Newsroom: financial, market & economic news and analysis

Preference shares (also known as preferred stocks) are non-voting stocks that pay a higher dividend and are issued to raise capital for the company, known as preferred equity capital.

Have you ever wanted to hold onto your savings, rather than risk investing them? Are you one of those people who cannot accept the idea (and possibility) of losing invested money? Or perhaps you have sold a stock because it slightly increased, even though all the signs indicated that you should have held onto it for even more profit later?

2022 was a challenging year for investors, with the inflation rate reaching its highest point in nearly four decades and central banks, including the FED and the ECB, raising interest rates to combat inflation. The year was further impacted by the threat of a recession, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the energy crisis, leading to a decline in the stock market and bond market.

CFDs (Contracts for Difference) and Futures contracts differ in many aspects. Both financial instruments offer unique features, benefits, and drawbacks, and the right choice for you will depend on several factors. CFDs and Futures differ in terms of expiration dates, asset classes and properties, place of trading, and operation size. In this article, we will dive into the intricacies of CFDs and Futures, examining their key characteristics, and exploring their respective pros and cons.

A country’s credit ratings can have several important functions including influencing the cost of its national debt and acting as a long-term indicator for investors. Here we look at what happened recently in the UK and what the impact may be in the global markets.

Concentrated power, a government crackdown on technology and a zero Covid policy are just some of the challenges to face China in 2022. China funds have suffered as a result but there are signs of improvement and in 2023, opportunities for investors remain.

There are an increasing number of opportunities available to sustainable investors. Here we cover some that may be worth a look in 2023, from hydrogen and sustainable food through to impact and infrastructure investing.

There are more sustainable investment options than ever. But how to tell genuine ESG from greenwashing? Increased regulatory clarity, tools and ethical investing guides can help, letting you invest with greater confidence that you’re doing good with your money.

In this final article in our short series on ESG we focus on governance. How a company is run has many and significant consequences. Poor actions or decisions can have far-reaching impacts, while positive ones can benefit performance as well as reputation.

This second article in our short series looks at socially responsible investing. How a company treats its staff, stakeholders, suppliers and surrounding community can make a big difference to how it performs. It’s a broad area with lots to think about.

The term “short covering” refers to the process of finding the right time to buy back borrowed securities. Here we explain more about this trading strategy and how it works.

Initial Public Offering (IPO): find out what an IPO (Initial Public Offering) is, how it works, its process and its advantages.

An equity swap is a financial derivative investment instrument. Here we explain how it works and how you can use it for your trading investments.

Carry trade is an investment strategy that is quite popular in the trading world. Here’s an in-depth look at how it works, what risks are involved, and which strategies are best.

In the first of a short series exploring what’s involved in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, we zoom in on the ‘E’ of environmental. What are the things to think about if you want to do be kind to the planet as you invest?

The price/earnings ratio is a common measure of company value and can be a helpful guide to market sentiment. Find out more on Fineco Bank Newsroom.

The beta value of a stock shows how its share price has behaved compared to the market. While it only looks back and so isn’t predictive, it can, with other risk tools, play a useful role in building a picture of a stock’s potential volatility.

Diversification is key to investing but isn’t enough on its own. Investors also need to consider the correlation between assets in their portfolio. Correlation, meaning the relationship between assets, can vary based on market conditions.

While 2022 has proved challenging, it still presents opportunities for traders and investors to carry into 2023 with global economic trends such as energy transition, digitisation and healthcare innovation.

The markets in 2022 have experienced a series of shocks with war, soaring inflation and energy prices alongside geopolitical instability. Here we look at some of the key events and their impact.

Investors should always be aware of political risk. In 2022 we’ve seen mature markets shocked by the Ukraine invasion and the US/China trade war. Conversely politics in some developing countries have had less impact than may have been expected.

The COP 27 summit in Egypt followed a deeply challenging year. An important agreement on loss and damage was reached but otherwise very little progress was made. Targets can still be reached but countries need to take real climate finance action now.

Many are watching interest rate predictions and inflation forecasts to see what might happen next. The US Federal Reserve’s interest rate actions set the tone for other economies. The Fed will only change direction once inflation is under control.

The latest IMF World Economic Outlook and inflation forecast gives a grim view of the short-term for many economies: high energy prices and inflation with recessions looming. But some are faring better and markets may turn sooner than expected.

