With Profit Bonds that Fail Investors
Friday 19 June 2009
We have been featured in the financial pages of the Daily Mail discussing With Profits.
Read the the article.
posted by Murray Round Wealth Management @ 10:33,
Shropshire Star Comment
Tuesday 16 June 2009
The Business Star, Shropshire Star's Business pullout featured our recent blog article discussing structured products and Keydata, the failed structured products provider.
The article was featured in the Business Star on Monday, 15th June. Clicking on this link will take you straight to the Business Section on the Shropshire Star website where you will be able read the digital edition of the paper.
You will see us on page 10.
Alternatively, you can read the blog article right here.
If you have any questions or thoughts please feel free to contact us here at Murray Round.
posted by Murray Round Wealth Management @ 09:33,
Lloyds 'secure investment' lost us £200k
Monday 15 June 2009
Since our Blog article on the 9th June about the dangers of structured products we have been featured in the Daily Mail's financial pages.
Here is a real life story to illustrate our views on structured products.
Also we commented here on 'How Guaranteed are Equity Bonds?'. Guaranteed Equity Bonds are a form of Structured Product.
If you have invested in structured products contact us today for a financial review.
posted by Murray Round Wealth Management @ 10:33,
Bank charges are bullish
Friday 12 June 2009
In our June Newsletter regarding tax planning, we explained that the government needs your money to help repay the massive debt...so do not be surprised if tax rates increase.
But its not just the government that wants your capital. The banks need your money to rebuild their capital base which can only come from charges. After our Newsletter was written, I noticed an example of the banks charges. See the Daily Express who reported on Britain's Banks being accused of 'blatant profiteering' potentially hindering the recovery of the property market by pushing up mortgage costs.
My point is that all individuals need to be careful and thoughtful in the way they use banks. I have no doubt that charges, both explicit and implicit, will rise. Whilst paying charges is OK, you must receive value. If not think about your options.
posted by Murray Round Wealth Management @ 11:30,
iShares Update
Barclays plc has sold Barclays Global Investors (BGI) and iShares to BlackRock, one of the worlds leading Asset Managers.
Rory Tobin, the CEO of iShares Europe, has written an open to letter to confirm the transaction, see here.
For more information, the FT reported on the sale of BGI and iShares.
posted by Murray Round Wealth Management @ 11:15,
Murray Round Newsletter - Tax Planning
Thursday 11 June 2009
Preserving your wealth from tax is now more vital than ever.
We know tax rates today have already increased, and you may believe tax rates will continue to increase to repay government debt in the future.
What action are you taking to help shelter assets from tax?
The time to think about tax planning is now and not in the future.
To download a copy of our Newsletter, please click here.
posted by Murray Round Wealth Management @ 14:43,
Fund manager problems….as an investor are you really sure about what’s happening with your money?
Tuesday 9 June 2009
Whilst most investors will not have heard of Keydata, the structured products provider has just gone into administration. Not good news for Keydata investors. There have also been problems at fund managers, Arch Cru… all of which means investors need to ask more questions. Let me explain.
Fund managers have seen funds under management fall and new business slow down. That means revenues have fallen and there is a need to cut overhead costs, reduce bonuses and staff to hopefully remain profitable. When cost cutting is under way, employees are facing lifestyle changes, so their motivations are questioned. Anyone would be the same in similar circumstances. Whilst the FSA seek to ensure investors funds are ring fenced, and at the time of writing, there still appears to be no clear indication of this protection for Keydata investors, the resultant anxiety and uncertainty of what action to take is difficult for investors. Keydata has tried to deliver what every investor wants, low risk with high returns. However, capital markets do not work that way.
At Murray Round, we do not have a policy of investing into structured products. Keydata was a structured products provider. As such our clients have no impact. Yet Keydata and its future, whatever that may be is not the issue, it is whether investors should use structured products from any provider. At present there are various providers looking to sell these plans by using investors’ fears as a driver to invest into what appears to be ‘safe’ investments in a volatile market. As an investor, ask yourself, are you absolutely sure of the risks? Do you fully understand how these products work? If you do not, do not invest. Providers such as Keydata have been successful at marketing to advisers, who in turn have sold these plans to investors, yet if we have learned nothing from the current crisis , it is do not invest into things you do not understand. The Banks did it and we all know the impact.
If you already have capital invested in these plans, perhaps when they mature, its time to really look into how to manage your wealth by assessing the risks thoroughly. The good news is that over time capital markets work and capitalism works, as an investor you need to ensure you secure part of that growth. Using a fee only independent wealth manager is likely to be your best chance of success.
posted by Murray Round Wealth Management @ 10:00,
The Authors
Nicholas Round
Nic is the Managing Director of Murray Round Wealth Management Limited, who seeks to ensure the advice provided is truly independent. Based in Shropshire with clients local, national and worldwide, Nic has strived to find the best possible service for his clients needs, by researching and studying the market, trends and philosophies. Nic strongly believes Asset Class Management will bring his clients Financial Freedom, Independence and Happiness.
Kirsty
Kirsty is our communication guru. Managing information requires considerable due diligence and her passion for organisation gives the clarity we all seek. From Shropshire, with a Psychology Degree and much travelling, she is now back in Shrewsbury...and London often, keeping us all at Murray Round focused.
Welcome to our Blog
Our Blog focuses on the three Ts...truth, transparency and trust. The world of investment management is fraught with self interested parties keen to sell investment products but wrapped up as 'advice'. Only with totally transparency, can investors make informed and successful decisions. We have included various categories for simpler navigation, alternatively search our Blog using key words you think are relevant. We hope you find something of interest to you.
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We welcome your enquiry to us. Simply click on Contact Us' link at the top of the page. You may also email us at service@murrayround.co.uk or telephone 01743 248108.
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