Because money matters
Archive for April, 2010
Capital guaranteed Investments
Apr 26th
If you are looking for a risk-free way to invest in the stock market, you may be tempted by the capital guaranteed investments offered by some banks, which offer a guarantee that you will receive your initial stake back, plus a guaranteed maximum return. However, capital guaranteed investments are not always as safe as they are purported to be, and have a number of notable drawbacks when compared to other types of investment. Here, we take a close look at so-called capital guaranteed investments, and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of this type of fund. More >
Stock market index
Apr 24th
Stock market indices, such as the FTSE 100 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average, are widely used by journalists and financial services firms as benchmarks for the performance of the stock market on a national and global scale, and the various industry sectors within it. In this article, we take a look at all the different types of stock market index, and how their prices are calculated. More >
The notice account: Good interest comes to those who wait
Apr 21st
If you have already used your ISA allowance for the year and have additional funds to save, a notice account can be the next best thing for achieving maximum growth for your savings – as long as you won’t need to access the money in a hurry. The rules governing withdrawal from the typical notice account are explained here. More >
How to choose a stockbroker
Apr 17th
If you are not a full-time trader, and you want to be able to play the stock market, you will need to use a stockbrokers service. Stockbrokers services can range from automated, online execution-only services to personal services, which can offer advice and can even manage your portfolio for you if you do not have the time to. Here, we show you how to choose the right stockbrokers services for your needs, and give you some tips as to what to look out for when choosing a stockbroker. More >
Tracker mortgage advice
Apr 15th
In times of low interest rates, a tracker mortgage can seem to be the most cost-effective way to borrow the money that you need to buy a property. However, taking out a tracker mortgage during a recession may not be the wisest strategy in the longer term. In this article, we explain how tracker mortgages work, and look at the various pros and cons of this type of mortgage. More >
How to invest in Africa
Apr 13th
Investing in Africa has great potential, and great danger. There are ways to make investments in Africa, but it should be done carefully. The article discusses some of the many routes into the continent.
Africa investments are often seen as having unbelievable potential. Figures back this up. Outside India and rural China there is no greater amount of very poor people, and as economic history has shown us the times of fastest economic growth are when the majority of the population goes from being extremely poor to moderately poor. This is one part of the case for investments in Africa. More >
Absolute return funds
Apr 10th
The recent volatility in the stock market has caused many investors to look towards investments which produce more predictable returns. Absolute return funds are a type of fund that uses a number of different financial tools in an attempt to provide more stable returns. However, the downside to this complexity is that they require a lot of management, which can eat into your profits. Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of absolute return funds, in order to help you decide whether they are the right investment vehicle for you. More >
Using a joint mortgage to get onto the housing ladder
Apr 9th
These days, it can be difficult for an individual to get a foot on the housing ladder, as property prices have soared over the last couple of decades. However, if you are able to combine your resources with a partner or a friend, then you can take out a joint mortgage on a property, which will enable you to get a much bigger mortgage than you could otherwise afford. Here is a guide to some of the advantages, and potential pitfalls, associated with taking out a joint mortgage. More >
Technical analysis
Apr 6th
Technical analysis, also known as charting, is a method whereby you can use graphical representations of the past movements of shares, commodities, and other financial tools to predict their future movements. Although it is far from fool-proof, it can be a useful investment tool if used properly. Here, we explain the basics of technical analysis, and explain how it can be used in combination with other forms of market analysis. More >
Welcome to Money City Direct
Apr 3rd
Welcome to Money City Direct, the web site that will give you the best advice on money and finance and over the coming posts we will discuss the best places to keep your money as well as advice on money saving, investment banking, credit cards including cashback, reward cards, purchase and balance transfer, credit and credit reports, loans including secure and insecure loans, personal loans and payday loans, mortgages and remortgages products and a general guide to the financial issues that matter to you. More >
