Insight articles

Latest insights

We cover a range of topics that may help you manage your cash savings and investments. This includes topics like how current affairs can impact your investments or tips to boost returns on your cash savings.


How will your finances fare this Black Friday? 26 Nov 21 Sam Shaw You’re probably acutely aware that today is what’s known as Black Friday. Yes, another US-born tradition that’s made its way to the UK. Some of you will welcome such news with open arms and a liberated purse while for others will want to cower in a corner and avoid altogether. How will you – literally – spend yours? Read on for a few light-hearted ideas and remember – tread (or tap, if online is more your thing) carefully around those retailers. Subscribe

Passing down the positive stuff 19 Nov 21 Sam Shaw Happy International Men’s Day! (Who knew right??) But it’s true that many of us have a reason to say thank you to the male role models in our lives (and the women who shape them of course!) One way in which we’d like to credit these role models is for the financial knowledge that gets shared between generations. What financial values are you passing on, or perhaps being passed? In this piece we explore some of these less tangible but still powerful gifts – financial literacy, guidance on financial wellbeing and how Willis Owen might be able to help in all this. Subscribe

Investing for a brighter future 12 Nov 21 Sam Shaw As the world focuses its attentions on the global environmental crisis we face, the regulator has also laid out a plan for more decisive action. The world of responsible investing – be that classed as sustainable or ethical, linked to environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria or making a positive impact – is something of a minefield for investors to navigate. We explore some of the main intentions and objectives in this latest article, which we hope you read with interest – whatever your personal motivators when it comes to your own investments. Subscribe

Things are looking up for income 05 Nov 21 Sam Shaw This week’s Insight is looking at UK dividends – where they’ve come from, how healthy they look and some signals of what may be on the horizon. We hope you read with interest and maybe follow our prompt to check in on your own equity income exposures – we may have included a gentle cautionary note. Subscribe

Budget 2021: the age of optimism 28 Oct 21 Sam Shaw Whether you were glued to the screen for just over an hour on Wednesday or you ran a mile at the thought of it, we thought we’d offer you our take on some of the finer points of the Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021. The detail always tends to come out in the wash, but here we run through some of the more pressing items, which we hope you read with interest. Subscribe

Budget 2021 – round up of announcements 27 Oct 21 Sam Shaw Today, Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered a Budget that ‘prepares the world for a new economy post-Covid’ but acknowledged that the pandemic is not over. Here we have summarised some of the key points, we hope you'll read with interest. Subscribe

2021 Autumn Budget - What will Wednesday bring? 22 Oct 21 Sam Shaw Unpicking the rumours and the expectations, we’re looking ahead to next week’s Autumn Budget, where Rishi Sunak will set out the state of the nation’s finances and give us an idea of what we have to look forward to as savers and investors. We hope you’ll read with interest. Subscribe

The power of patience 15 Oct 21 Sam Shaw Many of us will have learnt about compound interest at school but possibly haven’t thought too much about it since, so we wanted to remind you of the benefits of buying, holding and reinvesting over a longer period of time. This article will hopefully serve as a reminder of the power of patience. Subscribe

Beware sitting on the sidelines 06 Oct 21 Sam Shaw In this article we wanted to remind you to check in with your holdings. Make sure you’re happy with the amount of cash you’re sitting with, where it’s being held and whether we can help. Subscribe

Supply chains and shortages 30 Sep 21 Sam Shaw In recent weeks the fragility of UK supply chains has dominated news headlines. In this article, we look at the issue in a bit more detail, highlighting the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate sectors. Subscribe

Free Wills Month 24 Sep 21 Sam Shaw Last year was a doubly challenging time for anyone considering their Last Will and Testament. As millions of us were simultaneously faced with our own mortality, thinking about those final wishes was pushed up the priority list. At the same time, lockdowns and restricted face-to-face meetings made the process quite onerous, as real-time witnessing had to take place through windows and letterboxes. Subscribe

Happy birthday to all of you (and an easy gift idea) 17 Sep 21 Sam Shaw Did you know September 26^th is the most common birthday? Well in the UK, anyway. With that in mind, we wondered if you’d need any inspiration for present ideas for the young people in your life? Don’t stress over choosing the latest console or the right pair of trainers or music obsession. With a £9,000 annual limit, any contribution to a Junior ISA would be very well received, I’m sure. Subscribe

