Archive for 'Investments'
How Much Can I Put In An ISA?
I’ve suddenly had a lot of people contact me to ask the above question regarding the tax free ISA (Individual Savings Account) products that are available to UK taxpayers. This is probably due to changes that came in last month. If you don’t know what an ISA is then have a look at this earlier article. [...]
Full StoryOpen-End Funds
One of the most common questions we receive asks for a definition of an open-end fund and a definition of a closed-end fund. An open-end fund is a collective investment scheme that can issue and redeem shares according to market demand. Therefore unlike a closed-end fund, where the number of shares in issue is fixed [...]
Full StoryAlternative Investments
An alternative investment is an investment product other than traditional investments such as stocks and shares, bonds or cash investments. The common features of alternative investments have been summarised as follows: Poor liquidity Difficulty in determining current market values Limited historical risk and return data Extensive investment analysis required Some common alternative investments are: real [...]
Full StoryAccounts Demystified
Accounting is viewed by most non accountants as a complicated and highly technical matter, and this is a view that is encouranged by the accountancy profession. But the truth is that it is based on a very simple principal which once understood allows business owners and managers to understand the financial state of their business without [...]
Full StoryBank for International Settlements (“BIS”)
The Bank for International Settlements is an organisation that fosters co-operation between central banks and other agencies in pursuit of monetary and financial stability. It provides facilities for international financial operations and acts as agent or trustee in international financial settlements. Its banking services are available exclusively to central banks (such as the Bank of [...]
Full StoryLiquidity
If you can convert an asset to cash easily and quickly, with little or no loss of value, the asset is said to have liquidity. For example if you have shares or bonds in a well known company, such as Ford, GE or Microsoft, you could sell these easily within a few hours just by [...]
Full StoryWhat Are Cash Investments?
The generally accepted definition is that Cash Investments are short-term obligations, usually ninety days or less, that provide a return in the form of interest payments. Examples are money-market funds and short-term Certificate of Deposit. Putting your cash on deposit in a bank or similar institution is not considered a cash investment but a cash [...]
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