Analysis, Financial Planning, Politics
What the UK Election Result Means for Expats
As the Queen confirmed David Cameron’s second term as Prime Minister of the UK, the cloud of political and financial uncertainty lifted, and investors are now hoping to reap the benefits. In the housing industry, expats who have invested in UK property should start to see a more aggressive rise in prices. With no threat […]
Eurozone, Government Changes, Great Britain, Great British Pound, Stock Market, UK, UK General Election 2015, World Economy
UK General Election 2015
At 07:00 BST approximately 50,000 polling stations will open across the UK so that millions of people can cast their votes in the general election. [FULL LIVE COVERAGE ON THE BBC] FACTS: In total 650 MPs will be voted into Westminster. 50 million people are registered to vote. In addition to the general election, there […]
Great Britain, UK Expats, UK General Election 2015, World Politics
Women: Better educated, but paid less
Having attended the final Network Girls HCMC event of the year last night, I was reminded what a wonderful experience it is to a professional woman working overseas. It is an honour and privilege to have had a good education, and be able to travel freely around the world because of it. I perhaps take […]
Children's Education Fee Planning, Featured, Great Britain, Politics, Retirement Planning, UK, World Economy
Record Breaking Black Friday Sales in the UK
In November, UK retail sales rose 6.4%, their fastest annual rate in more than 10 years as a result of the Black Friday affect. A scene made familiar by the US, took off in the UK this year, with retail stores offering Black Friday discounts that provided record sales. Electrical goods sales were up 32% […]
Crisis For UK Oil Industry
“Close to collapse” is how one industry leader described the UK’s oil industry. Oil companies and service providers are cutting staff and investment to save money. With oil prices currently below $60 a barrel, and with no price rise in sight, it seems that projects in the North Sea are struggling to make a profit. […]
New Plans To Save The Russian Rouble
New measures are being put in place in Russia to try and stabilise the rouble or at least try to stem its recent slump against the dollar. If necessary, the central bank plans to provide additional capital to Russia’s banks and financial companies. There are also plans to hold more foreign exchange auctions if required. […]
Wages On The Rise In The UK
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has indicated that wage growth in the UK is picking up. Average earnings between August and October were up 1.6% on the year before, excluding bonuses. Including bonuses, they were up by 1.4%. This is the first time in six years that both figures have been above the rate […]
12 Year Low for UK Inflation
UK inflation is down to a 12-year low as a result of sinking fuel prices according to official statistics. An “early Christmas present” for consumers as the Consumer Price index measured inflation at 1% in November, having been at 1.3% in October. The Retail Prices Index fell to a five-year low of 2% down from […]
Eurozone, Government Changes, Great Britain, Interest Rates, Investments, Market watch, UK, World Economy
ECB attempts to revitalise the Eurozone
The European Central Bank (ECB) has “stepped up” preparation for even more stimulation procedures focused on revitalising the eurozone economic climate, banking Head of state Mario Draghi has claimed. His remarks followed the ECB held rate of interest at 0.05 %. Mr Draghi also said that the bank would evaluate the influence of its existing stimulation […]
Eurozone, Great Britain, Investments, Market watch, Stock Market, World Economy
Financial Planning, Inheritance, Pensions, Tax Cut
Osborne Abolishes Death Tax
George Osborne attempted to steady the Conservative ship yesterday by announcing an eye-catching tax cut aimed at core Conservative voters. The Chancellor announced plans to abolish the 55 per cent tax applied to UK pension pots upon the holder’s death. These changes will come into effect from April 2015. The Treasury predicts the new policy […]
Death Tax, Government Changes, Great Britain, Inheritance, Retirement Planning, Tax Cuts, UK
The Queen urges voters to think “carefully”
The Queen has broken her silence on the potential break-up of the United Kingdom just four days before the polls open. In an unusual move for a member of the Royal family, the Queen said that voters should think “very carefully about the future” before casting their vote on Thursday in the historical referendum vote. […]
England, Great Britain, Great British Pound, Politics, Referendum, Scotland, Sterling, The Queen, The Royal Family
