Posts
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The Lowdown │ Banking sector turmoil
FTSE 100 tumbled by more than 3% amid the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS. CIO Peter Lowman reassures investors that nerves are settling.
Mar 21, 2023
Banking
Inflation
Investments
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Strategic Insights │ Business tips in a volatile climate
Nick Rolf discusses business financial planning in a volatile economic environment and shares his top tips for established business owners, as well as people setting up a business.
Mar 14, 2023
Insurance
Startups
Tax
Entrepreneurs
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 6 March
Following a strong start to the year, volatility has returned to both stocks and bond markets. Upcoming events will be key in determining whether what lies ahead will be more bullish… or more bearish.
Mar 7, 2023
Inflation
Wall Street
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
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Strategic Insights │ What happens if you get ill?
This week, our CEO discusses income protection, critical illness cover and various other schemes available to help you maintain your standard of living when things don’t go your way.
Feb 28, 2023
Sickness
Financial Planning
Insurance
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 20 February
What recession? Nearly two months into 2023, the economy is looking fairly resilient and is even surprising us. Geopolitically, meanwhile, the rift between the world’s two remaining superpowers is worsening.
Feb 21, 2023
Inflation
Recession
Energy
Investments
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Strategic Insights │ Tax year end is nigh
It’s six weeks until the end of the tax year. During market volatility, it’s even more important to take advantage of every possible instrument, allowance and wrapper to shield your hard-earned money from the taxman.
Feb 14, 2023
Tax
Investments
Family
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 6 February
Evidence suggests that inflation has peaked, oil prices are down by around 40% from last year’s highs, and it is looking increasingly as though 13 October 2022 was when the markets bottomed out.
Feb 7, 2023
Inflation
Recession
Energy
Investments
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Strategic Insights │ Boost your retirement income by up to £47,000
Chartered Financial Planner, Melissa Thorogood, explains how you can boost your retirement income by up to £47,000 by following these steps…
Jan 31, 2023
Investments
Retirement
Financial Planning
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 23 January
Following a positive start to the year in the financial markets, the last few days have seen a downturn. Regional markets dampen investor sentiment, China’s Covid cases soar and US tech companies slash workforces.
Jan 24, 2023
Technology
China
Recession
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Strategic Insights │ Your tax year end checklist
The current tax year will end on the 5 April 2023. You must have used all this year’s tax reliefs and allowances by this date. Don't let them go to waste!
Jan 17, 2023
Tax
Investments
Family
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 9 January
Following a traumatic 2022, the first Lowdown of the year finally brings some good news for investors… China reopened and the FTSE 100 Index hit its highest level for nearly five years.
Jan 10, 2023
Inflation
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
China
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CEO End-of-Year Letter
Our CEO Petronella West takes stock of 2022 and shares some of the highlights of the past year at IQ.
Dec 30, 2022
Charity
IQ News
Inflation
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 19 December 2022
Central banks coordinate interest rate hikes and ongoing conflict means an unstable backdrop for energy. Our CIO makes his predictions for 2023…
Dec 21, 2022
Inflation
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Jerome Powell
COVID-19
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12 Days of Christmas
Once again, all of our team members took part in the IQ “12 Days of Christmas” charity campaign. Trying our hands in everything from baking, long-distance cycling and volunteering to support causes close to our hearts.
Dec 13, 2022
IQ News
Charity
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 5 December 2022
The financial market recovery appears to be gaining momentum and China’s stock market predicts the end of COVID restrictions. But what are the risks as we head into 2023?
Dec 6, 2022
Inflation
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Wall Street
China
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 22 November 2022
Our CIO tells us the impact of the Chancellor’s August Statement on the global financial markets.
Nov 22, 2022
Budget
Inflation
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
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Strategic Insights │ Black Friday
Are Black Friday sales a sign of increasing consumer confidence and better things to come?
Nov 15, 2022
Lifestyle
Debt
Inflation
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Strategic Insights │ Recession-proof your finances
Wealth Manager Tom Fleming’s top tips for recession-proofing your finances as energy bills soar and mortgage rates rise.
Nov 15, 2022
Financial Planning
Lifestyle
budget
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 9 November 2022
The BoE announces its largest single increase in interest rates in 33 years and warns that the UK is facing its longest recession since records began.
Nov 8, 2022
Wall Street
Budget
Inflation
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Strategic Insights │ Financial Wellbeing
Our goal is to build our clients a financial plan which makes them happier, not just wealthier.
