration of DML Trading. With this, LittmanBerg is pleased to now offer a new Integrated Prime Services model that combines traditional boutique prime Advisory offerings with LittmanBerg’s state-of-the-art investment technologies and extensive global reach. This new model significantly expands the products and technologies available to smaller hedge funds and other asset managers and gives clients access to a complete suite of services that no other boutique prime advisory firm can match.

LittmanBerg Launches New Integrated Prime Services Model Leading-Edge Technologies and Global Footprint Changes the Face of Boutique Prime Advisory

“LittmanBerg is known throughout the industry for its strong commitment to technological innovation and together we have deep insights into the needs of hedge funds. By offering a solution for virtually all of our clients’ needs, from start-up services and capital introduction to advanced execution technologies, we have created a one-stop shop that is truly unique in the marketplace and one that gives our clients a considerable edge.”

Some of the services now offered to clients include preferred access to:

• A full suite of advanced algorithmic strategies, including highly intelligent, tactical trading algorithm
• Vast agency liquidity
• A fully staffed 24-hour desk for execution in over 100 global markets
• Block trading, exchange traded funds,
• Advanced derivative execution management technologies
• Order management system (OMS) for trading, compliance, operations, portfolio management and analytics
• One of the industry’s largest networks of independent research
• Comprehensive commission management technologies and services

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Saxo Bank Launches New Video Channel For Forex And Equity Programmes

Saxo Bank, the specialist in online trading and investment, is launching a new one-stop video site for its market commentary, interviews and educational programmes.

Saxo Bank Launches New Video Channel For Forex And Equity Programmes

The Bank produces many hours of financial news and analysis from its own state-of-the-art studio at its head office in Copenhagen, Denmark. The studio is in daily use by Saxo Bank’s team of analysts providing comments to international and local TV stations such as CNBC and Bloomberg.

Videos for Saxo Bank’s websites have been hosted by Saxo Bank using third-party servers and are shown on several websites within Saxo Bank and sharing sites such as YouTube. The new video site uses a web-TV platform from 23Video, a Danish web start-up.

“Video is becoming increasingly important as a way of reaching investors with commentary on the markets and educational programmes for traders that are new to online markets,” said Dinis Guarda, Global Head of SEO and Social Media Strategy at Saxo.

“We have been running a weekly Forex and equities update since May last year and have produced around 250 trading strategy videos featuring interviews with Saxo Bank’s analysts for the www.tradingfloor.com website,” he added.

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Principle First Sees Rising Demand For Guaranteed Investments

Principle First reports guaranteed investments are rapidly gaining in popularity, as many investors who felt the pain of the recent slump in stock investments seek more stability and security, moving forward. This follows a noticeably sharp rise in the number of Principle First clients eager to invest capital but also looking for the security that guaranteed investments provide.

Principle First Sees Rising Demand For Guaranteed Investments

“Guaranteed investments offer stability and security to those wishing to invest with no risk to capital. This is a significant attraction to those who saw the value of their other investments fall dramatically in recent years, and indeed to those who only witnessed the economic downturn, and are coming to invest money now.” said Gareth Flanagan, Managing Director, Principle First.

There are a wide variety of guaranteed products on the investments market, one particular guaranteed investment available through Principle First is the MetLife Guaranteed Investment Bond. The Guaranteed Investment Bond is a single premium, unit linked insurance bond that invests in a range of portfolios managed by MetLife.

“Income bonds may suit those who wish to enjoy a monthly income from interest on a lump sum guaranteed investment.” said Gareth Flanagan, managing director of Principle First.

This type of bond is not invested in the stock market, and may be the guaranteed investment of choice for those wishing to avoid stock market investments. As guaranteed investments, income bonds offer the security of knowing that the original sum is secure and will be returned, combined with the monthly or annual interest payments on the cash. (Investors can also choose to roll up annual interest, and take it at the end of the bond’s term). These payments are taxable, and can be paid directly into the investor’s bank account.

As is generally the case with bonds, penalty charges are likely to be payable if the bond is cashed in before the end of its term. From that point of view, income bonds are suitable only where the investor can do without the cash for the term of the bond. As Chartered Financial Planners, Principle First offers an advice service covering all aspects of guaranteed investments to clients.

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Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Investment, IRA, Money, Personal Finance, Retirement

Prudential Reveals Imminent Retirees Willing To Work Longer To Secure Higher Pension

According to the latest research* from Prudential’s Class of 2010 retirement survey, 57% of people planning to retire this year would be willing to work on in order to guarantee a higher income when they do retire.

