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The Interest Rate Challenge
All good things must come to an end, runs the saying, but when it comes to low interest rates the general prediction is that we’ve got a few months more before things start to change. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is due to deliberate on rates later this week and the consensus from financial journalists is that they will keep rates on hold yet again. The main reason given is the ongoing low rate of inflation which remains well below the target of 2%.
Interestingly, analysts are forecasting a rise in US rates later this month following some strong job growth figures. For example the chief economist at Markit, Chris Williamson, said that the US statistics gave policymakers there "the clear go-ahead to hike interest rates for the first time since 2006".
What does all of this mean for investors? With the US economy strengthening, Europe remaining relatively weak and the UK standing somewhere in between is it time to look again at investment portfolios? Here again, we return to the best practice advice which is that investments should be spread across markets and balanced to deliver long term objectives. So whilst it is generally recommended that portfolios are reviewed at least annually to take account of changing personal and market conditions, there is no need to rush into a re-evaluation every time markets move slightly.
If you’re looking to create an investment portfolio to meet your current and future requirements, or if your situation has changed and you may therefore need to review your existing portfolio, contact Beckworth by using one of the links on our website.
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