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Another twelve months of investment action

Article Abstract:

The UK investment industry sees the 1997 general election as the major factor affecting personal finance in this year. Investors will be urged to buy products before tax advantages are taken away by a possible Labor party government, but this is not always a sensible investment criterion. UK share prices are near a record peak, and an increasing number of pessimists see a correction as likely. Meanwhile, events taking place in 1997 include the launch of a new tax system using self-assessment, and a disclosure regime to be introduced by the Personal Investment Authority affecting unit trust sales.

Personal Financial Mgmt

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A chance to outperform

Article Abstract:

Shares in small UK companies underperformed in the early 1990s but they have tended to perform well over the long term. There has been an improvement in 1996 and this may be sustained. Earnings growth tends to be faster for smaller firms, and they should perform better in 1997 than in 1996. Interest rates look set to remain stable in the UK, and there are downward pressures on long-term rates in mainland Europe. Smaller firms also tend to be more geared to the domestic markets, and perform better than big exporting companies when pound sterling is strong, as is the case in 1996.

Small business, Securities

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Investment tricks for 1996

Article Abstract:

UK investors are likely to see competition between providers of personal equity plans (Peps) in 1996. Many investors will have access to funds in tax exempt special savings accounts (Tessas) as they mature. Rates for savers are likely to fall, but tax on savings income will also drop to 20% from 25% for savers paying basic rates of income tax. An electronic share settlement system will be introduced in Jul 1996. Investment trusts and unit trusts will have to disclose charges from late summer 1996.

Financial Services, Finance and Insurance

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