Pensions and promises 10 Sep 21 Sam Shaw Watch out next week for a programme of advice, webinars, live Q&A chats and help all around pensions, as we mark Pension Awareness Day. Our article casts light on the moving parts in the pensions and investments spaces this week. Subscribe

Fresh season? Fresh finances 03 Sep 21 Sam Shaw In this article, we invite you to take stock of your financial affairs, checking everything is working to best effect given your current circumstances – which may or may not have changed due to the pandemic – and getting ready for autumn as the days close in. Subscribe

Learning about financial literacy 27 Aug 21 Sam Shaw While many of us think we have a thorough understanding of how to manage our finances, some topics are more confusing and leave us scratching our heads over what to do. In this article we discuss the idea of financial literacy, what it means and how we often have a skewed view – in either direction – of how much we truly understand. Subscribe

Is your retirement plan in place? 20 Aug 21 Sam Shaw What does retirement mean to you? Are you all set, confident and prepared for your financial future, is there more work to be done or have you not even started thinking about it? Wherever you are on that journey, we’re here for you. This article touches on some of the key considerations and points you to our useful guides and services that can help you work out what you want, what you need and how to identify any gaps that need addressing. Subscribe

Getting to grips with pensions tax relief 13 Aug 21 Sam Shaw One of the reasons pensions can be quite complicated is because of the many guidelines and restrictions that relate to the different levels of tax relief available. Tax benefits are a great incentive to encourage us to save more into our pensions but they do require a little bit of know-how to make sure the rules are adhered to (not helped by the fact they seem to change so often!). This article aims to give an overview and steer you towards our more detailed guide to pensions tax relief, which should help keep you on the right track with your pension savings plan, while remaining within the rules. Subscribe

Helping you make the right choices 06 Aug 21 Sam Shaw However far away you are from winding down work, it’s never too early to start at least thinking about that phase of life. You’ll have some choices to make about your retirement, what it might look like and how much you’ll need to live on. This article looks at some of the available options in retirement to help you better prepare for when the time is right. Subscribe

Redefining ‘retirement’ 30 Jul 21 Sam Shaw Despite all the evidence around the benefits of saving earlier for retirement and pension consolidation, take-up and levels of engagement are still lacking. Does ‘retirement’ have an image problem? In this article we discuss some of the possible reasons, while offering a gentle reminder of the benefits. Subscribe

How do cycles and sentiment drive one another? 23 Jul 21 Sam Shaw In the investment community we talk a lot about cycles. Company lifecycles, business cycles and those pertaining to markets. How do they feed into sentiments or how does sentiment affect market movement and share prices? In this article we explore these concepts and would encourage you to try and drown out the distractions. There’s enough robust information available, including that from our own research teams. Subscribe

Halfway through the year, where are the recovery hotspots? 16 Jul 21 Sam Shaw To see where we’re going, it can be helpful to understand where we’ve been. This article looks back at the first six months of this year, specifically the bigger economic picture across the major developed economies in light of the pandemic. Subscribe

Taking care of your retirement 02 Jul 21 Sam Shaw Gone are the days of a job for life. Britons will have, on average, 11 jobs throughout their lifetime and with each of those jobs may well come a pension - either run as a workplace scheme or offered as a personal pension. As we move through career changes and take on new initiatives, there runs a risk that our total pension savings becomes increasingly fragmented and difficult to manage. Subscribe

How do fund managers overcome their own biases? 25 Jun 21 Sam Shaw Professional fund managers, like those featured in our Focus 50 list, are highly skilled, working for well-resourced organisations. Yet they’re still human, and susceptible to the same natural tendencies that we have. In this article, we look at how some of those behaviours can be analysed and overcome. Subscribe

What are the key elements of portfolio construction? 18 Jun 21 Sam Shaw There's a lot to think about when you decide to invest. Your time horizon, objectives, how you feel about risk and other motivators or limitations. This article will touch on those concepts, while reminding of the importance of asset allocation techniques. Subscribe

What’s your investment personality? 11 Jun 21 Sam Shaw How much do you think your attitudes are swayed by inherent biases? In this article we look at different investment personality types, our innate human tendencies and how they might affect our investment behaviours. Subscribe

Adjusting to a different pace 04 Jun 21 Sam Shaw Many assumptions are made about how to invest after working life slows down. We appreciate there may be a lot going on and adjusting to a different life stage might be a bit of a balancing act. In this article we tackle some of those assumptions while exploring how that balance might be struck. Subscribe