Prudential Reveals Imminent Retirees Willing To Work Longer To Secure Higher Pension

In fact the new study of attitudes to retirement showed that 25% would be happy to work for five years more, with 7% of these people willing to put in another 10 years before retiring.

The research highlights changing attitudes to retirement as people come to terms with increased longevity – as well as the financial effects of the credit crunch and recession on retirement saving plans. The average 65 year-old man is expected to live to 83 and a 65 year-old women is expected to reach 85**.

Prudential found that 18% of those who are planning to retire this year believe they have saved enough to ensure a comfortable retirement and rule out working on even if it could guarantee them a greater income in retirement.

Another 21% refuse to continue working past statutory retirement ages even if that means they will struggle financially.

The research shows it is the over-65s who are the most willing to keep working, with more than three-fifths (62%) saying they would stay in employment to boost their retirement savings.

Vince Smith-Hughes, head of retirement income at Prudential, said: “Working beyond the normal retirement age is already a reality for many people who either have insufficient savings or simply want a greater income when they do come to retire.

“But for a lot of people planning to retire in the very near future the state retirement age is sacred and their expectation has always been to retire at 65. Once they reach that milestone, regardless of the amount of money they have, they simply do not want to work anymore. This is a potential issue because the average 65 year-old is likely to live for another 20 more years, and that’s a long time if you’ve only got limited retirement funds.

“I think what our research confirms is how important it is to consider retirement many years before you actually reach it, and make sure you get financial advice to help you plan for retirement.”

Prudential analysis shows that working an extra five years from age 65 and paying£100 a month into a pension of £100,000 could boost a retirement savings by an additional £53,000. Paying in £200 a month over five years could yield an extra£62,000.

The 25% tax relief on pensions contributions means that a monthly deposit of £100 grosses up to £125. The figures assume a 65-year-old male with a selected retirement age of 70, paying additional regular monthly contributions into an existing pension funds of £100,000***.

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Michael Leary Will Manage Merger Talks Between AFG And Apex Investment Services

On 05/15/2010 Peter Cennamo announced their plans to take The Alternative Funding Group (AFG) public in 2011 and their new merger with Apex Investment Services this week in Sydney. The Alternative Funding Group serves as a Hard Money Lender for Non Owner Occupied Investment Properties. Apex Investment Services is one of the leading Investment Firms in Australia.

Peter Cennamo says their partnership with Apex Investment Services will provide them with a dominate partner in the markets as well as provide them with an in house expert in currency trading.

“Having a partner like Apex Investment Services will allow us to benefits from investments made in the currency markets while continuing to acquire as much investment property as we can within the US Markets” says Peter Cennamo CFO of The Alternative Funding Group.

Hard Money lenders assume the majority of the risk in real estate investing by only investing in properties at a profitable LTV (Loan to Value) Percentage. The actual investment property is used as collateral therefore there is no need to use the investor’s money or in most cases their credit. Hard Money Lenders are simply looking for really good deals, and to establish a profitable relationship with investors based on their ability to eventually sell the investment property.

Thomas Rothstein of the Real Estate New Network ( www.thomasrothstein.org ) says “the sweetest deals going right now for investors are currently offered by The Alternative Funding Group.” Despite the fact that AFG will only fund deals within certain states, there are no requirements that you actually live in one of their servicing states. The basic requirement is that you have at least a 680 FICO (credit score), and at least four months of monthly mortgage payments in the bank in case the home does not sale within the allot time frame you requested.”

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Trade in Gold – Risk Free

Is it really possible to invest in the gold market completely risk free? Well according to Best Invest in Gold the answer to that is a resounding yes. In conjunction with the launch of their new website, www.bestinvestingold.com, they are offering an incredible incentive to attract new investors.

With international offices in Milano, Italy, and Frankfurt, Germany, Bestinvestingold.com has been professionally branded for the retail investor in almost any country, be it the United States or the United Kingdom, to have access to information and trading platforms dealing in gold futures contracts not typically available through their brokerage accounts. In addition to the company’s new logo, it has selected as its tagline, “Trading Your Gold Futures”, to indicate not only its known expertise in trading the gold futures and gold options contracts, but also to communicate its message that in today’s economic environment, commodity and other type investors can look at gold trading as another alternative investment vehicle to build their future portfolios.

