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Are better Interest rates on their way at last?

Good news may be on the way for savers now though, as, for the first time in nearly 10 years, the monetary policy committee (MPC) had a split decision of 5-3 in favour of leaving interest rates as they are when the vote was made on whether to increase interest rates last week.  It was believed the MPC would vote 7-1 to maintain the rate at its post-Brexit referendum level of 0.25%.

Members of the Committee, Ian McCafferty and Michael Saunders joined outgoing rate rise advocate Kristin Forbes in supporting an increase back to the post-crisis level of 0.5%.  It was the closest the MPC has come to supporting a rise since 2007 because it currently has only eight members following Charlotte Hogg’s departure in March.

In the minutes of the rate-setting meeting, the Bank said it now expected inflation to exceed 3% by the autumn –  higher than it had forecast a month ago – having reached an annual rate of 2.9% in May.

This announcement had an immediate effect on the Pound/Euro rate.  The levels were dropping alarmingly low again to the 1.1 level but this announcement saw the rate rise immediately back to 1.4.  This is very positive for the Pound as it would indicate that it would become stronger should the interest rates go up, which in turn could provide Expat retirees with some welcome extra cash in their pockets on two fronts (better exchange rate and better interest rates).

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

Pensions Update – by Laura Mann, Regional Manager Canary Islands

Blacktower FM PensionsStill wondering whether to leave your pension in the UK, or move it so that you benefit tax wise as an ex-pat?  Here´s the latest update on what´s happening in the pensions world.

UK:

If you Pension Fund is still held within the UK, since April 2015 most, but not all, Pension Providers have introduced flexibility, in terms of access to Pension Funds within the UK and this is certainly proving to be very popular with many.  Depending on the size of your pot you may be able to access all tax free, or alternatively access 25% tax free at the age of 55 years.

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British expats in EU want pensions clarity

There has never been a better time than now for British nationals living in the EU to consolidate their retirement plans by properly investigating their expat pensions options.

Post-Brexit, sterling has fallen dramatically against the euro and for many the uncertainty surrounding expat pensions is causing understandable anxiety.

Currently, British expats living in the EU receive an annual rise in the state pension; however, this could change in the post-Brexit environment, meaning that many face the prospect of frozen pensions and as a result are giving serious consideration to the idea of returning to the UK.

While these uncertainties are not to be dismissed lightly it is worth remembering that exit negotiations are yet to begin and freedom of movement and state and expat pensions are all likely to be issues for discussion once talks do start.

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