Time, time, time (see what becomes of…my investments) 28 May 21 Sam Shaw They say timing is everything. While it may not be the sole determinant for a successful investment strategy, it is certainly a very important factor – yet one with which we can have a bizarre relationship, as humans. In this article we explore the concept of time and how it shapes our thinking about how we invest. Subscribe

Why does risk make us feel nervous? 21 May 21 Sam Shaw Risk management is an inherent part of investing and, done well, can help maximise returns, minimise losses and alleviate stress levels. In this article we explore some different types of risk and the emotions that are often attached. Subscribe

Are emerging markets’ fortunes set to turn? 14 May 21 Sam Shaw For some, emerging markets represent an exciting range of investment opportunities where the risks are as diverse and dynamic as each individual country’s prospects. In this article we look at some of the economic drivers associated with the sector and highlight some of the key considerations. Subscribe

Are brighter times coming? 07 May 21 Sam Shaw There is no denying income investors were hit hard last year, with a 42% drop in dividend payments over the course of 2020 as two-thirds of UK-listed companies reduced or cancelled pay-outs. In this article we consider whether the outlook has improved for dividends this year. Subscribe

Sell in May, is there proof behind the proverb? 30 Apr 21 Sam Shaw There is a well-known adage often cited among investment circles at this time of year. “Sell in May and go away, come back on St Leger’s Day” is a saying coined hundreds of years ago when it was customary for bankers, merchants and aristocrats operating within the City of London to sell their stock before the markets started to wane over the summer and head off to the countryside. Subscribe

What are the post-pandemic recovery themes? 23 Apr 21 Sam Shaw Investment markets move in cycles, as we know, and while 2020 was horrific for many reasons due to the pandemic, the strong bounce that followed across multiple leading economies offered plenty of reasons to relax. As vaccine programmes are rolled out the world over, some of those immediate upturns may eventually develop into longer-term themes but are, for now, being replaced by reopening themes. Subscribe

Is now the time to lift the lid on ESG? 16 Apr 21 Sam Shaw One unintended consequence of the pandemic over the past year has been the renewed focus it has placed on the sustainability and environmental agenda, with both delivering an indiscriminate, globally reaching ‘wake-up call’ for societies, companies and individuals in response to an external threat over which one has very little control. Subscribe

Domestic investing need not be a chore 09 Apr 21 Sam Shaw UK-based investments have been out of favour with domestic and international investors for several years, with 2020 seeing shares listed in London trading at some of their cheapest levels. Subscribe

Should you be worried about inflation? 01 Apr 21 Sam Shaw This month the Office for National Statistics announced that hand sanitiser and loungewear had landed in the basket of goods used to calculate inflation, reflecting lockdown-induced importance placed on certain consumer goods and services. Subscribe

Unlocking the opportunities 26 Mar 21 Sam Shaw This time last year, the UK went into its first national lockdown – announced by a seminal broadcast from Boris Johnson during which he instructed us all to “stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives”. Subscribe

Where am I investing my 2021 ISA allowance? 25 Mar 21 Adrian Lowcock When choosing the investments for your 2021 ISA, it is important to think about your personal situation, attitude to risk and what it is you are trying to achieve. Subscribe

The long term benefits of investing 19 Mar 21 Adrian Lowcock If we had a choice, we’d probably want to get rich quick, so we can spend the money immediately, which is why we hear so many stories about people winning on the horses, making a fortune on Bitcoin or even speculating on shares. Subscribe

7 tips for paying less tax 19 Mar 21 Adrian Lowcock No one wants to pay more tax than they have to and reducing the tax you pay could also give your investments a boost. We have 7 top tips to help if you are looking for simple and effective ways to shelter your investments from taxes today as well as offering potential protection against future tax rises. Please note, tax rules can change and any benefits will depend on your individual circumstances. Subscribe

Should we be excited about a so-called commodity super-cycle? 12 Mar 21 Sam Shaw 2021 has offered several reasons for optimism so far, but for investors interested in commodities, they might be feeling particularly cheerful. Subscribe

Three growth ideas for your ISA 12 Mar 21 Adrian Lowcock Growth is a big part of investing and shares offer the potential for you to generate significant returns and boost the value of your portfolio. However, growth is not guaranteed and you could get back less than you invested. Subscribe

Three income ideas for your ISA or SIPP 05 Mar 21 Adrian Lowcock Last year saw a huge disruption in the income from many investments as companies rapidly cut dividends and the interest rates on cash continued to languish. After more than a decade, interest rates are still languishing at very low levels and we think they are unlikely to rise much in the short term. Subscribe