A spokesman for the company said that with gold currently trading in the US$1,200 area, and having tripled over the past eight years, he sees no reason for this trend to end. However, f r o m a trading perspective, it does not really matter which direction gold is moving as the company uses sophisticated trading models to lever up the investment for maximum returns by following short-term trends occurring on different exchanges in response to fast moving market conditions as they happen.

“It may not be uncommon for a U.S. based gold commodity investor to be familiar with The Chicago Board Of Trade or The Chicago Mercantile Exchange, but, just as an example, how many have taken advantage of the opportunities on the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchanges which has historically been an international hub for the physical trade of not only gold, but also many other commodities? Being specialists based in Europe, we have been making these platforms available to American and European investors since 2005.”

In addition to receiving newsletters and updates regularly, Bestinvestingold.com has their unique first trade strategy for new clients. The firm will match you dollar for dollar in your investment and guarantee to absorb any loss through its tightly controlled risk management trading strategies. If the market moves in the planned direction, through the use of futures and options contracts, each dollar invested becomes more valuable by $1,000. Should the market move against you, the traders will sell out the position and send you back your investment plus ten percent (10%).

Thus, as the company boasts, “You really do have nothing to lose. When introducing a new client, we want them to know we are confident in our ability to make money for them as they deploy risk capital,” In conjunction with the release of the Bestinvestingold.com video website, the company is currently offering a free downloadable report titled, “The Five Reasons Gold Will Hit $5,000”.

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Prudential Finds Brits Fear Outliving Pensions

Prudential research findings show that more than half (59%) of British adults fear they will outlive their pension savings, as increasing longevity means workers are having to save more money to fund a longer life in retirement.

The findings from the new research* commissioned by Prudential also revealed that 55% of British adults are creating ‘second pensions’ and supplementing retirement income with additional savings and investments in order to make ends meet.

Almost one in three (31%) of British adults have or are looking to boost pension savings and create second pensions with Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) which have the same or better tax breaks as a regular pension. 36% said they intend supplementing their pension with additional cash savings, 17% are looking to boost pension income using stocks and shares and 15% plan to downsize their homes and release equity.

In addition 19% of British workers would consider using paid employment to help fund their retirement over and above their expected pension income.

Despite this, more than one in three (36%) of British adults still intend taking a lump sum from their pension at point of retirement, reducing their retirement income, with the average British worker looking to take around 17% of the fund from their pension as a single tax-free payment.

Richard Harrison, Corporate Pensions Director at Prudential, said: “Increasing longevity means workers are having to accept that pensions will be stretched over a longer period and will therefore deliver a lower income than they might expect. Today, a 30-year old man can expect to live until he is 86 years old**.

“This is a scary proposition for people considering how to fund their retirement but there are plenty of options for boosting savings, including tax-efficient Additional Voluntary Contributions. We believe everyone should see an independent financial adviser to ensure they are saving enough to fund their life in retirement.

“For many people, taking a lump sum and also having a pension that provides sufficient income to live a comfortable retirement will not be possible unless they save more or retire later.”

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OnlineFX Announce Relaunch Of Website

OnlineFX has announced the launch of its website which has recently been completely rebuilt and relaunched, offering customers even greater ease of use and more enhanced security features. The new site now features on a dot com domain which appeals to a wider market including the USA.

The OnlineFX website offers a convenient, secure and cost effective way to transfer money to bank accounts across 70 countries worldwide. The website now offers unique services to make ordering travel money even easier. Money transfers are carried out using the same systems as major banks, and OnlineFX dealers are committed to obtaining advantageous exchange rates for all transfers.

To celebrate the launch of the new site, OnlineFX, which was the first company to offer currency delivery online, is running special promotional offers including free international money transfers for all new customers and a free international money transfer for all existing customers who refer a friend.

The company has also just announced an exclusive new free same day travel moneydelivery service to all customers in Central London. This unique same day delivery service guarantees customers’ travel money will be delivered before 6.30pm if ordered for anywhere within the Zone 1 area of London. Orders for this new faster service must be between £3000 and £7000 – OnlineFX is the only UK company to offer this service.

OnlineFX has also introduced a more secure online Buyback Service, allowing customers wishing to sell leftover foreign currency to receive a buyback exchange rate upon receipt of foreign currency notes which is based on the very latest buy back rates.

