Pension Reform

I like the summary of the paper written by the former Pensions and Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks. http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/politics/former-pensions-minister-wicks-calls-for-social-insurance-system/1051288.article Having such radicle reform of state benefits...

The FSA & Final Salary Pensions

I cannot foresee circumstances where I feel it would be the correct thing for a client to transfer from a final salary pension to a money purchase pension. I am pleased the FSA is tightening up the rules according to this article...

Employers & Final Salary Pensions

I laughed when I read the following article http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/pensions/employers-are-willing-to-shoulder-retirement-risk-says-webb/1050358.article I think there will be very few employers who will actually accept more pension liabilities for their staff....

Today’s Blog

The following article is sad reading. http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/investments/oecd-uk-heading-back-to-recession/1048984.article with oil prices up so much in percentage terms in the last few months most people’s disposable income has fallen. Talk of another...

The Chinese Economy & Fund Manager

I share the same concerns over the Chinese economy as Newton Fund Manager James Harries. http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/investments/newtons-harries-chinese-growth-is-unsustainable/1051941.article A further point I would add is that China has not experience negative...

A Partial Victory

I laughed when I read the following article http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/politics/government-u-turn-on-pasty-and-caravan-taxes/1052150.article Even charging 5% VAT on static caravans will damage a British manufacturing success story. I hope the media keeps up the...