The world’s investment markets survived the first half of 2026 better than expected. Index Change 31/12/25–30/6/26 Change 31/3/26–30/6/26 FTSE 100 5.7% 3.2% Standard & Poor’s 500 9.6% 14.9% Nikkei 225... read more →
Financial Services: Archives
The Chancellor’s Great British Summer Saving package included a rise in tax-free mileage rates. There is a curious divide in the way in which HMRC deals with cars used by... read more →
HMRC has published fresh information on the mechanics of collecting inheritance tax (IHT) on pensions. In the October 2024 Budget, the Chancellor announced that most pension death benefits would become... read more →
Recent headlines suggest that only 9% of people will enjoy a comfortable retirement, but the reality is more nuanced. The latest Retirement Living Standards report from Pensions UK highlights the... read more →
Making the most of your available tax allowances and reliefs has always been an important part of effective tax planning. In recent years, this has become even more valuable, with... read more →
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has updated its life expectancy projections. Life expectancy calculations matter, and not just to answer that perennial question. Any long-term economic projections, such as... read more →
HMRC data reveals how much government revenue depends on just four key taxes. The Labour Party went into the 2024 general election with pledges on four major taxes in its... read more →
The Treasury has launched a campaign to help reunite people with unclaimed Child Trust Funds. On 4 July 2026, the US government will officially launch Trump Accounts. While not another... read more →
HMRC has reported a low initial registration level for its new income tax regime. More than 11 years after ‘Making Tax Easier’ was first announced in the March 2015 Budget,... read more →
Do you have a rainy day fund? Think again, if you don’t – where you hold your cash matters. A common piece of financial advice is that you should have... read more →
