Tag Archives: Investment

Investment

Trading Floor To Open Up Trading Information For Forex And Equities

Saxo Bank, the online trading and investment specialist, is addressing the problem of market information overload with its TradeMaker module to complement its trading platforms, as well as a new Trading floor website.

Trading Floor

The information barriers of the past that limited trading to professional traders with a Bloomberg or a Reuter’s screen have long gone. The quantity of trading information and Forex news available to all types of traders on a home or business PC has increased to such an extent that now it is possible to trade not only stocks, but also Forex and more exotic instruments such as Futures and CFDs.

But while speed is vital when making trading decisions, speed without solid strategic insight won’t bring any advantages. The main problem is that as the cost of information has fallen, the volume has increased accordingly. Trying to find a way through this jungle of FX crosses, quotes and trades is sometimes a challenge even for the most experienced trader.

TradeMaker is a real-time trading idea generator that is part of Saxo Bank’s award winning trading platforms. It provides ten daily intra-day trading ideas on major currency crosses and CFDs including intuitive charts and interface, as well as one click pre-populated trade tickets or the ability to tailor the idea to personal trading strategies.

“Using the information and services provided by TradeMaker, we hope to be encouraging those traders that are looking to enter the market but need more direction,” said Patrick Mortensen, Global Head of Partner Marketing at Saxo Bank.

“We have already received feedback that tells us users actually feel more secure in their trading decisions, as TradeMaker enables them to better identify and manage the risks involved in the market,” said Patrick Mortensen.

The advent of the electronic trading platform has brought an end to the ‘open outcry’ of busy, noisy trading floors. As traders have retreated behind desks and screens, the shouting, signaling and pulling faces have disappeared. And with it has gone some of the human interaction that helped inform the markets.

Trading Floor is an attempt by Saxo Bank to bring some of that noise back by getting the markets rubbing shoulders, dealing – and shouting. Trading Floor provides up to date, forex news and market place analysis.

The aim of the new Tradingfloor site is to bring market participants together through the web site. Saxo Bank provides the web site and the expertise of its strategists and analysts and those of its partners.

The Daily Trading Stance is the mainstay of Tradingfloor’s daily offering. It is the position that Saxo bank’s own strategists distribute to traders with a rundown of the main themes of the day in FX, equities, futures, and FX options.

The commentary is prepared by Saxo Bank’s Chief Economist David Karsbøl and Saxo Bank’s Equity Strategist Christian Tegllund Blaabjerg, with additional advice from Forex expert John hardy, who was named as one of the most influential people in Forex in 2008. Commodities expertise is provided by Ole S Hansen and Alan Plaughmann. Tradingfloor.com also has its own YouTube Trading Floor channel which is updated daily with the day’s trading information and delivered by David or Christian.

The speed of trading has picked up tremendously in recent years with the use of automated and semi-automated systems. But the systems are only as good as the information they receive. The key to success in online trading is to find reliable sources of solid tradable information.

About Trading Floor:
Trading Floor is run by Saxo Bank – a global investment bank specialising in online trading and investment across the international financial markets. Trading Floor provides up to date forex news and market place analysis.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

The Children’s Mutual Reveals Child Trust Funds Top 4.4 Million

The Children’s Mutual has highlighted that the latest figures issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) show the continuing revolution in children’s savings and demonstrates parents’ commitment to their children’s futures in the current environment. The quarterly Child Trust Fund (CTF) statistics released by HMRC have revealed that 4.4 million children under seven in the UK now have a Child Trust Fund.

David White, Chief Executive of the Child Trust Fund provider, The Children’s Mutual said: “These latest figures show that the Child Trust Fund generation is growing steadily and, unlike any generation before them, in 11 years’ time the first CTF recipients will reach adulthood with greater financial knowledge and an important financial headstart. The average amount saved each month by our CTF customers is £24. Over 18 years, these savings could produce a fund of around £9,750*, a significant financial help for young adults who may want to attend university or put down a deposit on their first home.

Recent research by The Children’s Mutual found that despite the recession parents still feel that saving for their children and giving them the best future they can is very important. In the last year The Children’s Mutual has seen a considerable rise in the number of CTFs being opened and a 16% increase on 2007, with record months for the number of parents with newborns opening CTF’s online in May and June.

David continued, “It is now more important than ever during these challenging economic times, that parents take the time to choose where to open a CTF and start saving towards their child’s future. And now that parents no longer have to hand over a CTF voucher when opening a CTF, it’s even easier and faster for them to set up their child’s account.”

Had a product similar to the CTF existed 18 years ago and family and friends saved£100 a month in a shares-based plan for a child over that time, that youngster could now have the benefit of a fund worth £37,400**.”

* Projected values quoted based on investing £24 a month (plus £250 government vouchers at birth and age 7) for 18 years in a stakeholder CTF account. 7% per annum assumed investment return, with charges of 1.5% of the CTF account value each year. Projected values cannot be guaranteed as shares can go up or down. Final payout could be more or less than this.

** The assumed maturity figure is based on a hypothetical calculation, tracking the real performance of shares over 18 years, from 1991 to 2009. They include £250 invested at the child’s birth and at age seven and 1.5% charges, as with the Stakeholder CTF today. This assumes investment in the FTSE All-Share index over that period including reinvestment of the dividend yield. The figures also include lifestyling. Amount Received as at end May 2009

About The Children’s Mutual – Home of the Child Trust Fund
The Children’s Mutual’s mission is to help parents, grandparents, family and friends fulfil their hopes for today’s children. The Children’s Mutual is the only UK company that specialises in long term savings for children and is now the choice of 1 in 4 parents for their child’s Child Trust Fund, with more than 650,000 accounts.

