News Archive - 02/2012

Research from American Express found that a staggering 1.3 million women are willing to get down on one knee and propose to their loved one.… read more

Around 70 per cent of Brits are suffering from depression because of debt problems, while a further 29 per cent are unwilling to confront their debt issues, according to research carried out by Opinion… read more

Barclays was the most complained about UK bank in the latter half of 2011, according to figures from the Financial Ombudsman Service FOS. There were 11,524 complaints made to the FOS about the bank between… read more

Here are a few useful tips to make sure your holiday car hire goes smoothly;… read more

The government has allocated an extra £5.9 million to London councils to hand out to benefit claimants that are renting in the private sector. Councils and tenants should be able to renegotiate contracts… read more

Strong improvements in operating profits at ABFs sugar division. Higher cotton costs continue to impact Primarks operating margins. The Share Centre remains confident ABF will continue to trade well in 2012… read more

In these difficult times of austerity, those struggling to make ends meet will be happy to hear that most local councils will be freezing or cutting council tax in the coming year.   Around 300 councils… read more

Eight in ten people struggle to switch their bank successfully, according to a mystery shopper study carried out by the European Commission. Seven of the eight people that had difficulty changing their… read more

Supermarket giant advertises positions offering Job Seeker's Allowance JSA as payment.… read more

Economic conditions cause slowdown in demand in London. Hammerson continues to improve its occupancy rates. The Share Centre continues to recommend Hammerson as a hold… read more

Sheridan Admans, investment research manager at The Share Centre, gives his thoughts on what to expect from companies announcing results w/c 27 February 2012.… read more

Difficult economic conditions and warmer weather hit profits. Full year dividend increased by 8%. The Share Centre continues to recommend Centrica as a buy for income seekers… read more

Britons are unsatisfied by the service their bank is supplying, research shows, and consumers are being urged to vote with their feet in response. Some 5.6 million people in the UK are more discontented… read more

Whilst some may like to give up chocolate, we look at how you should be fasting financially.… read more

The Money Advice Service has responded to requests from the government to enter a new era of free advice provision for people in debt. The service has outlined its plan, which commences on April 1st. There… read more

Here are a few tips on ways to earn a bit of extra cash in your 40s;… read more

First-time buyers FTBs have been making the most of the stamp duty holiday and continue to do as its end draws near, according to the National Association of Estate Agents NAEA. A January report by… read more

Parents are underselling their children's potential to sensibly spend the money generated from a Junior Isa when the money is given to them upon reaching adulthood. Only 16 per cent of parents… read more

As British citizens continue to weather the economic storm of the last few years, their happiness and health have been affected by the associated money worries, a survey suggests. Some 70 per cent of British… read more

Here are five top tips to help you on your way;… read more

Briton's get a certain mental satisfaction from finding a good bargain, according to a behavioural study carried out by a leading neuropsychologist. Dr David Lewis found that shoppers were stimulated… read more

Continued economic problems cause ongoing uncertainty in the markets. 30% of investors are willing to accept less risk than 12 months ago. The Share Centre highlights three stocks for an investment ISA… read more

J.P. Morgan is set to launch a new Junior Isa on February 17th in response to research indicating that parents are increasingly worried about the financial future of their children. A study carried out… read more

When you purchase any vehicle there are lots of things to consider and this is certainly no different when it comes to motorhomes. There is a vast array of choice out there, so you'll need to decide… read more

Here are some top tips for enjoying pancakes on the cheap;… read more

Sheridan Admans, investment research manager at The Share Centre, gives his thoughts on what to expect from companies announcing results w/c 20 February 2012.… read more

With the deadline for ISA renewals approaching, investment expert Colin Lawson of Equilibrium Asset Management is advising investors to maximise this years and next years ISA allowance.… read more

Higher output helps support underlying earnings per share. Underlying prices for commodities expected to remain very volatile. The Share Centre continues to recommend investors hold Anglo American… read more

Prime minister David Cameron is hoping that he can reduce the cost of insurance premiums by tackling the £2 billion per year explosion in claims for whiplash. The UK has become the 'whiplash… read more

Stability of house prices in the new-build sector means that now is a 'particularly good time' to invest in a brand new home, according to Kevin Wilkins. The group marketing director at Bovis Homes,… read more

2011 headline sales fall by 14%. Concerns remain as governments cut back on defence spending. The Share Centre reviews its recommendation on BAE Systems… read more

Christmas, with all its associated frivolous expenditure on loved ones and gut stretching intake of pigs in blankets and turkey curry, may seem like it was only yesterday. But the Yorkshire Building Society… read more

Its no secret that the cost of running a car is expensive. Here are a few tip tips to reduce your car insurance;… read more

Sheridan Admans, investment research manager at The Share Centre, picks Kazakhmys, one of the world's leading natural resources groups, as his share of the week. Heres why;… read more

Prospective British homebuyers are to increasingly look towards long-term, fixed-rate mortgages as opposed to the traditionally popular short-term deals, according to Ben Wilkie. Mr Wilkie, the editor… read more