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Lloyds TSB Is Searching For The The Weather Photographer of the Year

A leading panel of award-winning photographers and acclaimed meteorologists launched a major amateur weather photography competition – with a top prize of £10,000.

Lloyds TSB Is Searching For The The Weather Photographer of the Year

The Lloyds TSB Insurance Weather Photographer of the Year will run for six months, culminating in a public exhibition in London where the finalists’ entries will be on show ahead of the winner being announced in November.

The winner will be chosen by an expert panel featuring acclaimed weather photographers Roger Coulam and Mark Humpage – who will be looking for images that capture our love of the weather, demonstrate originality and creativity, and chart the ever changing British climate.

In addition, the public will also have the opportunity to vote on their favourite pictures online, with £100 going to the most popular photo uploaded each week.

Entrants can upload their photos at http://www.lloydstsb.com/weathercompetition.

The Lloyds TSB Insurance Weather Photographer of the Year has been organised by the leading insurer, which is proud to sponsor the Channel 4 weather.

Paula Llewellyn, Head of Marketing Services at Lloyds TSB Insurance said: “As a proud sponsor of the Channel 4 weather, we’ve launched the Lloyds TSB Insurance Weather Photographer of the Year Competition so Brits can show us what they love about the climate, and what ‘British Weather’ means to them.”

Lloyds TSB Home Insurance provides cover for a range of weather related problems such as windstorm and lightning damage.

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Retiring Brits Concerned For Health Not Wealth

Prudential has revealed the results of a new survey* that shows failing health tops the list of fears about retirement. The survey found that people planning to retire in 2010 worry more about ill health than having enough money to live on.

Retiring Brits Concerned For Health Not Wealth

Two-thirds (66 per cent) of people approaching retirement fear their health deteriorating, while more than half (55 per cent) worry about not having enough money to be able to enjoy themselves or do the things they want to do. A similar number (54 per cent) say they are concerned about the rising cost of living.

Women appear to worry about their health and money more than men. Almost three-quarters of women (71 per cent) are concerned about their health deteriorating as they get older, compared to 62 per cent of men.

Karin Brown, director of pensions and annuities at Prudential, said: “In reality, people need to be equally as concerned about their money as their health in retirement, particularly women, as we know from our own research that women get less in their pensions than men. It’s totally understandable that people would worry about their health worsening as they get older but without having sufficient money to enjoy retirement and actually keep healthy, there is little to gain from worrying about health.

“There is a direct link between financial security and health and so if you are well prepared financially for your retirement and put yourself in a position where you can live comfortably and have enough money to keep you going, then your health is less likely to be an area of serious concern. You don’t have to be super-rich to enjoy a financially secure retirement. It just takes a bit of careful planning and the earlier you start the better.”

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Report: Child Trust Funds Receive Over £5 Million A Week

The Children’s Mutual, a leading Child Trust Fund (CTF) provider, has revealed that over £700,000 a day, or £5 million a week, is currently being invested in Child Trust Funds.

Report: Child Trust Funds Receive Over £5 Million A Week

As the UK’s first universal children’s savings product reached its fifth birthday in April 2010, these figures give a clear indication that over the last five years the actions of parents, families and friends have changed the savings habits in the UK, for the better.

Prior to April 2005 less than one in five parents were saving for their children’s future. However since the launch of the CTF this figure has rocketed to three in five.

David White, Chief Executive of The Children’s Mutual, said: “Given recent economic problems it is essential that the UK reignites its savings culture. In five short years there has been a 200% increase in the number of people saving for their children over the long term and the Child Trust Fund has been the catalyst. This is nothing short of phenomenal, given the uncertain financial backdrop many families have faced.”

Since April 2005 parents of five million children who now have a CTF have used them as a means to change their savings habits.

This commitment from parents and the Government towards saving for children’s futures may mean that an estimated £2.96 billion will be available to young adults each year as they turn 18 – a significant amount towards the increasing costs of adulthood such as buying a car, attending university and getting onto the property ladder.

April this year also marks the beginning of additional payments into CTFs for disabled children who are entitled to Disability Living Allowance. These additional yearly payments of £100 or (£200 for severely disabled children) could mean an extra£3,000 at age 18.

David White concludes: “The introduction of additional payments for disabled children is crucial as it reflects the additional costs that disabled young adults and their families may face. Along with Government we hope that the additional money will help to enable these children have a smooth journey into adulthood.”

