Stiff upper lip?

Article Abstract:

The United Kingdom stock market experienced volatility in 1998, with a drop of 20% in Aug and Sep after a peak in late Jul of that year. There has been a 62% rise in the five years to Mar 1999, and 4.5% in the year to Mar 1999, with 5% for the six months to Mar 1999. Tracker funds have become popular since charges are lower, and they can perform better than actively managed funds, few of which outperform the market. Personal equity plans (Peps) give tax advantages, but investors should only consider Pep funds if they see the market as likely to perform well, since underperformance will undermine benefits from tax advantages.

Personal Tax Planning, Stock-exchange, Stock exchanges, Tax planning

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The best of trusts, the worst of trusts

Article Abstract:

A survey of UK investment trust managers, taking both risk and returns into account over the entire range of the manager's funds, ranks Henderson Touche Remnant first. Henderson is also the biggest manager in the survey. Foreign and Colonial (F and C) ranks second and, like Henderson, allows flexibility for fund managers. F and C aims to select value stocks and these shares tend to perform well over the long term, though have performed less well in 1995 and 1996. Baillie Gifford ranks third and this manager is pessimistic over the performance of UK shares in 1997.

Commercial Banks, Investment Banking and Securities Dealing, Portfolio & Funds Management, Evaluation

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Keeping investment costs down

Article Abstract:

Performance is important with investments, but so are charges, which can severely affect returns. Discount brokers can offer savings on initial charges, and lump sum investments can also be used to cut costs. Fee-based advisers can save money compared to paying commissions. Advisers who are paid commissions should reveal the impact these have on the performance of the fund. Rules on disclosure have been changed to make assessing charges easier.

Investment advice, Investment Advisory Services, Financial services industry, Financial services, Prices and rates, Investment advisers

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