Press Releases

Press releases

This page and the articles below contain press releases, which are for media use only. Individual investors looking for information such as market commentary or fund updates should take a look at our latest Insights.


Coronavirus crisis: Three funds caught up in the sell-off to buy for the long-term Published on 06 Apr 20 by Adrian Lowcock (102 views) The dramatic falls seen across equity markets are creating opportunities for bargain hunters with a long-term investment horizon read more

Willis Owen reveals the best & worst sectors and funds in March 2020. Published on 01 Apr 20 by Adrian Lowcock (108 views) UK Gilts only asset class to deliver positive returns in March UK markets worst performers Energy funds see 40%+ falls due to double whammy of the oil price war and coronavirus read more

Three funds I am buying in my 2020 ISA Published on 27 Mar 20 by Adrian Lowcock (87 views) It is important to make investment choices based on your goals and not on the short-term noise that often permeates stock markets. read more

The five most powerful tools to help investors in a crisis Published on 27 Mar 20 by Adrian Lowcock (88 views) Crisis are always different, they have a different effect on the economy and indeed stockmarkets. It is because of this that we often feel like this time is different to previous crisis. read more

Coronavirus leaves pension savers facing painful ‘dividend shock’ Published on 25 Mar 20 by Adrian Lowcock (106 views) Pension savers are facing a painful dividend shock as a result of the Government’s decision to forcibly close millions of businesses, according to Adrian Lowcock, head of personal investing at Willis Owen. read more

UK stock market at risk of “worst month on record” as volatile shares sell-off again Published on 21 Mar 20 by Adrian Lowcock (103 views) UK markets on course for worst month on record Global markets on course for third worst month ever However, holding stocks for 10-year periods has historically been a very successful strategy, meaning investors should stay the course if possible read more

Willis Owen calls for ISA’s to be simplified Published on 03 Mar 20 by Adrian Lowcock (104 views) If the ISA is going to survive as the phenomenal success story of modern UK consumer finance that it is, it needs to change and simplify, says Willis Owen. read more

Panic selling: Five investment tips to help cope with crises’ like coronavirus Published on 03 Mar 20 by Adrian Lowcock (97 views) Being an investor when markets turn tough like recent weeks is stressful, there is no denying it. But it needn’t be a disaster for you or your portfolio. read more

Ethical ISA Ideas 2020 Published on 26 Feb 20 by Adrian Lowcock (281 views) The UK, Japan and emerging markets offer investors attractive options this ISA season, Willis Owen says Fund picks include Merian UK Mid Cap, Man GLG Japan Core Alpha and Lazard Emerging Markets read more

Hunting for growth in 2020 - The UK, Japan and Asia offer investors attractive options Published on 24 Feb 20 by Adrian Lowcock (73 views) Fund picks include First State Asia Focus, Merian UK Smaller Companies and Baillie Gifford Japanese Income Growth read more

Coronavirus fears hit global markets in January Published on 03 Feb 20 by Adrian Lowcock (276 views) UK Gilts offered investors a safe haven in January Chinese, Asian and Japanese markets suffered on Corona Virus fears Energy funds also hurt after oil price collapse read more

Willis Owen hires Head of Digital to enhance customer experience Published on 29 Jan 20 by Adrian Lowcock (544 views) Willis Owen appoints Head of Digital Alex Rees previously worked at BNP Paribas and Ocado Rees appointed to develop Willis Owen’s digital strategy read more

New Year of the White Rat - a good moment for investors in China? Published on 20 Jan 20 by Adrian Lowcock (88 views) 2019 was tough thanks to US/China trade war, global slowdown and government policy hangovers 2020 should be more steady, with possible trade deals, a stabilising global economy and other factors helping Expect more stimulus to support growth targets, but this will be more selective read more

Think carefully before leaving it in cash: Four fund ideas for Woodford investors Published on 10 Jan 20 by Adrian Lowcock (95 views) After over 7 months the LF Equity Income fund, formerly known as the LF Woodford Equity Income fund, is due to begin selling investments and returning money to investors. read more