The Children’s Mutual has won the The Moneyfacts Award for Best Child Trust Fund Provider every year since its 2006 launch.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

New Fixed Rate Direct Two Year Bonds By NS&I

NS&I is to launch a new 2-year issue of both its Guaranteed Growth Bonds and Guaranteed Income Bonds. The new 2-year Bonds will only be available direct (via phone or online) from NS&I and will pay an interest rate of 3.75% per annum and 3.65% respectively.

Fixed Rate Direct Two Year Bonds

Customers can invest between £500 and £1 million in total in the fixed rate bonds, with guaranteed rates of interest. The Guaranteed Income Bond offers customers the opportunity to receive their interest as a monthly income, while with the Guaranteed Growth Bond customers will receive their interest at the end of the 2-year term.

The Bonds come with the 100% capital guarantee which NS&I can offer because all of its savings and investments are backed by HM Treasury.

The new Bonds, which are available online and through NS&I’s award winning UK based call centres, are part of NS&I’s strategy to encourage customers to buy and manage their savings with NS&I directly. This enables NS&I to offer a more attractive interest rate to customers.

Peter Cornish, Director of Customer Offer at NS&I, said: “Our Guaranteed Income Bonds and Guaranteed Growth Bonds offer customers a simple and straightforward saving opportunity.

“Money saved in our Guaranteed Income Bonds or our Guaranteed Growth Bonds will earn a competitive and guaranteed rate of interest for the next two years. It is a simple offer and easy to take up, either online at nsandi.com or through our UK based call centres.”

Dr Robin Keyte, Chartered Financial Planner and Director of Towers at Taunton Ltd, which specialises in fee-based financial planning and socially responsible investments, commented on the new issues from NS&I: “NS&I’s Guaranteed Growth Bonds and Guaranteed Income Bonds are an effective way for customers to earn a fixed rate of interest on their investment, either as monthly income or as a lump sum at the end of the term. Like all NS&I investments, they also have the added benefit of a 100% capital guarantee, which is something many people will value highly in the current environment.”

About NS&I
NS&I is one of the UK’s largest financial providers with almost 27 million customers and over £94 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers Inflation-Beating Savings, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and Children’s Bonus Bonds in its range. All products offer 100% security because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.

NS&I products are available over the telephone, internet, post and by standing order. They are also available through a network of Post Office branches. Customers can also pick up brochures for NS&I Premium Bonds, Inflation-Beating Savings and Income Bonds at retailer WHSmith in 400 of its High Street stores and 155 of its travel stores.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

The Children’s Mutual Finds Parents Prioritise Children’s Dreams

According to The Children’s Mutual over 5.5 million* young people in the UK are receiving financial help from their parents in order to realise their dreams and aspirations. In some cases this could lead to their parents abandoning their own dreams for the future and potentially undermining their finances.

thechildrensmutual

The research by the leading Child Trust Fund provider illustrates the finances that can be needed to realise an adult child’s ambitions and The Children’s Mutual is encouraging parents of today’s younger children to consider saving now if they want to be able to afford both these and their own retirement dreams.

Many parents of today’s 20 something’s have had to raid their own savings or sacrifice their retirement goals in order to help their adult children fulfil theirs. After spending years saving to fulfil their long-standing future plans, parents are finding that when the time comes the funds won’t cover the aspirations of both generations.

28%** of today’s 25 year-olds have financial support from their parents towards education, 23%*** towards their rent and 19%*** have financial support from their parents towards holidays and trips abroad.

David White, Chief Executive, The Children’s Mutual, commented, “We are highlighting to parents of younger children that by starting to save for their child’s future now, they can help avoid the struggles faced by the baby-boomer generation who regularly sacrifice their own dreams for those of their children.”

Research from The Children’s Mutual shows that 80%** of today’s 18 to 25 year-olds believe they can be ‘financially independent’ while still receiving financial support from their parents and 66%*** of those who are ‘completely financially independent’ still get some form of financial support from parents.

Starting to save small amounts regularly over the long-term into Child Trust Funds, is one way parents of today’s children could stand a better chance of fulfilling their own desires alongside being able to provide for their children as they enter adulthood.

David White continued; “Making the step into adulthood is often a strain financially. But from 2020 all 18 year-olds will be receiving their Child Trust Fund and those whose families have managed to save the maximum amount of £1,200 each year will have a fund that could be worth£37,100**** upon maturity. Those who save the average amount amongst our customers of £24 a month could have a fund worth £9,750 (based on investing £24 a month) when they reach age 18.”

* 6,309,156 (UK 18-25 year olds – source: statistics.gov.uk) / 100 x 87.2 (18-25 year olds who have had financial help from their parents according to The Children’s Mutual’s Financial Independence Report 2009) = 5,501,584
** Financial Independence Report commissioned by The Children’s Mutual February 2009
*** ibid
**** Projection includes monthly investment (plus £250 government vouchers at birth and age 7) for 18 years in a stakeholder CTF account. Assumed investment return – 7% a year, with charges of 1.5% of the CTF account value each year. Projected values cannot be guaranteed as shares can go up or down. Final payout could be more or less than this.

About The Children’s Mutual – Home of the Child Trust Fund
The Children’s Mutual’s mission is to help parents, grandparents, family and friends fulfil their hopes for today’s children. The Children’s Mutual is the only UK company that specialises in long term savings for children and is now the choice of 1 in 4 parents for their child’s Child Trust Fund, with more than 650,000 accounts.

The Children’s Mutual has won the The Moneyfacts Award for Best Child Trust Fund Provider every year since its 2006 launch.

This expertise has led several financial institutions and family-focused high street retailers to choose The Children’s Mutual as their CTF partner including ASDA, Boots, The Co-operative, Lloyds TSB, Mothercare and regional bank and building societies across the UK.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

NS&I Has Announced The Launch Of A New Issue Of Its Guaranteed Equity Bond That Is Linked To The FTSE 100 Index

National Savings and Investments (NS&I) has announced the launch of a new issue of its Guaranteed Equity Bond. This will offer a potential return that is linked to the FTSE 100 index – up to a maximum of 40% over the 5-year term – without any risk to investors’ capital.