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Traders Advisory DMCC – A Specialize FX Firm Announces Its Opening

On April 18, 2010, Traders Advisory DMCC will start its business activities. Traders Advisory is based in Dubai, UAE and licensed and registered as a free zone company under the rules and regulation of Dubai Multi Commodities Center Authority; it centers its activities on the financial market specifically the FX market by providing alternative forecast and technical analysis of the currency market to traders. It will also offer FOREX training course in Dubai for starters who want to learn how to trade the currency market effectively.

Traders Advisory DMCC - A Specialize FX Firm Announces Its Opening

“Now a day, almost everyone is in to trading the financial market online, and almost all retail traders are in pursuit of finding the solution on how to make their trading easy and profitable. We are providing solutions; our specialized services will help FX traders”, said Mr. Monirul Quazi, Managing Director of the company.

As a trader, either full time or part time, doing all the hard work and research could be very exhausting. Traders Advisory DMCC can offer solution to make trading the currency market less stress and profitable. By simply acquiring to the company’s specialize technical analysis service, members are now leveraging with the company’s vast resources including its team of experts.

The list of services of Traders Advisory DMCC will be available in their website advisoryfx.com beginning on April 18, 2010. For the time being, you can visit advisoryfx.info to sign up for their Special Opening Promo of 30 days FREE access to their website.

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Saxo Bank On Track With Sound Results For 2009

Saxo Bank, the online trading and investment specialist, has announced that it has received sound and steady results for 2009 and achieved a positive emergence from the financial crisis.

Business picked up during the second half of 2009 after a relatively slow beginning to the year. Operating income for the year was DKK 2,228 million compared to DKK 2,518 million in 2008. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) was DKK 441 million while net profit was DKK 201 million with 80% earned in the second half of the year.

As of 31 December 2009, the solvency ratio was 19%. The Bank’s Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment (ICAAP) process showed a minimum capital requirement of 8%.

The founders and CEOs of Saxo Bank, Kim Fournais and Lars Seier Christensen, said in a joint statement:

“Saxo Bank is a trading, investment and savings specialist not engaged in traditional lending activities and not dependant on traditional loan financing business. That has worked to our advantage in what was a very difficult year for everyone. Saxo Bank’s business model has shown some resilience to the financial crisis and we are satisfied with the results.

“2009 was a year of geographical expansion and establishing new business areas. We opened five new offices and our Asset Management business grew significantly. The new Saxo Equity Platform, which was launched in March 2010, sets the stage for a year, which will be characterised by new products and platform developments. Even though such investments have no or limited impact on income in the short run, we believe it is the right time to take advantage of the many opportunities available to take the Bank to the next level.”

The value of clients’ collateral deposits related to the trading business increased more than 70% to DKK 15 billion as of 31 December 2009. On 1 April 2010 it was more than DKK 17 billion.

In 2009, Saxo Asset Management was launched to cater for the top segment of High-Net-Worth Investors. The new business area is the combined concept of three asset management businesses acquired in 2009. The asset management activities of the Bank now include expertise within Danish bonds, Nordic Stocks, high-yield and emerging market bonds. The acquired companies, Sirius, Capital Four and the 51% stake in Global Evolution, grew assets under management organically from approximately DKK 10 DKK billion at the time of acquisition to more than DKK 20 billion as of 31 December 2009. On 1 April 2010 it had grown another 25% to DKK 25 billion.

Saxo Bank is a Forex, CFDs and Futures trading specialist and has no engagement in traditional lending activities. However, in response to the instability and lack of confidence in the financial markets, Saxo Bank chose to join the Danish state’s Guarantee Scheme (Private Contingency Association). On 24 March 2010, a majority in the Danish Parliament agreed on a new guarantee scheme, which would bring deposit guarantees into line with European Union rules. The new guarantee scheme is set to take effect from 1 October 2010. All Danish banks are covered by the scheme.

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Research Shows A Quarter Of IFAs Are Predicting Wide Spread Stock Market Fluctuations And Expect A W-Shaped Recovery In 2010

Prudential research shows a quarter of IFAs are predicting wide spread stock market fluctuations and expect a W-shaped recovery in 2010.

Research Shows A Quarter Of IFAs Are Predicting Wide Spread Stock Market Fluctuations And Expect A W-Shaped Recovery In 2010

The study revealed that 25% of IFAs expect wide fluctuations in stock market prices, with a further 24% expecting equity prices to stagnate, hovering between 5,000-5,500 points throughout this year.

