Wealth – In the news

Pension savers want to exclude oil from their pension investments

 

More pension savers want to exclude oil 

New analysis1 has revealed an increase in the number of pension savers who would like to see the oil sector completely excluded from their pension investments, up from 15% in 2022 to 21% in 2023. Of the remaining 79%, almost half said they would only continue to invest in this sector if companies show a concrete commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving their environmental impact. Alongside oil, investors were also concerned about companies contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction, predatory lending, and investments in alcohol and gambling. 

Money – In the news

Mum and Dad with their baby, cost of raising children soars 

 

Cost of raising a child soars 

Recent research1 has found that the cost of raising a child has increased by 10% over the last year, with the average UK family spending £223,256 in their offspring’s first 18 years. This works out at over £12,000 a year per child. The research looked at the different costs associated with bringing up children, ranging from essential through to leisure activities. 

Economic Review – October 2023

 

Inflation rate holds steady

The Bank of England (BoE) Governor has described the latest batch of inflation statistics as “quite encouraging,” adding that he expects a “noticeable drop” in the headline rate when the next set of data is released later this month.

‘Megatrends are defining the future’

Toddler helping Dad plug in his electric car, megatrend.

 

The emergence of new trends and advancements such as the advent of AI, electric vehicles and other ‘big picture’ global innovations are set to shape our future, presenting opportunities to investors interested in capturing these themes in their portfolios. 

Your protection safety net

Mother and daughter walking into their home, happy they have protection cover

 

When faced with the unpredictability that life brings, it is comforting to have the support of protection cover.

Increased household bills, mortgage and rent costs, mean that protection is more important than ever right now but, in response to these challenging conditions, some households are considering reducing their level of protection – leaving themselves vulnerable to financial shocks.