For example, if the averaged index end level is 20% greater than the averaged index start level at the end of the 5-year term, £10,000 invested would earn a gross return of £2,000 at the end of the term. If the index end level was 45% greater than the index start level at the end of the term, £10,000 invested would earn a gross return of £4,000, because the maximum return is 40%. The returns are calculated by comparing the start level of the FTSE 100 index (averaged over the first five days of the investment term) to the end level (averaged over the final six months).

While the returns paid on NS&I Guaranteed Equity Bonds are linked to the FTSE 100 index, NS&I does not invest the money in equities, so investments in the Guaranteed Equity Bond will not be eligible for dividends. Therefore investors may not get as high a return as they might through investing directly in the stock market. However, unlike investments in the stock market, any money invested is guaranteed 100% secure, backed by HM Treasury. If the FTSE 100 index end level is the same as or lower than the start level, investors’ initial capital would be returned in full.

Issue 18 of the Guaranteed Equity Bond will be on sale until 11 August 2009 (although it may close earlier if fully subscribed). Investments will earn interest at 0.5% pa gross until the Bond’s investment term starts on 26 August 2009. This interest will be paid when the Bond matures. The minimum investment level for this Guaranteed Equity Bond remains at £1,000 and the maximum investment is £1 million per person or £2 million for a joint investment.

This latest Guaranteed Equity Bond launch roughly coincides with the maturity of Issue 8 of NS&I’s 5-year Guaranteed Equity Bond on 28 July 2009, which went on sale in June 2004. NS&I has written to investors to inform them that their Bond is about to mature.

NS&I’s previous Guaranteed Equity Bond issue closed two weeks early as a result of customer demand. NS&I Guaranteed Equity Bond key features and further details available from the NS&I website

About NS&I
NS&I is one of the UK’s largest financial providers with almost 27 million customers and over £94 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers Inflation-Beating Savings, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and Children’s Bonus Bonds in its range. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Lloyds TSB Has Announced That It Has Increased The Rate On Its Popular Monthly Saver Account To 5 Per Cent

Lloyds TSB Monthly Saver account holders can enjoy this competitive fixed rate for twelve months on regular monthly deposits between £25 and £250. If customers find they have additional funds to save, they can increase the amount on their monthly standing order at any time during the 12 month period, up to the maximum monthly deposit of £250.

Colin Walsh, managing director of Savings and Investment at Lloyds TSB said, “Given the uncertainty around us, getting into a savings habit has never been more important. This is why we want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to build a nest egg and provide the added incentive of a competitive savings rate.”

Should the need arise customers can also benefit from instant access to their savings, without incurring any withdrawal penalty.

Colin Walsh continued: “We know some savers want the reassurance of being able to access if they need to, so this product allows customers to dip into their funds without penalties.”

Lloyds TSB Current Account holders can open a Monthly Saver account either in branch or through telephone banking.

To help savers make the most of their money Lloyds TSB has a dedicated savings hub at Savvy Saver, full of advice, information and useful planning tools. Users can also submit and share their own savings tips, to help other savers maximise their cash.

– Funds withdrawn from the account cannot be replaced
– Standing Order on the account can be changed at any point during the twelve month period.
– This product is subject to availability

About Lloyds TSB:
Lloyds TSB offers customers a wide range of current accounts, savings accounts, insurance, personal loans and credit cards, investment and cash ISA accounts designed to meet different customers’ needs. Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and signatories to the Banking Codes. Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Historic Losses For 401K Plan Participants

Retirement savings have dwindled significantly over the past 18 months. The median rate of return on 401k balances was negative 28.3% in 2008 according to a study by human-resources consulting firm Hewitt Associates. The average 401k balance dropped from $79,600 at year-end 2007 to $57,200 at the close of 2008.

401kinvesthelp

In the 12 months following the stock market’s peak in October 2007, more that $1 trillion worth of stock value held in 401ks and other “defined-contribution” plans was wiped out, according to the Boston College research center.

Alan Weir, who turns 60 this month, showed 60 Minutes his latest 401(k) statement, which he hadn’t had the courage to open up. “I’m afraid,” he told correspondent Steve Kroft. There’s good reason for his trepidation: nearly half of his life savings have vanished in a matter of months. “It went down again,” Weir told Kroft after opening the statement. Overall, he said he was down about $140,000.

Another woman in a similar situation told Kroft her 401(k) was worth less now than it was in 2005. “And another one went down almost $40,000. One was 80 – 88,000. And then, and then it went down to 50(k),” she told Kroft, crying. The saddest part of this story is that it is being repeated all over the country.

In eastern Pennsylvania, 59-year-old Iris Hontz lost her accounting job and half of her 401(k) investments.

“Unlike Wall Street executives, American families don’t have a golden parachute to fall back on,” said U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA).

www.401kinvesthelp.com is a site designed to assist the Individual in their noble attempt to save for retirement. How does it guide investors? The number one problem investors have while saving for retirement is the potential of suffering devastating losses of 30% or more in stock mutual funds. The ideology of just “buy and hold,” “invest for the long term” only work a small percentage of the time. In addition to the latter problem, 80%-90% of the mutual funds offered within these retirement vehicles are more risky than the benchmark or index they follow. It’s about time someone stepped in to assist Americans with their retirement accounts rather than leaving them helpless and alone. The indicators used within the site are designed to give individuals a sneak peek into the economy and the financial markets. Is it safe to be invested fully? Should I take some off the table and be only partially invested? These are questions everyone has and generally know the answers to, but need someone to help reinforce that decision. The indicators are updated every 1st business day of each week and an email is sent to each subscriber alerting them of any changes, as well as a brief commentary on the financial markets. Investing smart bodes well for those who understand, “It’s just best to sit on the sidelines and watch the fireworks at times.”