Buyback is a process widely used by listed companies.. Here is what this term means and why companies often use it.

Growth stocks are particularly sought after and valued by traders and investors because they can offer very attractive investment opportunities. Here is how they work with some practical examples.

As the cost of living crisis continues to bite investors may want or need to sell shares. That decision will depend on personal circumstances but there are some points to consider before you act. If you can, now may in fact be a good time to buy shares.

ESG investing is maturing as global issues contribute to challenge some existing assumptions about what sustainable or socially responsible investing looks like. It’s a subjective area but new regulations are providing some clarity for investors.

When the markets are challenging it can be helpful to go back to basics. One of the most important elements of investing is portfolio diversification. Here we look at diversification, its meaning and how it can help build a resilient portfolio.

It’s been a difficult year for US stocks but a strong Dollar has acted as a buffer for international investors. We look ahead to the US stock market forecast for 2023. Technology will continue to be key driver but is the Dollar overpriced?

CFD trading has become increasingly popular. Is CFD trading legal in the UK? Discover more about this type of trading and its regulations in the UK.

A guide for beginners to start investing in stocks. From choosing the intermediary to defining an investment strategy, discover some top tips from FinecoBank.

What is CFD trading? What is options trading? Find out the differences between these financial derivatives and which is the most suitable type of trading for you.

Inflation is challenging income investors. Fixed income investing yields are not keeping pace. The good news? Harnessing the power of dividends and alternative options such as infrastructure investing can help grow your income and close the gap.

The commodities markets have plenty to interest investors, from short-term price action to longer-term trends. Here we look beyond the headline-grabbing oil and gas markets to the outlook for agricultural commodities and industrial metals.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is proving a challenge for people involved in responsible investment portfolio management - from the cost of exiting Russian financial markets to its complex impact on the transition to renewable energy. Is it time for a rethink of some long-held views?

Rising energy costs are dominating politics and impacting the economy and markets in the UK and Eurozone. In this analysis for investors, we look at what’s driving the energy price increase, the structural issues exacerbating it in the UK, and how policymakers are responding.

When an economy falls into recession it can be an unnerving time for investors. But what exactly is a recession, what causes them and what’s involved in investing during a recessionary period? Are there recession proof stocks?

To start investing in the currency market it is essential to know forex trading strategies. Find out what the best forex trading strategies are.

The term buyback refers to the buying back of shares by a company to decrease the number of its shares on the market. Discover what share buyback is, how it works and why listed companies resort to this practice in certain circumstances.

The Break-Even Point is the point where the market price of an asset equals its original cost. Find out how break-even point is calculated, what it is used for and where to find it.

Infrastructure investing can play a key role for those seeking alternative investment opportunities. With efficient infrastructure essential for economic growth and a shift into digital and sustainability, it has fared well in challenging markets.

The differences between bonds and equities traditionally mean both have a place in a balanced, diverse portfolio. Recent market events have challenged that pattern but, in the longer-term, the case for holding both bonds and equities remains strong.

There’s a lot more to bonds and bond investing than you might think. Here we take a closer look at how bonds work, different types and their role in a balanced, diverse portfolio that can help you negotiate the ups and downs of the market cycle.

The latest inflation forecast and interest rate predictions affect market sentiment. Inflation has yet to peak in the UK, driven by rising energy and food prices, upward pressure on wages and a weakening pound. What might it all mean for investors?

National Express stock suffered badly during the Pandemic, and its price has crashed in recent years. What is the trend and performance of National Express stock right now?

Trade credit is zero-interest financing which a company can use to increase sales by facilitating customers’ payment arrangements.

What is the stock market? In this article we explore what the stock market is, how it works and look at some of the best markets to invest in right now.

If you have a personal account with an investment platform or online broker that you use to buy, sell and hold investments, and you’re not a professional investor, it’s likely you’re a retail investor. Here we explore what this means.

Bitcoin is probably the best-known digital currency in the world and of great interest to many investors. But its price is volatile and investing in it can be very risky. We take a look at how different ways to get involved.

Investing with confidence can be a good thing, but too much investment confidence can be as damaging – if not more so – than too little. Awareness of behavioural finance biases, education and experience can help achieve a healthy balance.