Willis Owen reveals the best & worst sectors and funds over the past decade Published on 02 Jan 20 by Adrian Lowcock (88 views) Technology led global markets over the past decade Top ten performing funds are a mix of technology focused, Japanese small cap and UK Smaller companies Energy funds took half of the top 10 worst performers read more

Willis Owen’s outlook for 2020 Published on 10 Dec 19 by Adrian Lowcock (483 views) Take a look at Willis Owen’s outlook for 2020 read more

How to give your finances a January detox Published on 04 Dec 19 by Adrian Lowcock (424 views) January is a month when we put aside the excesses of Christmas. Many of us stay at home nursing the damage we have done to our bodies and our bank balances. read more

Five New Year’s resolutions for investors Published on 04 Dec 19 by Adrian Lowcock (469 views) Investor behaviour is mostly focused on short term noise which can inhibit or negatively impact their investment decisions. Adrian Lowcock, Head of Personal Investing at Willis Owen, suggest five rules for investors to live by in the New Year read more

Five funds for 2020 Published on 03 Dec 19 by Adrian Lowcock (403 views) Markets have been on a wild ride this year, with gains for some of the world’s leading equity indices and a sharp reversal in bond yields which has seen fixed income investors also enjoy solid returns. read more

Five financial gifts for children at Christmas 2019 Published on 03 Dec 19 by Adrian Lowcock (397 views) With Christmas fast approaching, many parents will be busily trying to fulfil their children’s wish lists to Santa. read more

Willis Owen reveals the best and worst sectors and funds in November 2019 Published on 02 Dec 19 by Adrian Lowcock (445 views) Investors return as global growth fears ease: Biotech the best performer in November Gold equity and Latin American funds both suffer read more

Will this year’s General Election spark a Santa Rally Published on 27 Nov 19 by Adrian Lowcock (507 views) Since the FTSE 100 was created in 1984 the index has increased by an average of 2.2% during the month of December, excluding dividends The FTSE 100 has only fallen seven times during December in 34 years, including 2014, 2015 and 2018 The so-called Santa Rally occurs 79.4% of the time, making it one of the most reliable statistical market trends The last two weeks of the year are statistically the strongest, starting, on average on the 10th trading day of December. read more

Three investment trusts on big discounts for Black Friday Published on 20 Nov 19 by Adrian Lowcock (421 views) Adrian Lowcock, Head of personal investing, Willis Owen shares three investment trusts on big discounts for Black Friday. read more

Best performing Junior ISA Funds Published on 21 Oct 19 by Adrian Lowcock (464 views) Junior ISAs turn 8 this November and have become one of the most popular ways to invest for Children. They are fairly easy to understand and flexible enough that once set up anyone can contribute to it. read more

Does the winner of the General Election affect markets? Published on 09 Oct 19 by Adrian Lowcock (482 views) John Major had best first month in office, since the 1987 General Election Tony Blair had the best first year in office in 1997 and then again in 2005 When John Major was prime minister the FTSE 100 returned 126.88% read more

Ethical Investing “outperforming non-ethical in US and UK” Published on 07 Oct 19 by Adrian Lowcock (551 views) Ethical indices beat their non-ethical peers over 10 years Ethical investments have risen 17% to £20bn in August 2019 3 different approaches to ethical investing Ethical investment ideas read more

Should investors fear ‘red’ October Published on 04 Oct 19 by Adrian Lowcock (490 views) 7 of the 11 worst one day falls have happened in October On average October is the 5th best month performing month of the year read more

Willis Owen reveals why you should be bean counting this International Coffee Day Published on 01 Oct 19 by Adrian Lowcock (420 views) The investment platform is encouraging savers and investors to take 1omins on 1st October 2019 to make small incremental changes to their finances read more

