Insights

Investors have been nervous about the slowdown in China’s economy for some time, however, in the last week, this has become a reality for global markets which have experienced a very sharp sell-off.

There are many factors which drive investors to behave irrationally, such as following the crowd and emotional attachment to an investment decision.

We are delighted to announce that the FCA has approved a variation of our regulatory permissions, so from today we are able to offer clients a discretionary investment management service in addition to investment advice on an advisory basis.

Overall, the Budget confirmed £17b tax and spending savings with a view to putting the economy in surplus by 2019/20.

Tax and Pension Key Points

Personal allowance for income tax to rise to £11,000 next year and £12,500 by 2020, so that people working 30 hours a week on the minimum wage do not pay income tax.

There is no doubt that domestic markets are prepared for some sort of coalition as no majority outcome is likely.

Pension Freedoms Confirmed

Pension freedom and choice will go ahead as expected on 6 April 2015. The new pension freedoms will allow pensions to be drawn using Flexi-Access Drawdown without any maximum limit each year.

The personal allowance and higher rate threshold for 2015/16 will remain at £10,600 and £42,385 respectively, as announced in December 2014.

Inheritance tax (IHT) threshold unchanged at £325,000. Many commentators had expected an increase in the Nil Rate Band, but this speculation was unfounded.