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2019 May Be A Testing Time

In these uncertain times, many savers and investors are holding large sums as cash within their bank accounts and investments. Yet they are invariably getting no interest on these deposits. So action is required if they want the potential to at least meet inflation, currently standing at over 2.5%.

The expectation is that performance of the financial markets in 2018 should be a reasonable guide to what lies ahead in 2019, with greater volatility playing a major role. The feeling is that Equities will lead the way in 2019, albeit via a bumpy road.

Investors should expect lower and more variable returns than those seen in 2017 and the sentiment is that buy and hold is the best strategy. But to weather the storms ahead investors need to hold a well-diversified portfolio that is actively managed. Management of volatility is key so Multi-asset funds should be of interest to investors.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Expats’ EHIC-Style Rights Guarantee a Step Closer

Blood pressure monitorBritish expats abroad have taken heart from the announcement that the government has introduced a bill to replicate the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), meaning that expats should continue to receive healthcare abroad even in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

As it stands, EHIC entitles Britons to state health care when in an EU or EEA country (European Economic Area) for treatments that are “medically necessary” as well as those for pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, as long as a person has not travelled abroad with the specific intention of giving birth there, they are also entitled to routine maternity care.

Although the Healthcare (International Arrangements) Bill does not replace EHIC it clears a pathway to a fast-track bill that will “provide the powers that are needed” in the event of British citizens’ healthcare rights being threatened by Brexit. It also means that, contrary to the fears of many expats, affording private medical insurance may not be an issue they will need to discuss with their expat financial services provider.

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The triple lock remains after Tory-DUP deal… but for how long?

Open padlockConcerns that the triple lock system is on its last legs are not new. But while the triple lock’s future has looked tenuous for a while, it has managed to survive the deal between the Conservative Party and the Democratic Union Party.

The Tories had previously planned to get rid of the triple lock – a mechanism to ensure the state pension rises either by the rate of inflation, wage growth, or by 2.5% (whichever is highest) every year – in 2020, replacing it with a double lock (which would remove the 2.5% element). But losing a parliamentary majority has caused the party to make a U-turn (probably because the DUP were strong supporters of the system staying put), and there was no mention of the triple-lock’s abolition in the Queen’s Speech.

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