Nov 2, 2022
Investments
Financial Planning
Lifestyle
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 24 October 2022
Liz Truss sets a new political record. How will the markets react to the UK’s third prime minister of this year?
Oct 25, 2022
Inflation
Energy
Rishi Sunak
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
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Strategic Insights │ Securing your finances post-divorce
When it comes to divorce, you don’t just need your friends. You need a new roadmap, investment advice and pension splitting guidance.
Oct 19, 2022
Family
Investments
Financial Planning
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 10 October 2022
Oil production cuts and low gas supplies spark warnings of power outages this winter. Meanwhile, Kwarteng’s mini-budget turmoil rattles the UK economy.
Oct 11, 2022
Inflation
Trump
Energy
Kwasi Kwarteng
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Being a B Corp
It’s official… we have been awarded B Corporation status! Recognised for our commitment to accountability, transparency and making a positive impact in the world.
Oct 4, 2022
Climate Change
Sustainability
Health
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 26 September 2022
Kwarteng is committed to cutting taxes while the pound hits record low. How quickly will the central banks raise interest rates?
Sep 27, 2022
Lowdown
Inflation
Kwasi Kwarteng
Budget
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Strategic Insights │ Degrees, temptation and debt
Up and down the country, young people are gearing up for university. How easy will it be for them to manage student debt as the cost-of-living crisis starts to bite?
Sep 7, 2022
Financial Planning
Debt
University
Family
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 29 August 2022
The Jackson Hole Economic Symposium triggers a market rout and Wall Street indices beat a rapid retreat. Meanwhile, the end of the Conservative party leadership contest draws near.
Aug 30, 2022
Lowdown
Inflation
Energy
Conservative Party
Jerome Powell
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Strategic Insights │ FemTech: because it’s worth it
Fast-growing, women-led businesses are catalysing the emergence of a massive tech subsector. Our investment analyst Holly West lifts the lid on FemTech.
Aug 27, 2022
Investments
FemTech
Technology
Women
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 19 August 2022
Wall Street is looking resilient and the dollar is soaring. But the CPI registers its first double-digit annual increase in more than four decades. The threat of recession looms…
Aug 19, 2022
Lowdown
Inflation
Energy
Conservative Party
Wall Street
Strategic Insights │ Before you crack open that pension pot…
You’ve spent decades toiling away, conscientiously paying into your pension. Our chartered financial adviser Nick Rolf tells us what to consider before you crack it open.
Aug 13, 2022
Investments
Pensions
Retirement
Tax
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 5 August 2022
Global equity markets have had their best month since 2020, but inflation remains a big problem. Can the central banks tame it, while containing the medium-term threat of recession?
Aug 5, 2022
Lowdown
Inflation
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Energy
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Strategic Insights │ Chasing dividends in a post-Covid world
“Buy low, sell high”…our Associate Investment Analyst explains how unbiased investors can take advantage of the extreme ups and downs in the stock market.
Jul 29, 2022
Investments
COVID-19
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 23 July 2022
The world is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, and the largely untested measures that the world’s governments and central banks applied to deal with it.
Jul 22, 2022
Lowdown
Pandemic
Strategic Insights │ Buying your first home
Saving for your first house? Or, does your child want to get on the property ladder? Read this article to maximise the chances.
Jul 15, 2022
Lifestyle
Family
Financial Planning
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The Lowdown │ Global markets to 9 July 2022
6 months into 2022. Energy and food costs continue to rise. Central banks raise interest rates to curb inflation. The Tories are in turmoil.
Jul 8, 2022
Inflation
Ukraine
China
Strategic Insights │ Investing Principles
IQ’s key principles for successful investing. Trust in your financial plan. Keep some cash. Power of compound interest. Control your emotions.
Jul 1, 2022
Investments
Financial Planning
Inflation
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 24 June 2022
Indices the world over hit by bear market concerns. Rising interest rates combine with inflationary pressures. Crypto takes a hit, but energies and commodities prosper.
Jun 24, 2022
Investments
Inflation
Crypto
Strategic Insights │ Selling your business
Why do you want to sell? You may be ready, but is your business ready? We look at some key considerations involved in a business exit.
Jun 17, 2022
Career
Startups
Tax
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 11 June 2022
Global equity markets edge higher, but concerns remain. The investment backdrop is still blighted by inflation. Food shortages hit Europe as we try to phase out Russian oil.
