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Comparison website ‘misleading’ savers into buying low rates

They compared four major comparison websites, as part of the investigation and found its rivals offered far more choices. Savers who took these inferior “best buys” could lose up to £500 a year in lost interest, according to the programme. 

This figure comprises interest that savers would forgo if they put £1,000 into an easy-access account, £10,000 into an Isa, £8,000 into a 3-year bond and £7,000 into a notice account according to the sites recommendations, compared with the best deals for each product. The savings section has now been removed from the website 

The first comparison site started in 2002, introducing the model whereby firms pay for their products to be included in online best-buy tables. These sites have since become household names, and are widely used to compare financial products such as car insurance and energy suppliers. 

Comparison websites typically have a commercial link with the products they advertises, for example the comparison website may receive a commission every time a user clicks through to a bank or building society’s product website. 

Investors are lulled into a false sense of security by expecting impartial information to be supplied for them to get the best deal.  Whilst quite often people are satisfied with the outcome, there is no ongoing support and advice after. This is where Blacktower can help you.

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

Italy introduces new tax break for wealthy expats

Leaning Tower of PisaItaly has introduced a new ‘non-dom’ tax incentive which may see many wealthy British expats relocating to its shores, as well as convincing rich Italian expats to return. The new measure was approved by the Italian parliament in December as part of Italy’s Finance Bill 2017.

It ensures that foreign residents will be exempt from Italian tax on all offshore income and gains for a flat-rate tax charge of €100,000 (about £84,000). For a further €25,000, the tax exemption can be extended to family members.

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HMRC report details French QROPS

According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) there has been little change in the market for Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS)s in the two weeks ending August 2016.

The continued uptake of QROPS in France is likely to be a factor behind this, with the number of offshore pensions available in the world rising by four to pass the 1,250 mark for the first time – the fact that nine schemes were delisted was more than offset by the opening of 13 new schemes.

French QROPS remain one of the most popular. However, QROPS are available across 42 different jurisdictions, with Australia still the foremost QROPS centre; its 302 available schemes account for around one-quarter of the those available across the world.

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