Is the bond bull market over? 05 Mar 21 Sam Shaw Bond markets were spooked recently as vaccine-led euphoria fuelled hopes that a full economic recovery was on the horizon and an enormous US stimulus package may be unnecessary. Inflation expectations shot up, in turn pushing down bond prices while driving up yields to their highest levels since the start of the pandemic. Subscribe

2021 Budget round-up 01 Mar 21 Adrian Lowcock Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, delivered his 2nd budget today, March 3 2021, and below we highlight some of the key points. Unsurprisingly, Sunak focused on measures to tackle the impact of the global pandemic both on people’s jobs and the country’s finances. Sunak’s budget focused on an investment-led recovery. Subscribe

Spring into action 26 Feb 21 Sam Shaw We know there is still a while to go before the end of the tax year but why leave things until the last minute? In taking a closer look at your portfolio now, it gives you a little more time to carry out your research and we have plenty of information and guides to help support you in your decision-making. Subscribe

Who said size doesn’t matter? 19 Feb 21 Sam Shaw Smaller companies are often overlooked especially in the current climate when economic uncertainty dominates and there seems no end to how larger the biggest companies can get. However, as we enter the next phase of the economic cycle we revisit the why it can be worth looking at small caps. Subscribe

China - Steadfast, Strong and reliable. Can it continue to grow in 2021? 12 Feb 21 Edward Johnson The Chinese economy has been growing over the past 20 years and is now second only to the US in terms of size. It has also been a major investment theme for many years, but after a strong rebound 2020 we look at whether there are still opportunities for investors? Subscribe

What are cryptocurrencies and should investors really consider them? 05 Feb 21 Sam Shaw Towards the end of 2020 and at the start of this year excitement once more grew around Bitcoin and as the price soared the cryptic technology attracted more interest. We look at what cryptocurrencies are and what the risks are with these largely unregulated investments. Subscribe

Looking up for income 29 Jan 21 Sam Shaw Dividends are an important aspect of investing, particularly, in the UK. Many investors rely on them to provide an income in retirement, whilst others have benefitted from the compounding effect of reinvesting them. 2020 was a challenging year as dividends were quickly cut. However, we think things will recovery and this has been a reset. Subscribe

What is the outlook for the US under a Biden Presidency? 22 Jan 21 Sam Shaw This week saw the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States. As the leader of the Democrats entering the White House amid a global crisis, he has his work cut out. We look at his policies and the opportunities under a Biden Presidency. Subscribe

Give your finances a detox in January 08 Jan 21 Sam Shaw Looking after your finances is one of those tasks many of us put off until they have more time, but as the UK entered its third lockdown making sure our money is working as hard as possible for us has taken on even greater importance for many. Use this month to get your finances into shape. Subscribe

Should investors invest in the UK as Brexit deadline looms? 18 Dec 20 Sam Shaw Brexit has dominated the UK and the performance of its stock markets for nearly half a decade but we are at the end of that long process and in a few weeks’ time the UK will have officially left the EU. Whilst it would have been nice to know whether we leave with a trade deal or not, we look at the reasons why the UK could be an attractive investment opportunity in 2021 irrespective of the outcome. Subscribe

Is Santa going to visit the markets this year? 11 Dec 20 Sam Shaw We are pleased to introduce you to Sam Shaw, an experienced writer, editor and presenter who has dedicated her career to writing on investment matters. Sam will be providing regular insights on the topics that matter to investors today. Please do let us know what you think of our insights as your feedback can help us make improvements. This week Sam is looking at the Santa Rally. Will it turn up this year and what should investors do about it? Subscribe

2020 – What happens when a Black Swan hits markets? 08 Dec 20 Adrian Lowcock As the year reaches a close we look at how the events of 2020 have affected stock markets and investors. Whilst it has been a difficult and turbulent year for many people the surprise is how well stock markets held up in 2020. Subscribe

Lessons learnt from a career in investing 04 Dec 20 Liz Rees This is my final weekly article before I retire from Willis Owen so I thought I would use the opportunity to look back and reflect what I have learned from 37 years in the investment industry. It’s been an interesting journey and I have enjoyed sharing my thoughts and reading your feedback. Subscribe

Five investment risks and how to deal with them 01 Dec 20 Liz Rees Risk is part and parcel of investing but there are some risks to your investments that it is possible to prepare for. We highlight the more common ones to be aware of and suggest how you might address them. Subscribe

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