Jun 11, 2022
Equities
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Inflation
Recession
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 28 May 2022
A global equity market sell-off triggered by inflation. The EU has also been hard-hit. An unsustainable post-pandemic recovery. A disaster is always an opportunity for someone.
May 28, 2022
Inflation
COVID-19
Ukraine
Strategic Insights │ What happens when someone dies
We thought we would put together a brief overview of the things that you need to look at when somebody close to you dies.
May 20, 2022
Family
Tax
Financial Planning
Strategic Insights │ Staying safe online
Keep washing your hands – virtually. Protect yourself against email scams and bogus websites. Use strong passwords and protect your devices. The cloud is safer than you think.
May 5, 2022
Technology
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 30 April 2022
Stress and tension are exacerbated by geopolitics. A worsening Russian economy. Asia and Big Tech have their own problems to contend with. Now is a good time to grab cheap stock.
Apr 28, 2022
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Technology
Strategic Insights | The Ukraine tragedy: a shot in the arm for sustainable investing?
What does the conflict mean for energy policy? Rising raw material prices – an additional factor. Now is the time for sustainable investing.
Apr 21, 2022
Sustainability
Investments
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 16 April 2022
What can the International Energy Agency do about rising oil prices? The direction for financial markets remains unclear but that does not mean zero attractive investment opportunities.
Apr 14, 2022
Inflation
Investments
Strategic Insights | What is the Metaverse and are we in it yet?
Can we agree on what it means, if anything? Its worth will be measured in terms of the disruption it causes. Lots of investment will be needed – what’s not to like?
Apr 6, 2022
Technology
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 2 April 2022
Mixed performance and even some rallies. The west needs to find alternatives to Russian energy supplies. Retail sales slip as inflation rises. Some changes in our asset allocations.
Apr 1, 2022
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Sustainability
Investments
Strategic Insights | Teaching your children to be financially literate
Teach your children the financial basics. Teach them delayed gratification and to make smart decisions. Teach them that the value of money can grow.
Mar 24, 2022
Family
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 18 March 2022
World reaction to Putin’s brazen “military exercise”. Central banks move to tackle inflation. Equity markets creep back up. Financial markets continue to be rocked by events in Eastern Europe.
Mar 18, 2022
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Inflation
Investments
Strategic Insights | Tax year end is nigh
Death and taxes are among the few certainties that we do have. We need to be taking advantage of every possible allowance to shield our hard-earned money from the taxman.
Mar 10, 2022
Tax
Strategic Insights | Digitalisation
Everything is changing. Success is not guaranteed. Embrace technology, sure – but understand who you are embracing it for. Introducing the IQ Wealth App.
Mar 3, 2022
Technology
Software Development
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 25 February 2022
First inflation… now an invasion. How much will sanctions really hurt Russia? Bear market or recession? Corrections are just… a part of life. But the markets will endure.
Feb 25, 2022
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Investments
Inflation
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 17 February 2022
Nerves are still running high as the world waits for invasion. A change of plan for interest rates. Strong corporate earnings means no need for bond buying programmes.
Feb 17, 2022
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Inflation
Investments
Strategic Insights | Planning for tax year end
Don’t sit on cash. How to plan for tax year end. Income tax, pensions, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, savings and investments, ISAs, EISs/VCTs and gift aid.
Feb 7, 2022
Tax
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 4 February 2022
A challenging start to 2022. Inflation – our new long-term guest. How can we hedge against it? Regular interest rate hikes from the Fed in the offing. Sky-high oil prices.
Feb 4, 2022
Inflation
Investments
Strategic Insights | Smart Health
Big data – already being used to improve healthcare. Virtual reality is already being used to treat patients. Wearable tech and medical devices – this is just the beginning.
Jan 28, 2022
Technology
Health
Research
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 21 January 2022
Inflation rises across the developed world. World Bank slashes global growth forecasts. Risks galore for financial markets. Don’t panic, Mr Mainwaring.
Jan 21, 2022
Inflation
Investments
Strategic Insights | Can you Outrun Inflation?
The start of a new year is a time to stop, take stock and set yourself new goals. Rethink your savings strategy and have a go at beating inflation.
Jan 14, 2022
Inflation
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 7 January 2022
Global markets continued on their upwards trajectory… until Omicron and inflation reared their heads. A once-in-a-generation investment in core infrastructure priorities.
Jan 7, 2022
COVID-19
Inflation