Worldwide Financial Planning

China currently struggles with high youth unemployment, weak domestic consumer demand and a property market gummed up by developers who are unable to sell completed properties or finish existing developments amid falling prices and low confidence from potential buyers.

In the financial world for investment and pension funds, there are a few ratings agencies who analyse funds you might invest into. The aim is to come up with the easy marketing tool to show you who the ‘Magnificent Seven’, or ‘Nifty Fifty’ are, so you can make a quick decision.

In the UK, the decision by the Bank of England to keep rates unchanged was no surprise. More interesting was the big decline in consumer confidence and the decline in sentiment has erased all the steady improvement seen this year.

When inheritance tax is due, it must be paid within six months of death. After that, interest is charged. If that sounds draconian, and not overly ‘nice’, given that you are dealing with many emotionally charged issues after a death, you would be right. But it’s how it is.

In the UK, the lack of economic growth and some cooling of the jobs market, particularly lower wage inflation, helps the case for a Bank of England rate cut. At the same time, the Office for Budget Responsibility put out a gloomy forecast for government debt.

Life is unpredictable, but two key legal tools - Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and a Will, can give you control and peace of mind, ensuring your wishes are respected while protecting your loved ones from unnecessary stress.