Risk composure plays a key role in investor types and behaviours. Even investors with higher composure can react to short-term market events. And if composure is too low that can also lead to poor outcomes. Awareness and balance are essential.

Learning from experience is a key human trait and investing is no different. Investment experience alone won’t improve your investing strategy, however. It’s about being honest with yourself and learning what can be hard lessons in order to improve.

Whether you have high or low risk tolerance determines how much risk you’re willing to take for potential higher returns. Here we look at what shapes your risk tolerance, the role it can play in your portfolio and how to stay on track.

Your financial personality type influences your attitudes to money and investing. In the first of a series of articles we see how understanding the psychology of money and your financial personality can help curb bad habits and build good ones.

When it comes to any kind of trading, you have to pay a broker some form of commission to execute your order. In the forex market this cost is built into the ‘spread’. But what exactly is a spread? How does it work and what does a good spread look like?

Investor relations is an important discipline for any company that has investors. Done well it can make a big difference to how a company is perceived and how willing people are to invest in it. It also helps ensure a company stays on the right side of stock market regulations.

It’s common to hear financial professionals talk about the trading desk or the dealing desk when it comes to placing orders on financial markets. But what exactly are these desks, and how do they work?

The risk premium for an investment is its expected return over and above the return you might get if you take no risk with your money. Here we take a closer look at this important concept for investors to understand.

The foreign exchange (forex) market can be an attractive option for beginner investors as it is relatively accessible and intuitive. However, before you get started it’s essential to know how to trade forex for beginners.

The risks associated with investing can be enough to put some people off, but this reticence means missing out on the potential for greater returns. Taking a calculated risk - a level of risk you’re comfortable with and can afford – is key.

The first half of 2022 saw investors contend with the impact of rising global inflation and interest rates, slowing economic growth and volatile markets. But there are still new investment opportunities as some sectors perform better than others.

Investing today may feel like a test of nerve but understanding the market’s ebb and flow is part of every investor’s education. We take a quick tour through a history of market volatility and then what to consider when investing in tough times.

Big tech has enjoyed a decade of near-uninterrupted growth – then along came 2022. But an end to its extraordinary run may spell opportunities for investors. Here we break down developments in the tech sector and outline routes in for investors.

Energy markets power the world, but they are experiencing serious turmoil and are currently subject to significant change. Against this backdrop, we examine the options – and opportunities – open to investors.

Swing trading sits between day trading and investing. It means getting to know one or more markets or stocks, using indicators to judge likely movements. It can be less intense than day trading but there’s still a lot for beginners to consider.

The level of risk and potential reward you take with your portfolio is up to you. Higher risk investing has its place and can form part of a balanced portfolio. However, it can take many forms and there’s lots to think about.

There’s more to day trading than you might expect. If you’re thinking of getting started it’s important to know exactly what’s involved. That means the risks as well as the potential opportunities and some day trading strategies for beginners.

Deciding on what might be the best investment app for you, requires an understanding of your investment needs. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

If you want to compare investment platforms to find the right one for you, understanding charges is a good place to start. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

Downturns can bring investing strategy opportunities

What is behavioral economics? Discover how the understanding of behavioural economics has grown in recent years on Fineco Newsroom.

There are several ways to address currency risk, whether you invest directly or through funds. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

International diversification lets you balance the potential benefits and risks of various areas. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

When it comes to making the most of your tax-free ISA allowance, there are some simple themes to keep in mind. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom

Diversification plays a key role in investment risk management. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

What are futures contracts in trading? Discover more about futures and learn how to trade with them on FinecoBank.

How many types of cryptocurrencies are there? Discover the list of major cryptocurrencies used by traders on Fineco's Newsroom.

Cost-push inflation, also known as "wage-push inflation", occurs when prices rise overall due to increases in the cost of raw materials and wages.

Is Rolls-Royce a good stock to buy during 2022? Discover more about the forecast for Rolls-Royce shares on Fineco's Newsroom.

CFD account: what is it, and how to open a CFD trading account in the UK. Discover more about the meaning of CFD accounts on Fineco's Newsroom.

What is a brokerage account and is it good to have one? Discover everything you need to know about a brokerage account before opening one.

Which is the most volatile crypto right now? Discover more about cryptocurrencies and volatility on Fineco's Newsroom.

