Read the latest news and articles from the Gem & Co team
Welcome to our August update for the investment markets. We take a quick look at some of the key factors that have been influencing the stock markets and could continue to do so over the coming months. Unfortunately, the latest news paints a gloomy picture for UK and Europe economies. UK At the top of
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Retirement isn’t often associated with boosting your activity and fitness levels. But remaining in good health is important and can help you get far more out of life. We’ve got nine tips for embracing an active lifestyle after you’ve given up work. When you think of retirement, it’s probably relaxation and kicking back that first
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The summer months are here, and another group of teenagers are eagerly awaiting the results of their A levels to find out if they’ve secured a space at their chosen university. If your child or grandchild is among those hoping to gain a degree over the next few years, it’s a time that’s filled with
Read moreI recently read an article by a wine expert that resonated with me. The wine expert makes the point that she (a genuine expert with numerous appropriate qualifications and 35 years experience) has to shout louder and louder to be heard in a world inundated with a 24-hour news cycle and endless social media. There
Read moreIntroduction It was famously said that ‘all roads lead to Rome.’ In British politics, all speeches currently lead to the EU Referendum. George Osborne’s Budget speech, delivered on Wednesday March 16th, was no exception. More than ever, the Chancellor was seeking to balance politics and economics as he rose to speak. On the politics front,
Read moreThe new dividend allowance will mean that from 2016/17 the first £5,000 of dividends you receive will be free of any personal income tax liability, regardless of your marginal tax rate. However, once the allowance is exceeded the effective tax rates are generally 7.5% higher than currently apply, as the table below shows. Extra Tax
Read more2015/16 marked the beginning of pension flexibility for money purchase schemes. In the first six months following the reform over 380,000 pension arrangements were accessed under the new rules of which nearly 240,000 were fully encashed, according to the Financial Conduct Authority. The introduction of flexibility, radical though it was, is by no means the
Read moreAs the end of the financial year draws ever closer, it’s important not to forget about any ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) you have and any remaining payments that you’re allowed to make. The maximum allowance for ISAs for the 2015/16 financial year is £15,240, so it’s important that you invest any funds that you have
Read moreFebruary was another month where the problem for this commentary was what to leave out: the world is not short of ‘events’ at the moment. In the Far East, North Korea successfully fired a long range rocket, causing consternation in Tokyo and Seoul. Closer to home, David Cameron returned from Brussels with his deal on
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