corporate bonds

Investment outlook for 2009

Rebecca Atkinson — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:08:56 +0000

This time last year, the investment world’s crystal ball gazers were forecasting tough times ahead. Markets had been volatile in the wake of the US sub-prime mortgage crisis, rising oil prices and a weakening dollar, while the run on Northern Rock reminded us all that the credit crisis was not just a US problem. The contagion was spreading and it was heading our way.

Pension incomes set to shrink

Rebecca Atkinson — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:37:24 +0100

The amount of money people can earn from their pension annuity is set to fall sharply over the next year as a result of the economic downturn coupled with longer life expectancy.

Standard Life cuts customer bonuses

Rebecca Atkinson — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:36:06 +0100

Standard Life has become the latest with-profit player to slash final bonuses and extend exit fees in a move that means most policyholders will see a fall in the value of their plans.

Tide turns on rising annuity rates

Rebecca Atkinson — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:23:19 +0100

Pensioners yet to take out an annuity product have been urged to think about doing so quickly, as rising rates seem to have hit a tipping point.

Annuity rates have been at a five-year high in recent months, but according to the latest figures from Alexander Forbes Annuity Bureau the tide has turned with seven providers cutting rates over the past month.

Get back to basics on corporate bonds

Chris Thomas — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:10:58 +0100

Corporate bonds form the bedrock of many investment portfolios, and are frequently recommended by independent financial advisers. But, given that they are arguably more complicated than the average stockmarket fund, it can be tricky to grasp how they work and the role they should play in your overall investment strategy.

Stretch your salary and boost your income

Chris Thomas — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:51:23 +0100

Making savings on everyday living expenses is a great way to stretch your salary or boost your income. Supplement this strategy with extra earnings and you’ll free up plenty of cash to save, invest or maybe even spend.

Playing it safe in the fixed-interest market

Chris Thomas — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:29:16 +0100

It's fair to say that fixed-interest investments are never going to shoot the lights out when it comes to performance; their appeal lies in the fact that they can provide a comparatively safe haven during troubled times. Indeed, many top financial advisers have been telling their more cautious clients to devote at least a third of their investments to fixed interest.

Help me save for early retirement

Chris Thomas — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:03:58 +0000

The Profile

Clare Walker, 29, from Weymouth in Dorset, works as a fashion merchandiser for high street store New Look, and takes home £1,953 a month after tax.

She repays £660 a month on her £165,000 mortgage with Halifax, which is on a fixed rate of 4.39% until August 2008. She lets a room to her sister who contributes £238 a month.

Planning an investment portfolio

Rebecca Atkinson — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:25:22 +0000

Investing your ISA allowance in this year's best-performing fund won't necessarily make you rich. Indeed, this strategy could leave you with a very poorly performing investment portfolio that doesn't suit your investment objectives or your appetite for risk.

Weighing up the risk of a stocks and shares ISA

Rebecca Atkinson — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:07:57 +0000

While a cash ISA offers the security of regular interest, with a stocks and shares ISA the value of your investment could fall as well as rise. But, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider them.