How to find the perfect stocks and shares ISA for you. Read all the tips to choose the best investment on FinecoBank.

Is cybersecurity stock a good investment? Learn more about cybersecurity stocks and discover the best cybersecurity stocks to buy now.

What does the FTSE 100 mean? And which are the best ways to invest in the FTSE 100? Discover more on Fineco's Newsroom.

How to make smart investments? Six questions to ask yourself to learn how to invest your money smartly. Discover more on Fineco's Newsroom.

Discover the most common strategies for the options market and learn the best options trading techniques on Fineco's Newsroom.

All the information you need to know if you want to start trading options. Read more about the options market on Fineco's Newsroom.

What is the best way to invest money? Discover more about how to invest your money on Fineco's Newsroom.

Limit order: what is it, how long does it take and some examples. Discover more about the definition of limit orders on Fineco's Newsroom.

What regulations and laws are there on cryptocurrencies in the United Kingdom? Discover more about crypto regulation on Fineco's Newsroom.

What is the outlook of Boohoo stock prices? Is Boohoo stock finally a buy again? Discover what to expect now on Fineco's Newsroom

How might investors benefit from UK's departure from the EU and what should they beware of? Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

What does "liquidity" mean? What is "spread"? Discover the most common trading terms on Fineco Newsroom.

Read about the latest trading opportunities and upcoming market moving events. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

What does "Skin in the game " mean in finance? Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

Looking back at the trends, highs and lows of the previous 12 months. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

Where might the new opportunities be and what should investors look out for in 2022? Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

Trading options: how they work, risks and opportunities and how to access them. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

What are emerging markets, opportunities and risks, current prospects and how to access them. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

How COP26 in Glasgow has affected the incentivisation of sustainable investment? Discover more on Fineco's Newsroom.

Trading futures: how they work, risks – including hedging, opportunities and how to access them. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

Trading a truly 24 hour market, gives opportunities every day for traders, how to pick the right trade? Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

Why invest in funds? Where to start? What is diversification? Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

ETFs have become a popular option for investors. Let’s take a look at what they are and how they are different to other funds.

A Self-Invested Personal Pension is a fairly common investment option. But what exactly is a SIPP, and how does it differ from a traditional pension scheme?

Which are the best growing industries right now? Discover more on Fineco Newsroom about the fastest growing industries in the world.

Which is the top strategy for day trading? Discover more about the best practices and how to day trade on Fineco's Newsroom.

How to trade Forex currencies? Discover more about trading currencies and Forex for beginners on Fineco's Newsroom.

What are the reasons related to Tesla stock dropping? Get updates on Tesla news on Fineco's Newsroom.

Online trading: what is it, types of online trading and benefits. Discover more about trading online on Fineco's Newsroom.

GameStop stocks and shares: how to buy them from the UK? Read the Fineco Newsroom's step-by-step guide on GameStop stock.

Stop-limit orders: discover key takeaways about how they work and read some examples of stop-limit orders on Fineco's Newsroom.

What is trading set-up? And how to set up trading screens for the first time? Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

Market order vs limit order. Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

What is the difference between day trading and swing trading? Discover on Fineco Newsroom the key takeaways about swing and day trading.

What is a trading breakout? Discover on Fineco Newsroom how to trade breakouts and the best strategy to follow when trading breakouts.

Premium Bonds: what they are, how they work, and their pros and cons. Read the complete guide on Premium Bonds by Fineco's Newsroom.

What is a capital investment? Discover more about capital investments and what they mean for investor on Fineco Newsroom.

Which is the current state of the British economy right now? And how is the UK responding to inflation? A round-up on Fineco Newsroom.

How to choose the best trading platform for the UK? Discover which factors you have to keep in mind to select the top trading platform.

How to identify support and resistance? And what is the best indicator? Learn more about support and resistance on Fineco's Newsroom.

Learn more about trend trading and how to follow the trend in trading with the in-depth analysis by Fineco's Newsroom.

What is short selling? And how does it work? Learn more about short selling stocks on Fineco's Newsroom.

How does a family investment company work? Discover more about family investments on Fineco Newsroom.

The UK National Security and Investment Act is coming. Discover more about NSI Act on Fineco's Newsroom.