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Leonard M. Rhoades, please call Andrea Rhoades at 616-581-5696 or email support@401kinvesthelp.com.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

NS&I Reveals That Brits Are Failing To Make The Most Of Summer Savings

According to the latest NS&I Quarterly Savings Survey, much of the British population is failing to make the most of money saved on household bills and outgoings during the summer months as the increased sunshine makes them forget their budgets.

More than two-fifths (42%) of Britons think they spend less on outgoings such as utilities and groceries during the summer months, with people expecting these summer savings to average more than £75 (£77.39) a month. However, rather than setting these extra pounds aside, it seems they’re being spent on leisure actives. Nearly half (48%) of the population think they spend more on leisure activities in summer, this is more than likely to be impacted by children’s school holidays. During this season, outgoings on activities like socialising with friends, parties and holidays increase by a monthly average of more than £100 (£109.80). The warmer weather carries much of the blame for this rise in spending as 43% of Britons say improvements in the weather made them feel more relaxed about their outgoings.

While 92% of people say they use less heating in summer, four-fifths (82%) hang washing outdoors rather than use the tumble drier and more than two-thirds (70%) save on transport by walking more – there are other expenditures which outweigh these savings. Nearly two-thirds (60%) of the population confess to spending more on holidays in summer than winter and almost two-fifths (39%) are more likely to spend money going out to bars and restaurants with friends.

Dax Harkins, NS&I‘s savings strategist, said: “Everyone loves to see the sunshine, but people should try not to be so dazzled that they forget their finances. It’s great that many essential household costs are less during the warmer months, but Brits would be wise to try and make the most of these savings by putting some of this money away. Summer fun doesn’t need to be expensive.”

In fact, by taking a careful look at their finances, Britons could make even more seasonal savings. More than a quarter (26%) of the population feel there are more opportunities to set money aside during the summer of which they currently aren’t taking advantage. Further, 23% believe that they could look more carefully at the amount they spend socialising to reduce their outgoings

Harkins continued: “Some people (7%) say that they’re too busy to budget properly. I would urge everyone to try and set aside a small amount of time, even just half an hour each month, to review their incomings and outgoings and to assess how they can better plan their budget – and as a consequence make their longer-term finances healthier.”

NS&I’s Savings Survey
For a copy of NS&I’s Savings Survey, case studies or further information on the statistics supplied in this release please contact the NS&I media team. Previous copies of the survey are available from http://www.nsandi.com/press-room/savingsurvey/index.jsp. Selected regional data is also available on request.

The telephone survey was carried out by TNS among 1003 GB adults aged 16 and above, 1 – 3 May 2009.

About NS&I
National Savings and Investments is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, offering a range of savings and investments to almost 27 million customers. NS&I is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers a range of savings accounts including easy access savings accounts, savings bonds, investment accounts and high return savings. All products offer 100% capital security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

NS&I Invites Voters To Pick Their Favourite Sustainable Garden At BBC Gardeners World Live

The NS&I sponsored Grow Your Own campaign is to showcase three gardens f r o m 10 June in Birmingham.

NSIgarden

For the second year, three unique and visionary garden designs have been selected to be displayed at the BBC Gardners’ World Live event. The designs all feature modernity, sustainability and growing fruit and veg as key themes.

Visitors to the show will be able to vote for their favourite garden in the Grow Your Own area of the show which is also supported by NSI. The overall winner of the NS&I Growing Gardens Today Competition will be announced live on the Grow Your Own area stage by gardening expert Carol Klein on Sunday 14 June.

Of the competition, Carol Klein said. “I am thrilled to be announcing the overall winner of the NS&I Growing Gardens Today competition this year. This year’s designs are hugely creative, incorporating recycled and sustainable materials while showing different ways to grow your own fruit and vegetables. NS&I is a big supporter of encouraging the public to grow their own in a sustainable and cost effective way.”

Visitors to the show will also have the opportunity to pick up good gardening money-saving tips and ideas for contemporary working gardens. Expert gardeners will be giving practical demonstrations and advice on growing and using fruit, veg and herbs.

The winners:
Sheila Jean Dearing, a former bio-medical scientist, f r o m Devon, has always been deeply interested in gardening and developed her passion further when she began cultivating her own gardens. Her design, ‘Forest to Fork’ (located at Stand GA25), combines creativity with science to produce a space that is both beautiful and practical. Designed using FSC softwood throughout, this garden demonstrates how a small space can be productive, low maintenance and eco-friendly with a modern feel.

Christopher Parry and Rene Humphrey f r o m Bath, both graduated f r o m the Oxford College of Garden Design in 2007 before going on to set up their own garden design business TwentyEightDesigns. ‘Urban Veg’ (located at Stand GA23) is the first show garden built by the duo and aims to show NEC visitors a contemporary space made for today’s city lifestyle. Designed with sustainability in mind, the garden includes many recycling components such as reusable materials, a sleek built in compost bin and reclaimed bricks for walls.

Sally Wilding-Webb f r o m Devon has a certificate in garden design and firmly believes that the roots of good garden design are in horticulture. Sally aims to show visitors that a garden can be a sustainable fruit and veg plot as well as an area of relaxation. Her design ‘Everything in the garden’ (located at Stand GA24), encompasses modern techniques – such as a pond to encourage wildlife, lavender to welcome bees for pollination and an array of fruit and vegetables. 

All three gardens are located in the popular Grow Your Own area at the show. Voting commences at 9am on Wednesday 10 June 2009 and closes at midday on Sunday 14 June 2009.