Despite investor support for the UK Corporate Governance and Stewardship codes, there is widespread concern that there is insufficient oversight into whether institutions really comply.… read more

Here are some top tips to teach your kids about money matters.… read more

Andy Parsons, head of investment research at The Share Centre, examines the top funds purchased by our customers in January 2012.… read more

More Brits are managing to put away savings than two years ago, according to new research, but a surprising number are still unaware of whether or not they are on the best interest rate. Two-thirds of… read more

Whilst theres only so much champagne you can drink " how exactly do you think you would spend £45 million?… read more

If the cold winter weather has prompted you to think about booking your summer holiday, you may also be considering your options when it comes to managing your money while you're away. Pre-paid cards… read more

As the housing market continues to stagnate, first-time buyers will be forced to sit on the sidelines as mortgages are favoured towards established homeowners with significant equity, says Matt Griffith. The… read more

Sheridan Admans, investment research manager at The Share Centre, gives his thoughts on what to expect from companies announcing results w/c 13 February 2012.… read more

Here are our top credit cards for big buys with the best purchase rates around.… read more

We've dived into our bargain box and found a range of cheap ways to keep the kids entertained over half term.… read more

Poor trading in Spain and Italy results in weaker revenues. Increased smartphone penetration sees data revenues grow. The Share Centre continues to recommend investors buy Vodafone… read more

Persistent problems in Europe impact company profits. Growth prospects remain for BHP Billiton in the longer term. The Share Centre continues to recommend investors to BHP Billiton… read more

Sheridan Admans, investment research manager at The Share Centre, picks one of the UK's largest life insurers, Prudential, as his share of the week.… read more

The number of buy-to-let mortgages taken out in 2011 increased by 84,000, according to new data. The figures, released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders CML, indicate that the second half of the year… read more

For anybody who is looking to save a few pennies on their weekly shop, we have looked at a few tips.… read more

The economic downturn is increasingly causing people to turn to debt generating means to pay for essentials needs such as food, rent and utility bills. Usually the individuals that suffer from financial… read more

Here are some top tips to make sure you love the costs as well as the person you are spending Valentine's Day with.… read more

Resistance to the deal could lead to improved situation for shareholders. Xstrata remains attractive but investors are told to hold. The Share Centre believes negotiations could rumble on for some time… read more

First-time buyers worried about the initial outlay of money and future risks of taking out a mortgage should look into the possibility of taking out a hybrid mortgage. A hybrid mortgage merges the benefits… read more

All issues with logging onto portfolio should now be resolved. I apologise again for the inconvenience caused.… read more

We are suffering some unforeseen disruption to the Portfolio Tool. Currently we are not able to give you an estimate of when it will be running again smoothly.… read more

Women are likely to be worst hit by debt issues in the coming years, according to an expert. Georgina Earle, director of Women In Debt, said that she is concerned over the number of women seeking debt… read more

Banks are engaged in a war over current accounts with new deals springing up on a regular basis. We take a look at the best deals on offer.… read more

Here are a few things to consider when looking to cuts costs on the slopes...… read more

With the unusually mild winter weather up to now, many people may not have been too worried about the cost of their gas and electricity bills. But with a cold front from Siberia descending on the UK, the… read more

Orders for the year are up by 50%. Company hopes fibre broadband network will attract new customers. The Share Centre continues to recommend investors buy BT… read more

Sheridan Admans, investment research manager at The Share Centre, gives his thoughts on what to expect from companies announcing results w/c 6 February 2012.… read more

Students could be playing Russian roulette with their finances by taking out store cards without even understanding the meaning of APR. New research by the Chartered Insurance Institute has revealed that… read more

Times are tough and no matter how much you want to declare your love for someone, splashing the cash comes at a price. Here are some cheap tricks to treat your loved ones on a budget.… read more

Looking to improve your credit score? Here are our top tips...… read more

59% of US IPOs that launched in 2011 saw a decrease in share price. The Share Centre points to other plays in the sector with a proven track record. Investors still wanting to take the plunge should do so with caution… read more

Even though many Brits are still experiencing a post-Christmas financial hangover, 8.7 million UK adults have already booked a holiday. Research by Direct Line revealed that millions of Brits are taking… read more

Royal Dutch Shell disappoints the market with figures below expectations. Weakening global demand for oil impacts Royal Dutch Shell. Royal Dutch Shell set to increase quarterly dividend by 2%… read more

Almost half of people living in the North West cant afford to pay their household bills, a new study has found.… read more

Although it is unlikely the Bank of England will increase interest rates in the near future, it is still wise to prepare. Mark Bower, managing director at moneymaxim.co.uk, said that while most people… read more

Pay freezes are an unfortunate consequence of the current stalling economy but Brits may need to tighten their belts as they look set to continue. According to Candidmoney.com, stagnant pay is likely to… read more

Just how much does it cost to live the American dream and enjoy that penthouse apartment compared to residing in the East end of London?… read more