2019 Rugby World Cup: Fantasy Fund Manager, who has made the Willis Owen Squad Published on 23 Sep 19 by Adrian Lowcock (522 views) There are a number of parallels between picking a winning rugby team and building a successful portfolio. As well as finding the best individual performers, it is also vital to make sure they have strengths, which complement each other as well as a combination of youth and experience. read more

‘Sell in May’ works for UK shares for second year running but weak pound lifts investments overseas Published on 09 Sep 19 by Adrian Lowcock (636 views) The traditional adage ‘Sell in May and go away, don’t come back until St Leger’s Day’ is on course to come true in the UK this summer for the second year running, according to analysis by Willis Owen, the online investment platform. read more

Gilts show their defensive qualities as investors grow concerned over economic growth Published on 09 Sep 19 by Adrian Lowcock (515 views) • Index-Linked funds take 7 out of 10 top spots in August • Global Emerging Markets the worst performer • Woodfords’ woes continue as it remains worst performing UK equity fund read more

Investors pull £1.2bn out of the UK as Brexit uncertainty and global growth concerns weigh Published on 05 Sep 19 by Adrian Lowcock (546 views) Fixed Income was the best-selling asset class with £2.2 billion in net retail sales UK funds experienced net retail outflows of £1.2 billion. read more

Gold Shines whilst Technology continues to perform Published on 01 Aug 19 by Adrian Lowcock (584 views) US and Technology rally extends into July Gold funds top performance tables UK Smaller companies disappoint as Brexit Uncertainty weighs read more

US economy hits longest phase of expansion in history: should investors be prepared for a downturn? Published on 01 Aug 19 by Adrian Lowcock (702 views) US economy grows for 121 month from June 2009 Longest period of economic growth for US on record, surpassing the 120-months of growth between March 1991 and March 2001 S&P 500 has delivered an annualized average of 16.87% for sterling investors read more

A third of retail investors have changed their portfolio in the last 12 months due to social media Published on 01 Jul 19 by Adrian Lowcock (582 views) New research from Willis Owen reveals 34% of UK retail investors have made at least one change to their investments over the past 12 months as a result of announcements made via social media channels. Some 9% claim to have made at least five investment changes because of this, and 2% have made more than 10. read more

US tech and small cap the winners while Woodford wilts Published on 01 Jul 19 by Adrian Lowcock (553 views) US and Technology continue to lead in first half of 2019 Omnis Income and growth (formerly managed by Woodford) and WEIF the worst performing equity funds Top ten performing funds are a mix of US, European and Russian equity portfolios read more

Woodford the worst since Brexit vote as UK investors miss out by “backing Britain” Published on 21 Jun 19 by Adrian Lowcock (758 views) UK investors who have stuck rigidly to the UK since Britain voted to Brexit could have doubled their money by investing overseas, with equity funds focused on the UK – including Neil Woodford’s equity income offering – lagging far behind peers, according to research from Willis Owen. read more

Equity Income funds: don’t throw the baby out with the bath water Published on 19 Jun 19 by Adrian Lowcock (795 views) Top Ten Equity Income funds for income Top Ten Equity Income funds for total return (growth & Income) Five key characteristics of Equity Income funds read more

Research reveals extent of gender pension split Published on 18 Jun 19 by Adrian Lowcock (595 views) 41% of women without a pension plan have no intention to start saving into one 17% of people who are not saving into a pension plan don’t ever expect to stop working 35% of people claim to have stopped paying into a pension plan over the past 12 months read more

Latest Investment Association statistics reveal even ISA season cannot reverse outflows from the UK Published on 06 Jun 19 by Adrian Lowcock (589 views) Net retail sales rose to £2bn for first time since April 2018 UK continues to remain unloved as Brexit drags on Global equities remain top selling sector of 3rd consecutive month with £971m of sales read more

Willis Owen shares the best and worst-performing sectors and funds in May 2019 Published on 03 Jun 19 by Adrian Lowcock (645 views) UK index-linked gilts shine in May as investors turn cautious Seven out of 10 top-performing funds are Government bond funds China and Technology are worst-performing sectors as fortunes are reversed read more