 

About NS&I
NS&I is one of the UK’s largest financial providers with almost 27 million customers and over £92 billion invested. It is best known for Savings Bonds, but also offers Inflation-Beating Savings, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and Children’s Bonus Bonds in its range of savings accounts. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.

About the RHS
The RHS is the UK’s leading gardening charity dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting good gardening. Its charitable work includes undertaking scientific research into issues affecting gardeners, holding plant trials and educational events and activities.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

NS&I’s June Jackpot Of £1million Has Been Paid To A Surrey Resident, Who Bought His Winning Bond In March 2006

The winner, a gentleman from Surrey who wishes to remain anonymous, became ERNIE’s 233rd Premium Bond millionaire. He said of the win: “When Agent Million knocked on my door and told me that I’d won the jackpot I thought it was a practical joke! I’m still in shock but once the news sinks in I cannot wait to share the good fortune by treating my family to a lovely summer holiday.”

In Surrey, more than 535,300 people hold Premium Bonds worth £1.4 billion. There are more than 13,500 unclaimed Premium Bonds in total worth at least £796,000. This is the 13th time that the £1 million jackpot has been won in Surrey.

In March, NS&I announced that from the April prize draw onwards, one of the two monthly £1 million Premium Bond jackpot prizes will be replaced by a wider mix of other prizes in the monthly draws.

Similarly, a new £25 Premium Bonds prize has been introduced to the draws alongside the existing prizes (ranging from £50 to £1 million). These changes have been introduced because Premium Bond holders say that maintaining the chances of winning tax-free prizes on a regular basis is particularly important to them.

In June’s draw ERNIE paid out more than 1.1 million prizes, amounting to more than £33 million in value. There were 40,520,994,477 eligible numbers in the Premium Bond draw.

1. In June there were 1,125,583 prizes and a total prize fund of £33,767,475.
2. All Premium Bonds prizes are free of UK Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
3. Pictures of ERNIE (including the new ERNIE 4 machine), Agent Million and people buying Premium Bonds are available in high-resolution jpeg format from the NS&I media team.

About NS&I
National Savings and Investments is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, offering a range of savings and investments to almost 27 million customers. NS&I is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers a range of savings accounts including easy access savings accounts, savings bonds, investment accounts and children’s bonus bonds. All products offer 100% capital security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury. Further information and digital images are available from the NS&I media team. An ISDN line is available for interviews.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

National Savings And Investments (NS&I) Has Increased The Interest Rates On Its Income Bonds By 1%.

The revised interest rates came into effect from 20 May 2009 for Income Bond customers.

nsandi

Guaranteed Income Bonds are intended to provide investors with a100% secure monthly income at a competitive variable interest rate. This no risk guarantee to the investment capital is possible because National Savings and Investments is backed by HM Treasury. Income Bonds can be cashed in at any time with no notice and no penalty and income can be paid directly into a bank or building society account or into a NS&I Investment Account or Easy Access Savings Account.

The combination of complete security and the increased interest rates are expected to make NS&I Income Bonds especially attractive in the current economic climate.

NS&I constantly reviews savings products offered by other providers and has made this decision to take into account the rates available on other types of products which might be considered by Income Bond customers. NS&I continues to follow a pricing strategy designed to balance the interests of its savers, the taxpayer and the stability of the financial services market.

The interest rates on NS&I’s other savings products, including NS&I’s Guaranteed Income Bonds, will remain unchanged.

This brings the new Income Bonds variable gross rates* to 1.7% p.a. (1.71% AER**) for savings of £500 – £24,999 and 2% p.a. (2.02% AER) for savings of £25,000+.

*Gross means the taxable rate of interest without the deduction of UK Income Tax
**AER stands for Annual Equivalent Rate and enables the comparison of interest rates from different financial institutions and across different products on a like-for-like basis. It shows what the notional annual rate would be if interest was compounded each time it was credited or paid out. Where interest is credited once a year the rate quoted and the AER will be the same

 

About NS&I
National Savings and Investments is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, offering a range of savings and investments to almost 27 million customers. NS&I is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers a range of savings accounts including easy access savings accounts, savings bonds, investment accounts, and children’s bonus bonds. All products offer 100% capital security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury. Further information and digital images are available from the NS&I media team. An ISDN line is available for interviews. 

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

NS&I Issues New Inflation-Beating Savings From National Savings and Investments

NS&I has announced the release of two new issues of Inflation-Beating Savings, also known as Index-linked Savings Certificates. These give savers the chance to invest up to £15,000 tax-free* per issue. The Certificates are the only form of savings available in the retail market that offer a 100% safe, tax-free* home, with a guaranteed inflation-beating return.

The value of the Index-linked Savings Certificates moves in line with inflation as measured by the Retail Prices Index (RPI), and interest is added on each anniversary. The Certificates are designed to be held for the whole investment term to receive the full guaranteed compound interest, as the guaranteed rates of extra interest increase each year during the term. This means the returns outstrip any rise in RPI inflation and, as nothing is taken away in tax, the spending power of the investment is increased by the end of the term.

This is the first time that a continuous period of deflation has been experienced since NS&I’s Index-linked Savings Certificates were launched in 1975. Interest and any positive index-linking are applied annually on each anniversary date. However, if index-linking is negative from one anniversary to the next, it is ignored and the extra interest is still added.

With the introduction of these new issues, the previous issues – which were available from June 2008 – have been removed from sale. People who already have an investment in a former issue of Inflation-Beating Savings are also eligible to invest in the new issues.