While the majority of IFAs seem pessimistic about strong stock market growth, around 22% believe the FTSE index of leading shares will rise to between 6,000-7,000 points by the end of 2010. Just 4% of IFAs expect to see equity values fall in 2010.

The findings highlight ongoing caution regarding the UK’s economic recovery, with official figures released in January showing 0.1% GDP growth in Q4.

IFAs questioned for Prudential expect the impact of the recession, now regarded as the worse since World War II, to continue for some time, with 71% believing it will have a long term impact on how clients look to invest.

Andy Brown, Director of Investment Funds, Prudential said: “Clearly IFAs are cautious about the growth prospects for the stock market in 2010 and expect to see fluctuations in share prices for most of the year. However, it is encouraging to note that just 4% anticipate stock market prices to fall and, for investors, it is worth setting this against the background of very low returns on cash based savings accounts and the speed at which cash savings are being eroded by rising inflation.

“In the current environment it is more important than ever to actively manage investments and aim for savings to be placed in better performing funds and that the balance between cash and equity based savings and bonds is weighted to suit investors’ short and long term financial needs, aspirations and risk profile.

“While it is widely thought that stock markets will continue to fluctuate for the foreseeable future, there will be good opportunities and utilising a good fund manager and gaining financial advice is key if investors want to have the best chance of successfully riding a slowly rising market.”

Prudential recently launched five new actively-managed risk-rated multi-asset funds designed to help advisers focus on client management through an extension of its partnership with independent investment specialist Old Broad Street Research (OBSR).

The partnership gives advisers access to the asset allocation expertise of Prudential’s Portfolio Management Group* (PMG), which currently manages over £100 billion of capital, and the fund selection and recommendation experience of OBSR, in one place.

The funds are actively risk managed in line with their portfolio investment objectives and may help reduce the risk of potential TCF issues through running static portfolios.

The five portfolios – Defensive; Cautious; Cautious Growth; Balanced; and Adventurous – are available on a range of Prudential personal pension products, income drawdown, onshore and offshore savings and bonds.

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UK Savers Losing Billions Of Pounds In ISA Accounts Each Year

As billions of pounds of British savers money is being lost in ISA accounts, the government’s consumer watchdog Consumer Focus is due to launch an official complaint on the matter. The move which could potentially ‘shake up the ISA industry’ is a long time coming suggests Matt Spencer, founder of UK based personal finance blog Moneystand.co.uk.

Consumer Focus have highlighted numerous ‘unfair obstacles’ financial providers have put in place for savers to transfer their accounts to other banks, which pay higher interest rates.

The cash ISA market is currently worth around £158 billion, as savers flocked to the tax free service introduced in 1999. Upon its launch rates averaged a healthy 6.32 %, however this figure has plummeted to 0.42 %, a figure that is below the Bank of England base rate.

Mike O’Connor, chief executive of Consumer Focus suggests that a slow ISA transfer process and bureaucracy from the banks has caused many of these problems. He suggests that only 12 % of people have moved their ISAs to a more preferable savings rate, which is costing UK savers millions per year in lost revenue.

As a large consumer group, Consumer Focus can launch a ‘super-complaint’ to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT). This would force the OFT to give an official response within 90 days to the matter and a decision over what action it would take towards the issue.

Common issues that arose include the length of time it takes for transfers to occur when sending funds and information from one bank to another. Official government guidelines recommend a limit of four weeks for this process. Findings from Consumer focus show that a third of people switching their ISAs waiting more than five weeks for funds to clear into the new account.

Customers should be wary when looking for a new ISA provider however warns Matt Spencer, suggesting:

“Banks are offering introductory rates with high interest levels to entice new customers to open new ISA accounts. These short term bonuses often hide very poor interest rates once the honeymoon period is over.

It’s time for savers to get the rates they deserve, so be sure to make your money is working as hard as possible for you. This might mean that you need to change your current ISA provider, despite the long transfer times between banks.”

Personal finance blog MoneyStand provides unbiased personal finance, IVA help and debt related information. Founded in 2008, MoneyStand was created in response to the worsening financial situation of individuals in the UK and across the world. For more information on personal finance, visit www.moneystand.co.uk.

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Shopping Around More Important Than Ever As Housing Market Remains Fragile

House buyers must shop around if they want to secure the best mortgage deals in the current climate, according to a firm of UK mortgage experts. This is especially important for those who are looking for first time buyer mortgages.

