Alternative Investment news articles 
Rising inflation and falling rates mean savers are being dealt a double blow
According to recent inflation figures, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has fallen marginally to 3.40%, still way above the Government’s 2% target. But the VAT increase in next week’s emergency Budget could stunt any longer term reductions. To stop their savings pot effectively eroding away, a basic rate tax payer needs to find an account paying 4.25%, while a higher rate tax payer needs to find an account offering 5.67%. Basic rate tax payers have access to 27 accounts, but most still require an existing longer term, riskier investment product at the same time. Savers hardest hit by the r... [more]
moneysupermarket savings comparison channel compares over 2,200 UK savings accounts to help you find the right home for your money
With low interest rates and rising inflation, it can be very difficult to find the best place to keep your hard earned cash. moneysupermarket.com has unveiled its new and improved savings channel which now compares all available UK savings accounts – over 2,200 - to help customers find the right home for their money. The new savings comparison tool has been designed to make finding the right account quicker and easier than ever. Consumers can now search the whole of the savings market and narrow down their search by product type including easy access savings accounts, notice accounts, bond... [more]
Low fixed-rate mortgage deals are unlikely to benefit first time buyers
Lenders have been under increasing pressure to cut their rates because the Bank of England has kept the base rate at a record low of just 0.5 per cent since March 2009. With the base rate expected to once again be held at 0.5%, all signs point towards improved affordability for those wishing to buy a property. The latest Bank of England figures show increased competition in the mortgage market, with fixed rates now at their lowest level since 1995. Average interest rates charged on a two-year fixed-rate deal for a borrower with a 25 per cent deposit dropped to 3.8 per cent this month. Al... [more]
Impoverished retirement for millions of UK pensioners
According to new figures from Partnership millions of pensioners will have to live on less than £10k per year – and the pensions' giants are not helping, warns specialist provider. Key findings: 1. 89 % of all personal pension funds are under £50k 2. 77% of all annuity transactions for sub-£30k funds 3. 23% of pensioners face abject poverty according to Partnership 4. Just 10% taking advantage of enhanced option 5. Majority of people still ignorant of open market option Compelling evidence that the majority of the UK’s over-50s population is headed for an impoverished retirement i... [more]
Switching current account to get a better credit interest rate
The most popular reason for switching current accounts is for a better credit interest rate. Acoording to a poll of moneysupermarket.com users, 31 per cent of respondents said a better rate could persuade them to switch, 19 per cent said a cash incentive might encourage them to move, and 13 per cent said they would switch if the processes of switching were easier. However, analysis from moneysupermarket.com has shown that the top cash incentives for moving your current account could be worth the equivalent of a 22 per cent rise in your in-credit interest rate. Kevin Mountford, head of ba... [more]