The dogs fight back: the 2018 worst-performing UK funds with the biggest rebound revealed Published on 03 Jun 19 by Adrian Lowcock (680 views) Eight of the worst-performing UK funds of 2018 recovered by up to 19% this year1 read more

Investing for 10 years generated a positive return 98% of the time Published on 21 May 19 by Adrian Lowcock (633 views) The FTSE 100 has given an average total return of 139.36% over 10-year periods Three tips to becoming a long term investor include staying calm, remembering goals and adopting contrarian approach read more

UK adults would invest £35bn more a year if investment products were more transparent Published on 01 May 19 by Adrian Lowcock (798 views) Welsh adults are most deterred from investing by lack of clarity from investment management industry¹ read more

Sell in May adage makes no sense for investors, Willis Owen says Published on 25 Apr 19 by Adrian Lowcock (630 views) Analysis shows staying invested and reaping dividend rewards enhanced returns by 40% over last 33 summers read more

Fundsmith Equity is best-selling in closing stage of the ISA season Published on 17 Apr 19 by Adrian Lowcock (1,220 views) Fundsmith Equity was the biggest selling fund on the Willis Owen investment platform in the last month of the 2018/19 ISA season¹ read more

Research reveals outperforming fund managers have seen their stars fade in new roles Published on 15 Apr 19 by Adrian Lowcock (599 views) New analysis by Willis Owen reveals how star fund managers can underperform when they move into new roles. read more

Early bird investors do catch the worm, Willis Owen research reveals Published on 01 Apr 19 by Adrian Lowcock (643 views) Willis Owen’s analysis of the FTSE 100 and the FTSE All Share since ISAs were launched 20 years ago on 6th April 1999 shows that investors who were quick to invest received a better return than those who left it until the last minute or saved regularly each month. read more

Analysis by Willis Owen reveals actively-managed funds significantly outperform passives Published on 21 Mar 19 by Adrian Lowcock (1,308 views) Analysis shows only two index funds rank in top 50 performers over three and five years read more

Willis Owen welcomes exit fee ban Published on 14 Mar 19 by Adrian Lowcock (782 views) Exit fees have been an ongoing problem for investors, trapping them in services they no longer want or need. read more

Willis Owen shares the best and worst-performing sectors and funds in February 2019 Published on 01 Mar 19 by Adrian Lowcock (1,084 views) US Smaller Companies continue to lead rally for second month in a row having been worst performer in December Brazilian and Latin American funds drop into worst-performing funds having been best performers in January read more

UK smaller companies, global and emerging markets offer great JISA potential Published on 22 Feb 19 by Adrian Lowcock (888 views) The strong long-term prospects for the UK Smaller Companies, Global and Emerging Market equity sectors make them attractive themes for investment in junior individual savings accounts (JISAs), according to Willis Owen, the online investment service provider. read more

ISA investors in UK stocks could have made £162,349 return over last 20 years, Willis Owen says Published on 21 Feb 19 by Adrian Lowcock (1,199 views) Best-performing ISA fund has made 2,448% return China/Greater China sector has delivered 771.8% read more

ISA ideas 2019 Published on 13 Feb 19 by Adrian Lowcock (721 views) The UK, Japan and emerging markets are three attractive themes for investors to consider in the current ISA season, according to Adrian Lowcock, Head of Personal Investing at Willis Owen, the online investment service provider. read more

Research reveals star fund managers really do make a difference Published on 11 Feb 19 by Adrian Lowcock (827 views) Willis Owen analysis¹ of 15 investment funds who had star fund managers leave at some stage between 2013 and 2017 reveals the level of out-performance dropped dramatically after their departure. read more

