NEWSLETTER INFORMATION
|
|
WEB LINKS & EMAIL
|
Introduction
This newsletter has the following subjects each of which you can jump to by pressing on the headings below.
|
|
|
Newsletter Library
We keep a library of previous issues which can be accessed by the link to the right.
Please remember that the information contained in these archives items is not subject to ongoing review or comment.
return to top
|
|
Newsletter Library
|
Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs)
The attached link provides further information on SIPPs. Many Individuals should consider the appropriateness of SIPPs in light of
the New Pension Regime, introduced on 6 April 2006, and the need to monitor their pension investment/strategy more closely.
Further advice should be sought from your usual clarity adviser.
|
|
 Types Of Pensions
|
|
Please see the attached document which compares the two SIPP options which are now being offered by clarity, through James Hay
and FundsNetwork. If you are thinking of utilising a Self Invested Personal Pension for managing your benefits, and would like advice on
the subject, please contact one of our advisers.
return to top
|
|
SIPP Product Comparison
|
Pensions - Transitional Protection (Primary & Enhanced)
The New Pension Regime came into force on the 6th April 2006. The attached Research Notes provide details on the transitional
protection available, and how the new rules may affect you.
|
|
Research Note - Rules on Saving into Pensions
|
|
If you do not feel comfortable making the election yourself then clarity offers a service in this respect. Please see the
linked article.
|
|
Research Note - Transitional Protection
|
|
For those of you who have taken advantage our service, we have received most of the information we need from your existing
providers. We are just in the process of doing a due diligence test by making one claim to HMRC. This has raised a couple of
questions on our part, mostly about the wording of their questions, which we are hoping to resolve in the next month.
return to top
|
|
Transtional Protection Service
|
Taxation of Trusts
The Budget 2006 introduced radical changes to the taxation of new and existing trusts. Anybody who has a trust, or has set up
provisions for a will trust, should review the arrangements made. The attached Research Note outlines the rules for new trusts and the
transitional rules applying to trusts in existance at 22 March 2006.
return to top
|
|
Research Note - Trusts
|
Additional Voluntary NICs (class 3 NICs)
Many women, especially, make voluntary NIC contributions in order to bring their state pension up to the maximum basic state pension.
For those reaching state pension age after April 2010, the working life required for a maximum state pension may reduce from around 39
to 30 years. Therefore, a lower level of voluntary contributions may be needed. The government has recently announced that they will
only refund overpaid contributions made since the change to the rules was announced some nine months ago. Client's and their spouses
should be aware of these new rules before making any additional contributions.
return to top
|
|
 HMRC Statement on Additional Voluntary NICs
|
December Pre Budget Report
For more details on the Chancellor's pre-budget report, please see the article here.
return to top
|
|
December Pre Budget Report
|
Online Valuations
The Online Valuation Facility is now available on the website. Those clients with holdings in Cofunds and James Hay can access
details of their portfolios online, for more information, please read the article opposite. In addition, we are working on a similar
online valuation for those with investment or pension holdings via FundsNetwork
|
|
About the Online Valuations available
|
|
Please remember, that due to security issue you must be logged in to view a valuation, and you will only be able to view your
own holdings. Spouses / partners and children will need to log in separately to view their holdings.
return to top
|
|
Valuations :
- Cofunds ISA/PEP/Unit Trust...
- Cofunds Only James Hay SIPP
- James Hay SIPP
|
Cofunds
We are suggesting Cofunds as a transaction platform for all ISA and unit trusts going forward. You can use Cofunds to hold all your
existing PEPs, ISAs and Unit Trusts/OEICs. The benefits are that you are able to access a consolidated valuation, asset allocation
model and risk profile through ALL your holdings....and there is no additional annual charge! Please see the attached link for further
information on Cofunds.
If individuals do not wish to utilise the Cofunds platform there are other alternative routes of investment. Please contact your usual
clarity adviser to discuss matters further.
|
|
Cofunds Explanation
|
As detailed above, online valuations are now available via this website. The link
here shows the portfolio detail that can also be obtained by clarity for investments held in Cofunds. Please note that this cannot be
accessed online by clients, however, but can be used by clarity at meetings.
|
|
Example X-Ray
|
Online dealing in ISA, OEICs and Unit Trusts via Cofunds (no initial commission
and significant discounts) is also available.
return to top
|
|
Cofunds Online Dealing
|
|
Market Comment
The following news article provides some details on current changes in the market, and points of interest for investors.
|
|
Market Commentary - February 2007
|
|
Please also see the graph which shows movement of the major indices in 2006.
return to top
|
|
Graph of Major Indices
|
Fund Management Updates
The attached News Articles detail some recent fund changes which you should be aware of. If as a result of these you feel that you
may wish to switch fund holdings, please contact your usual clarity adviser.
return to top
|
|
Gartmore US Opportunities Fund
Liontrust First Income Fund
|
|
Pension Choices
As a number of clients will now have SIPP investments, we will no longer be tracking the insured funds as we have done previously.