What is the difference between a bull and a bear market? Learn more about the two types of markets on Fineco's Newsroom.

Automated investing is one of the last innovations of financial technology. Learn more about automated investment on Fineco's Newsroom.

Why should you invest in art? Discover on Fineco Newsroom how to invest in art and which are the best art investments for 2022.

Do you own shares in a company that pays dividends? Learn more about how dividends work in the UK on Fineco's Newsroom.

A practical guide about Moving Average Convergenge Divergence (MACD): definition, how to set and how to trade with MACD indicator.

What are the top gaming companies to invest in right now? Discover more about how you can invest in the gaming industry on Fineco's Newsroom.

ISA accounts: how many ISAs can you open in a year? Discover more about Individual Savings Accounts on Fineco's Newsroom.

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A guide to investment trends 2021: from ethical investing, technology and healthcare to China.

How are crypto (like Bitcoin) taxed in the United Kingdom?

Which is the role of Chinese investments in Africa? And why stakeholders have ignored China's economic expansion in the African continent for a long?

Forex trading terms like 'bearish', 'bullish' or 'exchange rate' might sound familiar. But their meanings and some less common forex terminology may be more of a mystery. Here we share our quick guide to some of the forex terms you may encounter.

Understanding Fibonacci numbers and their values in order to use this method in trading.

While a global minimum rate of corporate tax has long been in discussion, most major countries are now on board. It’s intended to make sure global companies, tech companies in particular, pay their way. But there are concerns smaller economies may suffer.

How does climate change affect investments? And how investors can make a difference and earn returns?

Investors asking how to invest in ESG or sustainably now have more options and choices than ever. It’s important to be clear on what the different terms mean and what makes ‘green’ companies before looking at themes, such as sustainable energy.

What are the best short-term investments for next quarter, 2021? Discover the top 10 products.

More and more people are looking to <strong>invest sustainably</strong>, placing their money in line with their beliefs and principles. With ESG investing growing rapidly and becoming increasingly mainstream, we look at what it means, its benefits and the future.

What are the best short-term investments for next quarter, 2021? Discover the top 10 products.

Scammers are taking advantage of increased online trading and investing during the pandemic. Now is a good time to make sure you’re clear on how to spot a trading or forex scam, identify a fake forex broker and protect yourself online.

What is commodity trading? What is the easiest commodity to trade? A practical guide by Fineco Newsroom

Despite the impact of the Covid pandemic, India’s economy is one of the largest and fastest growing. Well established democratic structures, relatively deep capital markets and a growing middle class all support India’s economic growth story.

Is Forex trading still profitable? What is the average profit in the Forex market?

Value stocks offer opportunities for traders to benefit as they increase in price, but they can be very different from cheap stocks. It’s worth understanding what value stocks are, why they may be priced lower, metrics used and growth potential.

You are still on time to start investing in stocks in 2021.

For those looking to invest in India there are various options to consider: stocks and shares, index funds, active funds and gold-based investments. Here we look at some of these and what you should keep in mind when considering opportunities.

Market volatility has been lower in recent months as developed economies started to recover from the pandemic. However, greater volatility is predicted as central banks look to tighten monetary policy and the Covid economic recovery gaps widen.

A guide to the 2021/2022 tax year for investors: focus on the important things and get ahead of the game.

Active investing vs passive investing is a perennial debate, but it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Both approaches have something to offer, with strengths and weaker points. Used together they can help to form a diverse, balanced portfolio.

The appeal of investing in start-ups is clear but identifying the few new or small companies which grow and flourish is far from simple. There are investment options throughout a company’s life cycle with points to keep in mind at each stage.

The stop-loss is a trading strategy that help investors to limit their loss. How does it work? And which are the main type of stop-loss?

Commodities are in the spotlight as some play a key role in infrastructure and renewable energy development. But what are commodities? Here we look at some of the top commodity types, how you might trade them and some points to keep in mind.

How Capital Gains tax work and how to be sure that you are not paying unnecessary tax on your profits? Discover more on Fineco Newsroom.

Liquidity is integral to investing. Poor liquidity can mean investors are forced to sell at low prices or are unable to access their money at all. The regulator, fund managers and investors all have a role to play in properly managing liquidity.

Collective investing allows you to pool your fund with other investors, accessing professional investment managers and economies of scale. There are different types of collective investment funds, with a mix of advantages and points to consider.

