Markets have started to see some volatility in April, following (mostly) positive performance over the prior few months. Inflation data continues to improve, although progress appears to have slowed somewhat. Commodity prices continue to keep costs inflated, and there is […]
A general investment account (GIA) can be thought of a bit like a regular savings account, except you are putting your money into investments – e.g. bonds and shares – rather than cash. What makes a GIA different from other investment “vehicles,” such as ISAs and pensions?
Bonds can be a powerful asset class to include in an investor’s portfolio. Yet how do they work, exactly? How do they relate to taxes, and what can you do to “shield” your returns (e.g. capital gains) as much as possible?
As we approach the end of quarter one, and indeed the tax year, global markets have continued to perform well following positive data on inflation. The UK Budget announced better-than-expected projections, despite economic shrinkage in the second half of 2023. […]
UK government bonds – also called “gilts” – can be an attractive option for investors who are focused on mitigating risk, providing income and diversifying their portfolios. Yet what are gilts, exactly? How do they work, and what are the best ways to include them in an investment plan?
How should you choose your investments? When building a portfolio, many investors focus on past performance – e.g. the price growth of a fund over the last 10 years – to try and identify “winners”. Yet, there are great limitations to this approach.
Global markets have continued to rally this month, with strong returns seen in the US and Europe in particular. Markets are still dominated by a small number of companies – the Magnificent Seven in the US, and their smaller European […]
For beginners, investing can seem both intriguing and intimidating. You might be excited by the idea of building wealth, yet confused by the jargon and concepts put forward by the investing world. The good news is that anyone can get started with investing in 2024 if they take the time to develop financial education.
Following the rallies towards the end of 2023, most global markets have taken a slight downturn this month as festive optimism wears off. The US has bucked the trend, driven by a small handful of tech stocks. The US has […]
An ISA is still one of the most powerful tools for tax-free savings and investments in 2023-24. Yet choosing the right option is not always straightforward. Which type of ISA(s) should you choose and how much should you contribute? Which features should you look out for, including benefits and pitfalls?
2023 has been an eventful year for investors. To some extent, it has been an easier year than 2022, with equities and fixed-income assets delivering better short-term returns (overall). Most central banks, including the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England, seem to be slowing down – perhaps even preparing to reverse – their interest rate hikes.
As an investor, one of the biggest questions you may face is how to invest a pot of money (e.g. from an inheritance windfall). Should you invest it all at once, as a lump sum, or should you “drip feed” it into a portfolio – i.e. “pound cost averaging?” Below, our Grantham financial advisers at Castlegate lay out some of the main pros and cons for each approach.
Castlegate Financial Management Limited is registered in England No. 2077374. Registered Office: 8 Castlegate, Grantham, Lincolnshire. NG31 6SE. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA No. 169777.