NS&I Inflation-Beating Savings key features:

– Savings grow ahead of inflation, as measured by the RPI
– Minimum investment of £100, maximum investment £15,000 per issue
– All returns are tax-free*
– Interest and any index-linking added at the end of each year
– Designed to be held for 3 or 5 year terms, no interest or index-linking paid if cashed in during the first year
– Capital invested is 100% secure

*Tax-free means that interest and index-linking are exempt from UK Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

About NS&I
National Savings and Investments is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK, offering a range of savings and investments to almost 27 million customers. NS&I is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers a range of savings accounts including easy access savings accounts, savings bonds, investment savings accounts, and children’s bonus bonds. All products offer 100% capital security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury. Further information and digital images are available from the NS&I media team. An ISDN line is available for interviews.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

NS&I Has Launched A New Online Feature, The Five Questions, Featuring Sir Alan Sugar, To Encourage The British Public To Give Their Personal Finances A Much Needed Health Check

With research from NS&I revealing that 40 per cent of the population have no long-term financial plan and almost a fifth (17 per cent) don’t seek information on managing their money because it is too confusing, the need for a quick, simple way to help people review their current financial situation is clear.

The Five Questions prompt individuals to consider important aspects of their financial management, including how much debt they have and what their cash and assets are worth. Each question is designed to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or situation, really thinks about their current financial situation and plans accordingly for a secure financial future.

John Prout, Director of Customer Sales and Retention at NS&I said: “The Five Questions help focus the mind and help people make an honest and straightforward appraisal of their financial situation. This is part of our ongoing work to fulfil our duty, as an organisation in the financial services industry, to help everyone understand the basics when it comes to making financial decisions.”

Once answered, the five questions link to specific information on NS&I’s You and your money website. This is an impartial website launched by NS&I in 2008 as part of an ongoing drive to improve the public’s understanding of personal finance. The site has a dedicated financial jargon-buster guide and sections on key life stages, such as planning for a family or retirement. Just like The Five Questions, it is simple and easy to use, even for those who find finance difficult to understand.

John Prout added, “Most people are very familiar with the healthy eating model of ‘five portions of fruit and veg daily’. We want to encourage a similar mindset about financial planning to ensure people review their finances on a regular basis.”

Nick Cann, Chief Executive at the Institute of Financial Planning stated, “Asking the key questions to help you get your finances in better shape needn’t be hard work. Through basic planning techniques, individuals can then make the first step to improve their overall financial ‘fitness’. We welcome this initiative, and it aligns well with the IFP’s development of a national Financial Planning Week – scheduled for September 2009.”

You and your money has a range of useful links and tools to help people decide what action they should be taking. These include:

-pensions and personal inflation calculators
-FSA online tools
-Government online tools and calculators

NS&I plans to add further lifestyle sections to the website over time.

*The survey, which questioned people about financial planning, was carried out by TNS in 2008 among 1009 GB adults aged between 16 and 64.

About NS&I
NS&I is one of the UK’s largest financial providers with 28 million customers and over £88 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers Inflation-Beating Savings and investment accounts, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and Children’s Bonus Bonds in its range. NS&I also provides a choice of isa accounts with the direct isa and a cash isa which will remain available to new customers until 5th April 2009. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury. NS&I has a number of spokespeople available for interviews via ISDN line: 020 7602 4522.

Via EPR Network
More 
Financial press releases

Online Marketing Strategies Leave IT Departments Isolated Reveals Rackspace

IT decision makers are increasingly falling into a “Website Wilderness” as they fail to align technology with the delivery of online marketing, according to international research launched by Rackspace Hosting (NYSE: RAX). The research also indicates that businesses are not engaging effectively online or aligning formal objectives with business goals.

The survey investigated the views and future plans of 250 IT decision makers among eight industry sectors and across several regions – the UK, Northern Europe (Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark) and South Africa.

According to the study nearly two-thirds (64%) of UK respondents expect to see more investment in online marketing in the coming year, but almost the same number (65%) claim they would not be involved in its delivery. The findings were similar across Northern Europe, where 44% stated online marketing would be a big focus, but 45% did not expect to get involved in it. Considering 90% of shoppers bought their Christmas presents online in 2008*, these findings are particularly startling.

As well as the disconnect between IT and the delivery of online marketing, only 20% of UK businesses and 32% in Northern Europe are investing in blogs and web forums. This could put businesses at a competitive disadvantage as the use of social media as a channel to communicate with customers increases in many sectors.

Just over a third (36%) of IT decision makers have formal objectives aligning IT with business goals, highlighting a disconnect between business strategy and technology implementation. This number is less in Northern Europe (28%). With so many options on how technology is delivered to the business, it seems that IT decision makers are confused by the array of applications they can host, which
include hosting, accounting, finance, email, ERP, payroll and websites.

Fabio Torlini, marketing director at managed hosting provider Rackspace, said: “The online ambitions of the marketing departments need to be supported by the technical expertise of the IT department for the benefit of the whole company. Technology has evolved in such a way that businesses can have almost any service adapted to support their marketing needs. So for businesses not to use this to their advantage is completely misguided.

“Marketing leaders must tap into the expertise of the IT department and IT decision makers become engaged in the marketing strategy. The challenge for IT people is to look to new ways of working, such as online engagement and hosted applications, to enhance competitive edge. In particular I would expect to see a review of strategies in line with the economic downturn. Outdated views of technology and a disconnect between IT and the wider organisation will present a risk for businesses in 2009. Set against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, making mistakes in IT strategy could prove costly to repair.”

 

* IMRG e-Retail Customer Service (e-CSi) Index, Dec 08

The research was carried out by independent research company, Loudhouse Research, who interviewed 100 IT decision makers from UK, including IT Directors, IT Managers, IT Project Managers, Heads of IT, Network Managers, MDs and CEOs.

