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Savers hit again

Other actions introduced include the unveiling of a radical package of measures worth up to £170billion to help stimulate the economy. Crucially, the Bank of England forecasts Britain will narrowly miss falling into a recession along with a cut in its growth forecasts for the economy, predicting GDP growth of 0.8 per cent for next year. 

The Bank announced it is increasing its quantitative easing programme by printing £60billion more money to take the total to £435 billion since the banking crisis. Significantly, it also unveiled a radical £100 billion funding scheme for banks and a £10 billion corporate bond-buying scheme; decisions that the Monetary Policy Committee was divided on.  As part of the statement released, there is a forecast that unemployment will rise.

The new 0.25 per cent base interest rate spells good news for mortgage holders and other borrowers, but will heap further misery on savers, who have suffered from the long-term low rates. The previous interest rate level of 0.5 per cent had remained since March 2009. The new lower rate could also hit sterling, with experts warning of a further devaluation which would mean higher costs for British holidaymakers and expats living in the Eurozone who are paid in sterling. 

Today’s cut in interest rates is the latest hit to savers, who have suffered more than 1,000 rate cuts during 2016 alone, it has been reported. That equates to around nine savings rates being chopped for every rate that has increased since the start of 2016. 

If you have savings lying stagnant in the UK it is surely worth an hour of your time to speak to a reputable financial adviser.

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 Can Take Advantage of Tax Changes in Murcia and Andalucía

Goals for 20182018 has brought good news for many expats tackling the idiosyncrasies of finance in Spain and, especially for those who want to manage their legacy planning successfully.

This is because British and other EU citizen expatriates in Spain have received a boost in relation to succession tax laws.

Under the Spanish regional system, expats in Spain (but not those from outside the EU or EEA) can avoid costly Spanish state succession rules on passing; instead they are able to take advantage of kinder regional laws, such as those just implemented by Murcia and Andalucía.

In these areas, if you have Spanish assets but have not quite yet become a fully-fledged expat or indeed if you have Spanish property but still reside full-time in the UK; your heirs, wherever they may live, are entitled to the full range of succession tax reliefs offered by the region in which your assets are invested. Sometimes this may be as much as 99% succession tax relief or, in some cases, total exemption.

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