THE TIPSTER February 6, 2011 WITH uncertainty continuing over the situation in Egypt, bearish investors are coveting the safe haven assets once again. After retreating from the $1,400 level at the start of the year, gold is now creeping higher but with no signs of further contagion in the geopolitical sphere, the risk aversion stance could arguably be seen as [...]
Beware: the fraudsters are in your business’s very midst February 3, 2011 LAST year, 63 per cent of frauds occurred in London and the South East, incurring more than £878m worth of damage to businesses. But contrary to popular belief these frauds weren’t all internet-based identity frauds, but were conducted by members of staff from within companies. To help you spot such instances of skulduggery, we asked [...]
ETFs – what they are and how to use them February 3, 2011 THIS page usually deals with listed exchange-traded products (ETPs) in great depth. Last week, for example, we covered the ins and outs of leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs) – which offer all the exposure of an ordinary ETF, except doubled up. But while the UK market for ETFs has expanded dramatically over the last few years, [...]
THE TIPSTER February 3, 2011 INTERNATIONAL Consolidated Airlines Group (or IAG) the new post merger moniker for British Airways, has seen its shares slump more than 10 per cent since the change, down to the 150 day moving average at 255p. There is good support at 255p, 250p and even at 240p from the 200 day moving average and spread [...]
Another big year for China starts today February 2, 2011 TODAY is the first day of the Chinese year of the rabbit. And rather like rabbits, the world’s statesmen are caught in the glare of China’s ascent. Economists are falling over each other to predict when China’s nominal GDP will overtake America’s, while foreign policy wonks are weighing the implications. Goldman Sachs reckons it could [...]
Don’t leave it all to the taxman: seven easy ways to lower IHT bills February 2, 2011 WHO do you want to leave your worldly wealth to when you pop your clogs? Your nearest and dearest? A furry friend? Charity? Unsurprisingly, the nation’s favourite beneficiaries are the ones closest to our hearts, with 87 per cent wanting their assets to go to family, according to Unbiased.co.uk, the financial advice website. Still, nearly [...]
For some, it’s a borrower’s market February 2, 2011 FANCY a new car, luxury holiday or that longed-for loft conversion but don’t have the cash? This could be the moment for you to bag a bargain. As businesses struggle amid the economic downturn, they are offering some very good deals, at least to certain clients. With care, you may be able to net an [...]
PERSONAL FINANCE NEWS February 2, 2011 SPACE INVADERS COST £66M Space invaders, houseguests who stay with friends and family for weeks at a time without paying rent, are causing havoc. More than 4.9m homeowners have been left counting the cost of houseguests who overstayed their welcome last year. Direct Line research shows that the space invaders caused £66m in damages to [...]
Be the king of presentations February 2, 2011 COLIN FIRTH’S portrayal of George VI in The King’s Speech will have struck a chord with many in business. True, they might not have had to address the nation as it goes to war, but many will have faced the ordeal of delivering speeches to a large live audience. It’s one of the hardest things [...]
Taking the oblique route is the fastest way to business success February 2, 2011 OBLIQUITY BY JOHN KAY Profile Books, £8.99 HAPPINESS is not achieved by trying to be happy – it is a question of pursuing other ends. Achieving them makes you happy. Take having children. Break it down into the nappy changing, sleepless nights and messy meal-times and you might wonder what exactly makes it an enjoyable [...]