About Rackspace Hosting
As the world’s leader and specialist in hosting, Rackspace Hosting is changing the way businesses worldwide buy IT. Rackspace delivers computing-as-a-service, integrating the industry’s best technologies into a flexible service offering, making computing more reliable and affordable. A trusted partner to companies of all sizes, Rackspace enables IT departments to be more effective. Rackspace is distinguished by its award-winning Fanatical Support, furthering the company’s mission to be one of the world’s greatest service companies. Rackspace featured in the top 30 of both the Sunday Times 100 Best companies to work for list and the Financial Times Great Place to Work Awards, 2008. Rackspace’s portfolio of hosted services includes managed hosting, email hosting and cloud hosting.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

UK Adults Delaying Retirement Due To Economy Reveals Prudential

According to the new Prudential ‘Class of 2009’ retirement survey, around 2.2 million* UK adults aged 45 and above** are delaying their retirement in 2009 due to the state of the economy and the falling value of their investments.

The Prudential survey also highlights that their concerns are so severe that those delaying retirement do not expect to be able to get their plans back on track for years to come.

Only one in four (25 per cent) of those delaying drawing their pension in 2009 expect they will be able to retire before 2012, with an even higher number – two in five (42 per cent) – expecting it will be 2012 or beyond before they can retire and one in four (23 per cent) believing they won’t ever be able to afford to retire.

But, despite many adults delaying retirement, nearly one in three (30 per cent) of those actually able to retire in 2009 are public sector workers, even though they make up just one in five people in the UK workforce***.

The remaining 2009 retirees will be split 35 per cent from private sector jobs and 15 per cent from self employed roles, with the remainder coming from those who are unemployed or in other sectors.

“It is a reflection of the difficult economic situation that so many workers, and particularly those in private sector roles who do not benefit from public sector final salary pension schemes, are trying to delay retirement but there are other options available,” said Martyn Bogira, Director of DC Solutions at Prudential.

Martyn pointed out that even with the economy in its current depressed state, many annuity rates have performed better than many feared and there are a number of other pension income options available, like income drawdown, which can let workers delay buying an annuity until such time as the economy has started to recover.

Martyn continued, “Now more than ever it pays to seek early retirement advice from an independent financial adviser and we would suggest that people start planning for their retirement early, ideally at least 15 years from retirement. It is vital that those saving for retirement continually monitor their investment mix to ensure they have the right risk profile to help minimise the impact of economic fluctuations and falling stock markets.”

The information contained in Prudential UK’s press releases is intended solely for journalists and should not be used by consumers to make financial decisions. Full consumer product information can be found at www.pru.co.uk.

Survey conducted by Research Plus among 1,000 UK adults aged 45+ between 10 – 18 November 2008 using an online methodology

* Office of National Statistics 2007 population estimates, 2.2 million adults aged 45 and above.
** Of the survey group, the youngest age given for individuals planning to retire in 2009 was 45
*** ONS Labour Market Study, public sector staff account for 20.4 per cent of employed population in June 2005

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

New Software Helps Entrepreneurs Find Venture Funds

Commonwealth Capital Advisors (CCA) reached yet another milestone when it released a new software module of Financial Architect® Venture Producer™. Venture Producer™ is revolutionizing the way start-up and early-stage Venture/Hedge Funds are raising substantial amounts of capital using the techniques of Wall Street investment banks.

Venture Producer™ is an addition to the highly acclaimed Financial Architect® family of programs, which simplify equity financing for start-up and early-stage companies and Funds. The easy-to-use software based Venture Producer™ generates the required securities offering documents and investor leads, which enable start-up and early stage Venture and Hedge Fund managers raise and manage an unlimited amount of capital for their management companies as well as their venture or hedge funds.

CCA is an eleven-year-old investment banking advisory firm comprised of Wall Street Investment Bankers, Securities Attorneys and CPAs who invented Financial Architect®, a patent pending system designed to substantially reduce the cost (in time and money) of raising capital, through the selling of securities.

“The goals of Financial Architect®, and the module we’re announcing for Venture/Hedge Funds are simple,” said Timothy Hogan, CCA’s Chairman and CEO. “We want to help experienced professional entrepreneurs involved in and or desiring to break into the very lucrative fields of venture capital, mutual and hedge fund management industries to significantly lower the costs and increase the speed of raising equity capital. Just as important, we want to provide these professional management teams with an easy-to-use expert system that will enable them to choose the right deal structure for capital they need and manage those funds in compliance with federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations.”

“We believe there’s significant and growing demand among entrepreneurs for control over their financing strategies. The software components of Financial Architect® are designed to meet this ‘do-it-yourself’ approach,” he concluded.

More importantly, Commonwealth Capital Advisors has developed and now provides Financial Architect® as the Premier Expert System for start-up, early-stage and seasoned companies, that seek capital. The patent pending, software based, Financial Architect® is a system and method of reducing the cost of raising capital, as so states the abstract of its patent application.

Financial Architect® enables entrepreneurs to: valuate their company pre and post-money; create “marketable deal structures” for securities to be offered that are designed sell into today’s private equity markets; create the required securities offering documents compliant with federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations; and access to accredited “angel” investors, private equity funds, hedge funds, registered investment advisors, broker-dealers and many other sources of capital, around the world, that have a specific interest in funding start-up and early-stage companies. Access to investors, more Wall Street secrets and techniques, as well as, regulatory guidance is located in the password-protected “Commonwealth Capital Club” located on CCA’s website and is part of Financial Architect®.

“When it comes to raising capital, there are no guarantees — only degrees of probability. To further ensure success, simply increase the probability to the highest degree possible. Financial Architect® is designed to increase your probability of raising capital to the highest degree possible. How can we make such a claim? Because this is the Wall Street process and without it, Wall Street wouldn’t exist. We’ve simply brought the “Wall Street” process to “Main Street” companies.” Timothy D. Hogan, Founder & CEO: Commonwealth Capital Advisors

“When it comes to raising capital, there is no simpler way to explain how to effectively raise substantial amounts of capital while maintaining voting control. If you read just the first 2-Chapters of the Ebook, “The Secrets of Wall St. – Raising Capital for Start-Up and Early Stage Companies,” it would be time well spent. By doing so, you will be able to make an informed decision if our process is right for your company’s capital raising needs. At a minimum, you will save a significant amount of time, money and headaches trying to figure out how the world of capital really works,” Hogan concluded.

