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Introduction - All future newsletters will be available in electronic format via the clarity website, www.clarityglobal.com.
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This newsletter has the following subjects each of which you can jump to by pressing on the headings below:
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Newsletter Library - Previous Newsletters can be found in the Newsletter Library
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We keep a library of previous issues. To access the library issues, please press link on right
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Newsletter Library
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Newsletter Full Version - There is a printable version to this Newsletter
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The Full Version is available via the link on the right.
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clarity Newsletter
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Advisers - The Team
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Here are details of the team.
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Adviser Details
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Investment in Bonds: Bear or Bull? - Is now the time to be investing in bonds?
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The article examines the arguments for and against investing in bonds at this stage of the market.
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Investment in Bonds: Bear or Bull?
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Year End Checklist - Here is a Year End Checklist to help you decide on action prior to 5th April
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There are a number of issues to deal with prior to the end of the tax year. Some will be in hand either by yourself or on your behalf but it does make sense to ensure that you are fully aware of issues such as: pensions planning, tax planning (capital gains, income and inheritance tax), and use of allowances such as ISAs.
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Year End Checklist
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Asset Allocation - Some suggestions on structuring your portfolio
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Recommended asset allocations generally vary according to risk tolerance and age. The link here gives suggestions for suitable allocations for different investors.
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Asset Allocation
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Non-Equity Investment - A look at the alternatives to equities
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Investors may be reluctant to commit new money to equities at the current time, or may be looking at rebalancing their portfolios. The link gives details of alternatives, and some indicative interest rates.
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Non-Equity Investment
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Pensions - How much do I need to save?
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The benefit available on retirement from your pensions is dependant upon the amount of pension funds at the selected retirement date. The link to the pension calculator may assist in future planning.
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Pensions - How much do I need to save?
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Pensions - Stakeholder Pensions
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Consideration should be given to Stakeholder Pensions for spouses and/or children. In all cases you should first confirm eligibility via our Stakeholder website pages
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Stakeholder Notes
Stakeholder Pensions - website pages
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Pensions Green Paper - The proposed pension changes are likely to be of relevance to many investors.
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The recent Pension Green Paper contained proposals which, if implemented, are likely to have implications for many investors' pension planning strategies. The link outlines the proposals and possible implications.
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Pensions Green Paper
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ISA Update - The ISA rules are due to change on 6 April 2004…and investing in cash is possible.
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Withdrawal of the ability for ISAs to reclaim the tax credit on UK equity dividends could mean that equity ISAs are less advantageous for some. Also, it is possible to invest in a cash facility temporarily within a Maxi ISA. The link gives further details.
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ISA Update
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Unit Trust/ISA Choices - Here is detail of the current recommended funds
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For ISAs make sure you consider your investment for both self and spouse (plus children over 18 or over 16 for a cash ISA). If you would like information on the specific funds or managers, please use the links here.
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Buy List
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Please refer to the Buy List for details of the initial charge reductions for your Unit Trust/ISA investments. In all cases initial commission (usually 3%) is reinvested for you and in additional further discounts are negotiated. Total discounts are usually from 4.5% to 5.0%
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Buy List
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If you would like to see some performance figures on the main managed fund options then please use the link here
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Managed Fund Performance Figures
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Unit Trust/ISA Research - You can conduct some of your own research on the web
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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
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www.lipperleaders.com
www.morningstar.co.uk
www.ft.com/fundratings
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Unit Trust/ISA Execution - make sure you use the nil initial commission facility via clarity
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Forms for Unit Trust/ISAs can be downloaded through this website by selecting the link here.
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Pick Up Unit Trust/ISA Forms
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Cofunds - We are recommending a new transaction platform for all ISA and unit trusts going forward
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You can use Cofunds to hold all your existing PEPs, ISAs and Unit Trusts/OEICs so that you get a consolidated valuation, asset allocation model and risk profile through ALL your holdings....and there is no annual charge! Please see the attached link for further information on CoFunds.
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Cofunds
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Within the next 12 months investors should be able to access details of their portfolios via the website and deal online. The link here shows the portfolio detail that can be obtained by clarity for investments held in Cofunds. Please note that this cannot be accessed on line by investors, however, but can be used by clarity at meetings.
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Example Valuation
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We are suggesting all future deals are placed through the "Cofunds" dealing platform. This 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. NB BAILLIE GIFFORD IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE VIA COFUNDS
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enquiries@clarityglobal.com
Unit Trust Application Form
ISA Application Form
Key Features - General
Key Features - Fund Specific
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It is important for all to look at the details of how you can make a unit trust/ISA transaction and what deadlines you must work to. See the link here.
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Unit Trust/ISA Execution Details
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Equitable Life Update - Analyse carefully the transfer offer being made by Halifax Bank of Scotland
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An update on Equitable Life's
position, and comment on the transfer 'offer' being made by HBOS and
Hargreaves Lansdown salesmen.
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Equitable Life Update
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Cash Investment - Indicative rates for those holding money in cash
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Many are a little nervous of
investment at the moment and are holding more than average in cash.
Here are some rates to help in the selection of a good temporary home.
Remember, however, that long term cash has historically performed poorly
relative to other asset classes. You have many options as alternatives
to equities, as outlined in the Non-Equity Investment article in this
newsletter.
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Cash Investment Rates
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Risk Warnings/Suitability - It is important to read the full notes
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Investments transacted by clarity as a result of this Newsletter are treated as "Direct Offer" investments. Whilst we have offered product specific recommendations, you have personally decided whether the investment is suitable to your circumstances. Please see the detailed note and also Terms of Business.
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Suitability/Risk Warnings
Terms of Business
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