Whole of market broker The Mortgage Point has stressed the need to check out finance deals from as many lenders as possible following the release of February’s figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML).

Gross mortgage lending in February grew to an estimated £9.2 billion, up from £8.7 billion in January. Analysts said an increase during the shortest month of the year was unusual, and the return of stamp duty at the start of the year on properties costing under £175,000 is likely to have distorted figures.

In their February report, the CML said while consumer confidence is expected to continue growing, the funding markets remain difficult, something which is due to impact on the supply of finance available in the coming months. And while last month saw an increase in lending, it was down 6 per cent on February 2009’s figure of £9.7 billion.

Stuart Codling, CEO of Salford-based The Mortgage Point, said “it is more important than ever for first-time buyers and homeowners looking to re-mortgage to shop around for the best deals.”

He said: “Confidence within the market is continuing to grow as the economic situation improves and we are seeing increasing numbers of people contacting us for mortgage advice and to arrange finance for properties. However, it remains imperative that people don’t limit themselves when it comes to choosing a new mortgage product.

“There are good deals to be had whether you’re looking for a fixed rate, capped rate or tracker mortgage. The important thing is understanding which product is most suited to your particular situation and then making sure you search a wide variety of lenders in order to secure the best option.”

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Business, Currency, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Software, Financial Solutions, Forex, Investment, Money, Profits, Trading

Knowledge To Action Stock Market Seminars Supply International Demand

Knowledge to Action, Europe’s largest trader coaching company, is expanding to offer its forex trading seminars in Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. This follows greatly increased demand for these events, at which attendees gain valuable insights into becoming successful private traders on the foreign exchange markets.

Knowledge To Action Stock Market Seminars Supply International Demand

Knowledge to Action originally started running stock market training in 2004 and launched its forex training courses in 2008. Knowledge to Action previously only held seminars in the UK, which houses its Trader Centre of Excellence and one of London’s most successful private trading floors.

After speaking to sell out Australian audiences in 2009, Knowledge to Action is officially launching an office in Australia this month. This offers more opportunities for private individuals to benefit from Knowledge to Action’s strategies and systems for gaining financial independence through stock market and forex trading. People living in Australasia can now benefit from these training events.

The company was set up by Greg Secker, who spent years working across foreign exchange trading floors in Europe and the US. He set up Knowledge to Action in 2003 in his home and soon expanded, offering stock market courses from 2004. The company has grown and developed explosively in the period since then, so that it is now the number one trader coaching company in Europe, and is on track to expand into the United States in the second half of 2010.

This growth over a period of just a few years is testimony to the effectiveness of Knowledge to Action’s award-winning forex training and stock market training courses, which are run from its London Headquarters. The success of this training was recognised recently by the company winning a place as a regional finalist in the 2009 National Business Awards.

About Knowledge to Action
Knowledge to Action, founded by Greg Secker, is the home of the award-winning Traders University® programme, and Europe’s number one trader coaching company.  Its stock market course has launched many private traders on the path to financial independence since 2004.

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Assets, Business, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Management, Financial Services, Financial Solutions, Home Equity, Investment, Money, Mortgage, Personal Finance, Taxes

New Online Inheritance Tax Planner

Principle First has announced the online launch of its unique Inheritance Tax Planner facility. Developed in close consultation with clients, the unique new online tool enables users to calculate their own personal liability for inheritance tax.

Levied at 40%, Inheritance Tax (IHT) is one of the most important taxes to HMRC (The Revenue Commissioners), and swells the taxman’s coffers by billions of pounds every year. The good news though, for many inheritors, is that a good financial adviser can radically cut a person’s IHT liability, in just a few simple steps.

The new Principle First online Inheritance Tax Planner alerts clients to their current Inheritance Tax liability and when used alongside Principle First’s financial planning advice it could enable them to vastly reduce or completely eliminate their exposure to what has been called ‘the most avoidable tax of all’.

The Principle First Inheritance Tax Calculator is an important tool as it helps with the crucial first step in avoiding this most expensive of taxes which is simply knowing how much could be owed.

IHT can apply to parts of a person’s wealth when they pass funds and assets on to their children. It is a relatively simple calculation based on the total assets in their ‘estate’, less debts and liabilities. Despite this, many people fail to take a few minutes to work out their IHT liability, and then take advice on how to reduce it.

