News
Bond investors wary as Italy referendum risk looms
Whereas equity markets have quickly shrugged off the result of the US presidential elections, peripheral bond spreads have widened since. Trump’s election seems to have reminded markets of the possible consequences of an Italian no-vote in next week’s referendum.
Retirement | news 23 Nov 16
UK announces sweeping reforms to Rops
The UK government has announced a major overhaul to the way recognised overseas pension schemes (Rops) are taxed, bringing the products in line with UK pensions.
Fiscal policy could drive Asian equities in 2017 – BlackRock’s Swan
A transition from monetary to fiscal policy, progress on reforms in the region and low valuations make Asian equities attractive in 2017, said Andrew Swan, head of Asian equities at Blackrock in Hong Kong.
Offshore Bonds | news 23 Nov 16
HMRC rules out replacing 5% tax withdrawals on offshore bonds
HM Revenue & Customs has confirmed that it will allow policyholders to correct ‘unfair’ tax bills resulting from ‘mistaken’ withdrawals of life policies, opting to keep the current 5% tax free allowance on offshore bonds.
Tax & Regulation | news 23 Nov 16
Chancellor cuts growth forecasts, announces £23bn ‘productivity fund’
In delivering his Autumn Statement this afternoon chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond announced cuts to growth forecasts and a £23bn ($28.7bn, €27bn) fund to tackle a lack of productivity in the British economy.