How to read the financial pages

clock

Not sure if it's just me that has a good laugh about this, but I've managed to spend an amusing late morning musing on the latest results announcements from Aviva and Standard Life.

Apparently all remains well at both companies as their new business volumes are up again – this time UK sales are up by 25% and 54% respectively. Now, surely to goodness no-one really believes that all is as rosy in the garden as all this. I spent some time this morning with a major UK life company who openly conceded that net volumes are falling. Now while that particular organisation seems to be operating on prudent basis, I just cannot see how a sector which is pretty much static in terms of total assets under management can see new business grow so spectacularly year-on-year for wha...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

MKC Invest backs robotics as physical AI takes off

MKC Invest backs robotics as physical AI takes off

Conducts four-week internal research project

Sophia Panayi
clock 03 July 2026 • 2 min read
Feel Good Friday: Free paraplanning mentoring initiative expands

Feel Good Friday: Free paraplanning mentoring initiative expands

The Paraplanner Club partners with Fundment

Professional Adviser
clock 03 July 2026 • 1 min read
Wesleyan launches two with profits funds for advisers

Wesleyan launches two with profits funds for advisers

Available on Aberdeen, Nucleus, Wealthtime and Hubwise platforms

Sophia Panayi
clock 03 July 2026 • 2 min read