September will mark the first Income Protection Awareness Week. Income protection can provide financial security when you need it most, but it’s often something that’s overlooked. If you recognise these five scenarios, it may be worth looking at how income protection could fit into your wider plans. 1. Your employer doesn’t offer sick pay It’s worth looking at the benefits your employer offers when weighing up the pros and cons of income...

When you read the news, it’s often filled with reasons not to invest. From the 2008 financial crisis to the UK leaving the EU, you may have approached investing with some trepidation. But choosing not to invest for these reasons alone means you’re likely to have missed out on long-term gains. Research from Schroders shows there’s been a reason not to invest every single year over the last three decades. The coronavirus pandemic caused...

After the global economy suffered due to the pandemic and related restrictions, the World Bank now predicts that it will grow at the fastest rate recorded in 80 years. The organisation expects the global economy to grow by 5.6% in 2021. However, it also warned that poor nations are at risk of falling further behind wealthy countries amid slower vaccine progress. UK The date when all Covid-19 restrictions would lift in the UK, dubbed “freedom...

Perhaps you already invest in the stock market in some way, and find out about companies selling shares for the first time via the news. But what actually happens during an IPO (initial public offering), and which parts are important for investors to pay attention to? Read on to find out. IPOs present the first opportunity for investors to invest in a company An IPO is one of the methods that companies use when their stock becomes available to...

During March there were reasons to be optimistic. In fact, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) raised global growth forecasts following Covid-19 vaccination and stimulus package news around the world. It’s now expected the global economy will expand 5.6% this year. Despite the pandemic dominating headlines, a survey from the Bank of America suggests Covid-19 is no longer the biggest risk worrying investors. Instead,...

A year after lockdowns around the world began, Covid-19 continues to affect economies and investment markets. While the volatility experienced almost 12 months ago may have calmed, uncertainty remains and it’s important for investors to focus on their long-term plan. In February, Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), called on leaders of the G20 to deliver strong policies to support the global economic...

The pandemic has led to more people taking control of their finances and investing. If you’re looking for some investing tips, the following pearls of wisdom from Warren Buffett are a great place to start. Known as a businessman and philanthropist, Warren Buffett consistently ranks on lists of the world’s richest people, with an estimated net worth of over $80 billion in October 2020. He primarily made his money through investing and is often...

2020 was an eventful year. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns around the world had a huge impact on life, which inevitably affected stock markets and investment portfolios. The stock market volatility experienced a year ago will be fresh in the mind of investors, but the crash wasn’t unique. Investors have experienced ups and down for centuries Technology has made investing easier than ever and gives investors far more choice, but the basics...

With interest rates low and investment markets experiencing volatility throughout 2020, you may be looking for an alternative place to put your money. Premium Bonds are an option you may be considering, but you could end up missing out on returns. What are Premium Bonds? Premium Bonds are a type of investment product issued by National Savings & Investment (NS&I), but they work differently to other types of investments for two key...