The current tax-free allowance, or ‘nil rate band’ for IHT in 2010-11 is £325,000 (£650,000 for a married couple or civil partnership). This amount however covers a wide range of assets which are included as part of an estate. Calculations need to include the value of properties, cars, valuables, savings, investments, and insurances – less the value of any outstanding mortgage, loans and other debts.

By entering these values into the inheritance Tax Planner, in response to a series of simple questions, the user can calculate the value of their estate, and deduct their allowance to show how much of their wealth will be liable to Inheritance Tax. The calculator will then show how much of that they would have to pay in Inheritance Tax at this moment.

Principle First believes the new online tool will prove to be a simple but valuable asset for its clients which could easily help them save thousands of pounds which they would otherwise lose to HMRC.

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Checking & Savings, Financial, Financial Information, Financial Services, Investment, IRA, Money, Personal Finance, Retirement

Prudential Reveals Recession Delaying Retirement For Nearly 3 Million UK Adults

Prudential research* shows that nearly 3 million UK adults aged over 45** have delayed their plans to retire because of the recession or a personal financial emergency, or because they want to keep working to build a bigger pension pot.

Prudential’s survey shows 9% – more than 1.6 million people – have put their retirement plans on hold because of financial emergencies and the effects of the recession while 7% (nearly 1.3 million people) are giving up retirement plans in favour of working in an effort to boost pensions so they can retire at a later date.

More than 710,000 people – 24% who have delayed plans to retire – fear they will now never be able to afford to retire completely because the economic slowdown or their financial emergency has had such a devastating effect on their retirement savings, Prudential’s nationwide Class of 2010 study shows.

The recession has also forced 17% to delay retirement for at least five years, while a further 51% believe they will have to wait between 12 months and five years before they can stop working.

Prudential believes these figures should be considered a warning to people who are still in a position to save for their retirement and urges people to save as much as they can for their retirement and to put money aside to fall back on in the event of a financial emergency.

Martyn Bogira, Defined Contribution Solutions Director, said: “It is imperative for people to realise what’s at stake before they come to retire.

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Debts, Financial, Financial Information, Investment, IVA, Loans, Money, Personal Finance, Profits

British Banks Continue To Put Pressure On Customer Finances

According to recent data released by the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), banks are rejecting thousands of requests every month from customers looking for help with their finances.

The Financial Ombudsman Service, which is an independently run service that deals with complaints from consumers and businesses in the financial industry, revealed that 13,053 cases were brought to its attention from consumers looking for more leniency from their banks. Debt management and IVA company Debt Free Direct expect to see this number of complaints increase in 2010 as thousands of individuals sought debt advice with the company in Q1 of 2010.

Derek Oakley, Insolvency Director at Debt Free Direct comments:

“We are continuing to see an increase in debt help enquiries from individuals worried about their finances. For many of these people, overdraft charges are adding to their already stretched budgets. We would always recommend that individuals seek professional debt advice if they find themselves struggling to pay their bills each month.”

Compared with just 2,800 similar complaints to the FOS in 2008, the 360 per cent increase in complaints may indicate the UK banking organisations are responding poorly to their customers needs during the economic downturn. In particular customers concerns include individuals in debt who are being charged fees on their overdraft facilities or insurance policy holders who have not been paid out on their claims.

Although traditional legal routes for reclaiming money lost through overdraft charges have now ended, there are still ways in which individuals can claim this money back if they are in financial difficulties. With charges of up to £35 every time the overdraft limit is exceeded, such fees could be contributing to furthering levels of personal debt for many customers in the UK.

According to the Ombudsman service, many banks will ignore individual’s pleas of hardship and refuse to suspend overdraft charges, renegotiate overdraft limits or restructure outstanding debts, despite this going against the industry lending code for personal banking. In the case of most complaints put forward to the Obmundsman, the customer will have already been refused a refund by their bank on any outstanding overdraft charges.

Debt Free Direct recommends the best course of action for anyone with financial worries is to seek professional, confidential debt advice. Many individuals may feel ashamed of their financial difficulties, but seeking advice is one of the first steps to becoming debt free.

They state, “Our aim is to suggest an effective debt solution for every individual using our Best Advice Model (BAM). BAM quickly and accurately analyses the financial information for each person and recommends the most appropriate, least drastic solution for them.”

Debt Free Direct, the UK’s leading Insolvency practitioners receive thousands of insolvency inquiries each month for debt advice. The company, which was founded in 1997 specialise in providing impartial debt advice and guidance for individuals in financial hardship.

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