The Aftermath of Brexit
We have yet to see official economic data for the weeks following the referendum on 23 June, however Q2 data showed robust consumer spending and industrial output numbers and economic forecasters have become more optimistic regarding the UK’s outlook. In addition, the new Chancellor, Philip Hammond, has dismissed the need for an ‘emergency budget’ which […]
Our Investment Commentary for Q2 2016 (1 April – 30 June)
Global markets experienced substantial volatility in Q2 as they continue to grapple with a number of economic and political issues. Although the main focus for UK investors has been on the domestic economy and the EU, it is important not to forget global economic issues such as China’s slowdown, the prospect of further US interest […]
Seabrook Clark’s EU Referendum Statement
The U.K. Votes to Leave the EU The U.K. has voted 52/48 to leave the EU. The result is unexpected as only yesterday financial markets put a 90% probability on a Remain vote. As a consequence of the vote, sterling has fallen overnight to a 30 year low against the dollar and equity markets are […]
The economic case for leaving the EU
There have been many attempts to bamboozle the British population with spurious economic arguments claiming we would be worse off if we were to leave the EU. Unsurprisingly Osborne’s 200-page report highlighted a negative view on ‘Brexit’, however, he conveniently uses methods of economic modelling to suit his argument and fails to use appropriate global […]
Our Investment Commentary for Q1 2016 (1 January – 31 March)
Global equities experienced a sharp sell-off at the start of 2016, reflected by the FTSE World index which fell 12% in January. Due to weak sterling, however, returns for UK investors on the global index were virtually unchanged in Q1. The rebound in February and March was driven by less pessimism over China, rallying energy […]
Exciting New Job Opportunity at Seabrook Clark
An opportunity has arisen for a Client Service Administrator to join Seabrook Clark. Seabrook Clark Ltd are Chartered Financial Planners based in Exeter specialising in pensions, investment management and giving independent financial advice. The company is in an exciting stage of growth and is now looking to take on a Client Service Administrator to develop […]
2016 Budget Highlights
Income Tax Personal Allowance to increase to £11,500 in 2017/18 Higher rate tax band to increase to £45,000 from 2017/18 Class 2 NICs for self-employed abolished from April 2018 Termination of payments of more than £30,000 will be subject to employer NICs A new Property Allowance and Trading Allowance will exempt the first £1,000 of […]
End of Year Tax Checklist
The spring budget takes place on the 16 March in advance of the end of the tax year on 5 April. With government finances under pressure, there has been considerable speculation with regard to possible tax raising measures. Accordingly, the list below highlights some key areas for consideration before 16 March. ISA: ISAs grow […]
What does the government/industry need to do to make long term care funding easier?
Care and support services continue to face ever growing and unprecedented challenges as a result of cuts in spending and continued increases in demand. Care services have suffered from public service cuts, despite the Government’s intention to protect the front line, making people uncertain and confused. In particular, following the Dilnot commission, reform was expected […]
Our Investment Commentary for Q4 2015 (1 October – 31 December)
Markets experienced considerable volatility in 2015, which saw significant weakening of commodity prices driven by a slowing Chinese economy and, consequently, concerns over global growth. As a result, it was a more challenging year for investors. In the few years prior to 2015, since the recession, positive returns could have been made from owning virtually […]