investment

The majority of cohabiting couples could be leaving their partner unprotected when they die by not leaving a will, as 55% falsely believe the concept of ‘common law marriage' provides the same rights as married couples.

Zopa has confirmed it is in progressive talks with a number of specialist Self Invested Pension Providers to allow ‘social lending' to become an acceptable asset class for a pension.

Interest rates have been maintained at 5.25% following the monthly meeting by the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee.

Over the past 15 years adult children have drained their parents of around £55bn in savings, claims Scottish Widows.

Increases in interest rates over the past month have reduced people's confidence in property as an investment, claims Standard Life.

The adviser market is being targeted by Zopa in a new campaign designed to promote awareness among IFAs of ‘social lending'.

Intermediaries accounted for more than 80% of gross retail business in the investment sector, as total funds under management rose to £411bn in January, while net ISA sales fell by more than 70%.

Final year figures for Scottish Widows' protection arm dropped almost 10%, despite an overall increase in IFA sales and in its life and pensions business.

Over 90% of advisers believe they are going to spend more time advising on Inheritance Tax planning in the future.

One in four IFAs say clients now choose to put up to half of their assets into ethical funds, according to an IFAonline straw poll.