If you have not been through the process before and have a limited appreciation and understanding of it, then we suggest you educate yourself first, by reading the abridged edition of: “The Secrets of Wall Street — Raising Capital for Start-Up and Early Stage Companies.” (It’s Complimentary)

Entrepreneurs around the world are revolutionizing the way capital is raised using Financial Architect®.

 

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Javelin Marketing Provides Resources for Financial Advisors to Combat Recession

It’s no secret that financial advisors, financial planners, stockbrokers, life insurance agents and other financial services professionals are having a hard time retaining clients. Many clients have fled the financial markets for the safety of bank accounts and treasury bills.

There are approaches that advisors can use for client retention in this market and these are discussed at Javelin Marketing’s main blog. Additionally, Javelin Marketing provides free financial services marketing tools to download at their special download blog. New tools are added each month. Current tools and downloads available to financial advisors:

• Four ways to eliminate capital gains taxes—a great piece to share with clients right in the middle of tax season
• The benefit of offering FDIC insured CDs to retain clients now
• How to get more involved with individual fixed income securities to serve and attract an aging clientele
• A special social security tax reduction calculator that shows annuity sellers how in most cases, an annuity will save the retired owners taxes on social security income
• Ebook on Marketing to Seniors

If you register at the blog, you will be notified as tools are added. Soon to be added is “How to Find and Hire the Best Assistant.”

http://www.javelin-marketing-downloads.com

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

New Fixed Rate Cash ISA By Lloyds TSB

Lloyds TSB has announced the launch of a new Fixed Rate Cash ISA, offering savers the opportunity to earn a competitive tax free rate up to 3.20 per cent.

Available from 16th February 2009, the new Fixed Rate Cash ISA rate is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of account opening. Accounts can be opened with a minimum deposit of £3000 and will accept transfers from previous tax years.

Janet Pope, savings and investments director at Lloyds TSB said: “In this unpredictable rate climate, savers are moving towards fixed rate products. The security of knowing exactly how much you will earn on your savings is invaluable in today’s uncertain environment. This product is ideal for those looking to get a guaranteed, tax free return on their nest egg.”

Nearly half (46 per cent) of ISA holders questioned by the bank say they will be opting for a fixed rate in the 2009/2010 tax year, with only 11 per cent willing to take a chance on a variable rate ISA. Just seven per cent of savers believe that interest rates will rise in the next 12 months, but almost a quarter (22 per cent) anticipate further cuts.

Janet Pope continued: “Now is not the easiest time to be a saver, as interest rates are at an historic low. This makes it more important than ever to utilise the tax free allowance available, but with the 2008/2009 tax year end looming on April 5th, six out of ten ISA holders have not yet taken full advantage.”

The findings show that 63 per cent of ISA holders have yet to use the full £3600 available to them, with a further 40 per cent admitting they do not have an ISA despite having savings elsewhere.

Research conducted by ICM online with 2000 UK adults in February 2009
A minimum deposit of £3000 is required
Customers may only make one deposit for the 2009/2010 tax year

About Lloyds TSB:
Lloyds TSB offers customers a wide range of current accounts, savings accounts, insurance, personal loans and credit cards, designed to meet different customers’ needs. Lloyds TSB Bank plc and Lloyds TSB Scotland plc are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and signatories to the Banking Codes. Lloyds TSB Bank plc Registered Office: 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN. Registered in England and Wales no. 2065.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Over £30 Million Of Unclaimed Premium Bond Prizes Exist In UK Says NS&I

A major nationwide search has been launched by National Savings and Investments (NS&I) to track down the winners of over 550,000 unclaimed Premium Bond prizes worth over £30 million in total. This is the largest amount ever left unclaimed and includes one prize worth £100,000, two worth £25,000 and ten worth £10,000.

The prizes commonly become unclaimed because people fail to pass on new addresses when they move house, they have forgotten that Bonds had been bought for them when they were a child or executors are unaware the Bonds are held when someone dies. Over a third (37%) of people who have lost touch with their savings have moved home and failed to tell all their financial providers their new address. Half (50%) say they find it difficult to remember all of the accounts they have opened over the years.

The unclaimed premium bond prizes range all the way from £25 up to £100,000. NS&I gives away over one million tax-free* Premium Bond prizes each month.

Sally Swait, Premium Bond manager at NS&I said: “Following the expense of Christmas, tracing lost Premium Bonds prizes may prove to be a welcome source of extra money for some.”

She continued, “We urge anyone who believes they could have unclaimed prizes to check with us. The easiest way is to use our website and there is no time limit on claiming the prizes.”

There are two ways to check for an unclaimed prize: The Premium Bond prize checker is on the home page of the NS&I website at www.nsandi.com – customers simply need to enter their Premium Bond holder’s number into the search facility.

Alternatively customers can write to
Premium Bonds
National Savings and Investments
Blackpool
FY3 9YP

There is no time limit on claiming prizes and each unclaimed prize is held until the winner can be tracked down. The oldest unclaimed prize dates back to November 1957 for the sum of £25.

* All Premium Bonds prizes are free of UK income Tax and Capital Gains tax.

About NS&I:
NS&I is one of the largest financial providers in the UK with 28 million customers and over £83 billion invested. It is best known for Premium Bonds, but also offers High Income Bonds, ISA accounts, Guaranteed Equity Bonds and Children’s Bonus Bonds in its range. All products offer 100% security, because NS&I is backed by HM Treasury.

NS&I products are available over the telephone, internet, post and by standing order. They are also available through a network of 14,000 UK Post Office branches.

Via EPR Network
More Financial press releases

Â