Expert views
Commentary submitted by Katie Horne in their own words.
Back to profile22% charge aims to stop Isa savers getting around new rules from 2027
The news that HMRC plans to impose a tax on the cash held in savers’ Stocks and Shares ISAs will come as a blow to many savers.
Base rate hold ‘will pave way for mortgage lenders to cut rates in weeks ahead’
A base rate hold over the early summer would help sustain a competitive and compelling savings rates market.
Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75% but says inflation still to rise
Despite higher-than-desired inflation on both sides of the Atlantic, expectations of a UK base rate change in June have been limited.
Risk of complicated rules around proposed ISA taxation and 1p ‘loophole’
The Chancellor’s decision to cut the Cash ISA allowance was a blow to the hundreds of thousands of people who, every year, do their level best to save money, often putting it away for the long-term to fund their post-retirement lives.
‘Challenging times’ for homebuyers – mortgage affordability tightest since 2008
When it comes to long term financial planning, most of us believe that we have to make a choice: either overpay our mortgage or build up our savings.
Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75% but hints at future hikes
Savers are currently awash with options to make inflation-beating returns on their cash.
Bank of England set to hold interest rates despite Iran war pushing up inflation
Savers are currently awash with options to make inflation-beating returns on their cash. A vote to keep the base rate at 3.75% would mean competition among banks for savers’ cash will remain high. Banks will have to continue to fight for every pound in savers’ pockets in this higher-than-planned interest rate environment.
Industry-backed campaign aims to boost UK’s investment culture
Any campaign that activates UK savers into taking a more active role in their personal finances must be lauded.
Unemployment drops sharply as inactivity in jobs market rises
It is extraordinary to consider the contrast between the upbeat economic climate at the start of the year and the realities of an unpredictable geopolitical rollercoaster that’s now engulfing the world.
Isa providers increasing rates and offering cash as new tax year gets under way
The only thing that’s certain about the current geopolitical climate is that events can turn on a sixpence.
Bank holds UK interest rates at 3.75% and stands ‘ready to act’ over Iran war
It’s startling to take in the predictions some economists are making about how the Iran conflict could push inflation higher again. These predictions and ongoing market instability undermined any expectation that the Bank of England might cut the base rate from 3.75%.
What steps can homeowners worried about mortgage rate rises consider?
Even relatively modest overpayments, when made consistently, can significantly reduce both the term and total interest paid.