Latest IA statistics reveal a slump in fund sales as investors avoid volatile and risky markets. Published on 07 Feb 19 by Adrian Lowcock (825 views) Net retail sales plummet to £17bn in 2018, compared to £48bn in 2017 Brexit concerns lead to £4.8bn net outflows in 2018 Global equities were most popular in 2018 read more

ISA investors defy Brexit uncertainty to buy British in January, Willis Owen data reveals Published on 06 Feb 19 by Adrian Lowcock (956 views) With the ISA season now underway, UK assets featured strongly in the best-selling funds and sectors on the Willis Owen platform in January. read more

Willis Owen shares the best and worst-performing sectors and funds in January 2019 Published on 01 Feb 19 by Adrian Lowcock (1,693 views) Indian equity funds take all 10 spots in worst-performing list US Smaller Companies led an equity rebound in January, having been worst performer in December Brazilian and Latin American funds take half the best performing slots read more

Financial advice gap set to get worse as more IFAs look to leave the industry Published on 14 Jan 19 by Adrian Lowcock (957 views) New research(1) from Willis Owen, the leading UK online investment platform, reveals that 17% of IFAs and wealth managers are looking to leave the industry over the next three years read more

Give your finances a January Detox Published on 07 Jan 19 by Adrian Lowcock (970 views) Adrian Lowcock, Head of Personal Investing, Willis Owen offers seven tips for detoxing your finances this January read more

Retail investors complain of lack of clarity from the investment management industry Published on 04 Jan 19 by Adrian Lowcock (947 views) Retail investors complain of lack of clarity from the investment management industry read more

Willis Owen shares the best and worst-performing sectors and funds in December 2018 Published on 03 Jan 19 by Adrian Lowcock (891 views) Gold funds offer investor protection in a disappointing December Gilts and bonds account for seven of the 10 best-performing sectors US Smaller companies takes “honours” for worst performing sector in December read more

Five financial gifts for children at Christmas Published on 17 Dec 18 by Adrian Lowcock (919 views) “Every Christmas, we add to the pile of toys in our children’s bedrooms and whilst it is great to see their excitement on Christmas Day, sadly the novelty soon wears off. A financial gift is unlikely to have the same response on the day but unlike other presents, these are gifts that are likely to be more enduring and could be worth much more in the future.” read more

Willis Owen shares the best and worst-performing sectors and funds in 2018 Published on 10 Dec 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,181 views) Technology stocks drive markets in 2018 Half of the worst performing funds are gold funds European smaller companies tops the list as worst performing sector. read more

Willis Owen says ‘Brexit hysteria’ means UK equities are undervalued Published on 05 Dec 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,192 views) Willis Owen believes concerns around Brexit mean that from a long-term perspective, UK equities are undervalued. read more

One in five JISA accounts to top £40,000 Published on 04 Dec 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,259 views) New research(1) amongst people saving or investing into Junior ISAs (JISAs), reveals 19% expect the funds to be worth over £40,000 by the time the children they have been opened for reach 18. read more

Japan and Emerging Market equities offer best value for 2019, says Willis Owen Published on 30 Nov 18 by Adrian Lowcock (954 views) Japan and Emerging Markets (EMs) offer equity investors the best value for 2019, while UK shares are also cheap for those prepared to ride out the Brexit storm, according to Willis Owen, the leading online investment platform. read more

Willis Owen shares three investment trusts on big discounts for Black Friday Published on 23 Nov 18 by Adrian Lowcock (939 views) Real Estate has been one of the hardest hit following Westminster’s damning response to Theresa May’s Brexit agreement. read more

The Santa Rally is unlikely to bring investors joy this year Published on 23 Nov 18 by Adrian Lowcock (924 views) Financial markets have many sayings and trends. Investors are always looking for patterns in all the market and economic data to gain a competitive advantage and boost their investment returns. read more

Black Friday – How to invest for the online retail revolution Published on 16 Nov 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,176 views) Black friday has firmly established itself in the retail calendar both in the UK and the US. Whilst some fear its arrival others are eager to grab big bargains that may be on offer. read more