If you wish to discuss specific insure fund choices or discuss SIPP selection, then please do get in touch. For those with Clerical
Medical policies, there are some links here to original buy notes for these funds if you wish to refresh your understanding of asset
allocation.
|
|
Clerical Medical Performance UK Equity
Clerical Medical Performance Adventurous Managed
Clerical Medical Performance Balanced Managed
Clerical Medical Performance Cautious Managed
Legal & General UK Index Tracker
Legal & General Global Equity Fixed Weights Index
|
|
For spouses / partners and children who have Stakeholder Pensions plans, or who are interested in acquiring a stakeholder policy, the link on the right will take you to the stakeholder buy list which has been researched by clarity, this includes the current suggested funds for stakeholders.
Individuals with access to Group Arrangements via their employer should consider their options before proceeding further.
return to top
|
|
Stakeholder Buy List
|
Unit Trust/OEIC/ISA Choices
Here is detail of the current suggested funds. You should ensure that you consider utilisation of your ISA allowances. Please do not
forget ISA allowances for spouses and children over the age of 16 for a cash ISA and 18 for an equity ISA.
The clarity buy list provides further information on the specific funds & managers, together with details of the charges.
The list covers both Unit Trusts and ISAs.
|
|
Buy List
|
If you would like to see some performance figures on the main managed fund options
then please use the link here.
return to top
|
|
Managed Fund Performance Figures
|
|
Unit Trust/OEIC/ISA Research
Here are some useful links to sites where you can research your fund selection. Do make sure, however, that you transact via clarity
to make sure you get the nil initial commission terms.
Individuals should note that if they access the following links they will be leaving the clarity website.
return to top
|
|
www.lipperleaders.com
www.morningstar.co.uk
www.ft.com/fundratings
|
Unit Trust/OEIC/ISA Transactions
All individuals are eligible to use our nil initial commission, discounted service, whether or not advice is taken from us. Forms
for Unit Trust/ISAs can be downloaded through this website by selecting the link here.
|
|
Pick Up Unit Trust/ISA Forms
|
We are suggesting all future deals are placed through the "Cofunds"
dealing platform. This not only allows access to the existing range of funds on similar or better terms, but also gives consolidated
valuations and geographical analysis. If interested, you can deal now on this basis. Please contact us for details or ask for the
"Cofunds Pack" when requesting forms. Please see Cofunds section
for further information.
If individuals do not wish to utilise the Cofunds platform there are other alternative routes of investment. Please contact your
usual clarity adviser to discuss matters further.
|
|
 enquiries@clarityglobal.com
Unit Trust Application Form
ISA Application Form
Key Features - General
Key Features - Fund Specific
|
It is important for all to look at the details of how you can make a
Unit Trust/OEIC/ISA transaction and what deadlines you must work to. See the link here.
return to top
|
|
Unit Trust/ISA Transaction Details
|
|
Cash Investment
Indicative rates for those holding money in cash. Remember that long term cash has historically performed poorly relative to other
asset classes.
return to top
|
|
Cash Investment Rates
|
Mortgage Rates
The linked page provides a summary of the rates currently available.
Please note that the mortgage market is competitive and subject to change. Individuals should check that the rates are still current
before proceeding further.
return to top
|
|
Mortgage Rates
|
|
Advisers
The link provides further information on the clarity team.
return to top
|
|
Adviser Details
|
Risk Warnings / Suitability
Investments transacted by clarity as a result of this Newsletter are treated as "Direct Offer" investments. Whilst we
have offered generic product details you have personally decided whether the investment is suitable to your circumstances and is
affordable. Please see the detailed note and also Terms of Business and Keyfacts documents. It is important to read the full notes. return to top
|
|
Suitability
Risk Warnings
Terms of Business
Key Facts Menu
|
