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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

FCA and TPR Join Forces to Improve Outcomes

This month the two main pensions regulatory bodies, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and The Pensions Regulator (TPR), announced that they have joined forces to improve the prospects of retirees and pension savers. Previously, the two have worked together in an attempt to protect savers from pension scams.

The fact that the two regulators are thinking big by developing a strategy for the next five to ten years is good news as it gives some time for objectives to be fully understood and reached, and the published strategy will hopefully lead to greater numbers of savers having sufficient income once they reach retirement.

Initially, the two regulators oversaw a comprehensive review of the consumer pensions experience – particularly regarding how and why savers make the decisions they do. The published strategy now seeks to encourage pension providers to increase value for money, with an enforcement of standards and principles amongst the pension industry a key component of this aim.

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Modelo 720 (Overseas Asset Declaration) It’s that time of year again

Spanish FlagIf you are resident in Spain (if you live here more than 183 days in a calendar year, the Spanish tax authorities and in turn the UK HMRC will class you as Spanish resident) and held assets outside Spain as at 29 December 2017 worth over Euro 50,000, and you haven’t already declared them on a Modelo 720, you need to so by the end of March.

You may ask why should you bother, well unless you want a huge fine and possibly tax audit (they can legally go back to 2012) it is in your best interests to do it.

Some of you may still be under the impression that the reporting of assets is not a legal requirement; if this is the case then sadly I have to tell you, you are mistaken. On 15 February 2017, the European Commission accepted that Spain has the right to require residents to declare overseas assets. While the Commission disagrees with the severity of punishments for late or inaccurate submissions, the requirement to submit the Modelo 720 form is not under challenge. The EU and the UK say it is a legal requirement.

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