Nearly half of UK JISA investors are saving for higher education Published on 14 Nov 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,023 views) Almost half (47%) of those saving into a JISA for a child or relative hope the money will go towards paying for university or higher education, a new survey from Willis Owen reveals. read more

80% of JISA investors keep kids and young adults ‘in the dark’ over savings Published on 14 Nov 18 by Adrian Lowcock (2,276 views) Over four in five (82%) parents and relatives have been investing in JISAs for children or young relatives since they were less than five years of age. However, 80% plan to wait until their recipients are 16 or over before telling them they have money invested, a new survey(1) by Willis Owen reveals. read more

Willis Owen provides reaction to the 2018 Budget and explains the impact for savers and investors Published on 29 Oct 18 by Adrian Lowcock (918 views) In their manifesto, the Tories pledged to increase the income tax personal allowance to £12,500 by and the point at which individuals start paying higher rate income tax to £50,000 by 2020/21. read more

Emerging Market sentiment ‘improving’ according to Willis Owen confidence survey Published on 23 Oct 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,175 views) Willis Owen’s latest survey of almost 1000 investors has revealed that over a third (38%) plan to increase their exposure to Asia and emerging markets over the next six months. read more

Nearly one in five investors expect the UK stock market to fall by over 10% in the next six months Published on 23 Oct 18 by Adrian Lowcock (992 views) Research(1) from Willis Owen amongst nearly 1,000 UK retail investors reveals that 17% expect the UK stock market to fall by over 10% between now and April 2019; 6% anticipate a correction of more than 15%. read more

Analysis shows absolute return funds only provide short-term defence against volatility Published on 12 Oct 18 by Adrian Lowcock (878 views) Recent volatility on global financial market may have spurred investors to consider taking refuge in absolute return funds. read more

Best and worst-performing sectors and funds in September 2018 Published on 01 Oct 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,538 views) Indian funds make up nine out 10 worst-performing funds Oil rally helps Russian funds become best performers Japan leads the best-performing sectors read more

7 Ways to celebrate Financial Planning Week Published on 01 Oct 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,011 views) Financial Planning week runs from the 3rd - 10th October this year. The annual campaign is organised to help people improve and be more mindful of their personal finances. Financial health can be a complex issue for some individuals, although for the majority there are small, everyday things that we can all do to improve our finances. Adrian Lowcock, heading personal investing, Willis Owen gives some tips. read more

Willis Owen shares Fund picks for Ethical investment week Published on 24 Sep 18 by Adrian Lowcock (2,013 views) Good Money Week begins on Saturday 29th September Ethical indices have beat their non-ethical peers over 10 years Willis Owen shares ethical investment ideas and fund picks read more

Truth of ‘Sell in May’ adage set to return Published on 14 Sep 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,404 views) The traditional adage ‘Sell in May and go away, don’t come back until St Leger’s Day’ is on course to come true this summer for the first time in three years, according to new analysis by Willis Owen, the online investment platform. read more

S&P 500 hits longest bull-run in history Published on 14 Sep 18 by Adrian Lowcock (2,457 views) UK investors see returns of more than 400% Current bull market has only provided the seventh best annualised returns out of 11 since World War II Best & Worst performing US funds during the bull market read more

10 Years after Lehman’s Published on 12 Sep 18 by Adrian Lowcock (2,387 views) 7 out of 10 worst performing funds invest in commodities Technology sector has led the bull market Japanese, US, UK and European Smaller Companies all performed strongly after the crisis read more

Best and worst-performing sectors and funds in August 2018 Published on 01 Sep 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,349 views) American Smaller Companies is best-performing sector in August European fund is best performer in August Emerging Market Bonds lead worst-performing sectors as Turkey weighs read more

The Care ISA is an ill-thought-out idea Published on 21 Aug 18 by Adrian Lowcock (1,097 views) The Care ISA is an ill-thought-out idea. It will do very little to help the majority of people who need care in their old age read more

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