Investing in China, either directly or through a China stock market index, has been a compelling prospect in recent years. Here we look at some of the factors that led to China’s economic growth, the current picture and investment opportunities.

Are you worried about how Brexit might affect your investments? Discover on Fineco Newsroom which things to consider if you hold an ISA.

Wind power is playing a key role in the shift to renewable energies. The UK, US and Europe are all working to increase wind capacity, with ambitious targets. While winds stocks are not a new find, there are wind power investment opportunities.

Build a solid trading plan is a key point to achieve trading success. Discover more about how to build a winning trading plan on Fineco Newsroom.

Vaccination progress and strong economic data have eased the effect of Covid on market volatility. However, rising inflation caused a spike in the VIX Index. The next few months will be difficult to predict and could bring trading opportunities.

Trading indicators are part of any technical trader's strategy. Discover on Fineco Newsroom the top 10 trading indicators that every trader should know.

As the pandemic recovery gets underway we look at the world economic outlook for the rest of 2021 and 2022. Economists and academics are divided on the global economic outlook with the extent and impact of inflation a key factor.

Cryptocurrency has been gathering headlines lately, but you may find yourself asking ‘what is cryptocurrency?’. Here we look at the basics of digital currency. Highly volatile, it requires caution but there are crypto investment opportunities.

Changes brought about by the Covid pandemic mean challenges but also opportunities for investing in commercial real estate. Amid the instability some parts of the market have thrived and there is a growing trend for more sustainable buildings.

As the sector reopens after the latest Covid-19 lockdown, there are opportunities to invest in tourism and travel. However, this is a sector to be approached with caution as it remains subject to risks ranging from new variants to changed habits.

Batteries’ role at the heart of the energy revolution is creating opportunities to invest in copper and lithium, while rising demand and fiscal support are also benefitting battery manufacturers. ETFs are an alternative to direct investing.

Scarcity may make water the new oil, with both supply and demand issues driving new approaches to water use. Water investments are rapidly gaining prominence with a growing range of water stocks and more thinking about how to invest in water.

The question ‘What is EBITDA?’ is a common one. It’s one of several ways to measure the value of a company, along with P/E ratio, net profit and revenue. All have strengths and weaknesses and can be used in combination for a more complete view.

The Nasdaq is well-established as the index of choice for diversified exposure to the technology sector. Here we look at what investors need to know: the Nasdaq’s meaning, purpose and function, as well as where potential opportunities may lie.

There are several benefits of investing in technology, as strong Q1 2021 results show. However, there are also challenges when investing in tech stocks with increased regulator and consumer scrutiny of big tech’s dominance and practices.

Joe Biden’s first 100 days as president were dominated by recovery from the pandemic. As his priority policies start to take centre stage, we look at which sectors may win or lose and where the opportunities might lie for traders and investors.

If you want to invest in precious metals all that glitters need not be gold. There are reasons to invest in silver, platinum or palladium as each have industrial purposes. Where are the opportunities and risks for investing in metals in 2021?

The sustainability revolution may be more powerful and happening more quickly than many expected, bringing wide-ranging change around the world. There are also investment opportunities, with a growing choice of ways to invest in sustainability.

Shifting demographics, technology and the Covid-19 pandemic have combined to benefit the healthcare sector, creating investment opportunities. There are three main paths to invest in healthcare, each with their own risk and reward considerations.

The secret when you invest in technology is to spot the investment opportunities before they are hot. That’s easier said than done but there are ways to increase the likelihood of spotting those investment opportunities while avoiding pitfalls.

Inflation has been low for a long time but fiscal stimulus and economic recovery from the pandemic could mean an inflation wave. Here we look at types of inflation, the inflation forecast for 2021 and potential opportunities for investors.

Low interest rates and quantitative easing have made diversifying a portfolio more complex. But there are a few rules which can help you build a resilient portfolio, diversifying risks across a range of investments and avoiding nasty surprises.

Diversifying your portfolio is one of the investing basics. But it’s not as simple as just adding assets. Here we explore some of the reasons for diversification in investing and what to watch out for to get the best results for your portfolio.

The simple bond definition is a form of debt - the investor loans money to the issuer. But there’s much more to how bonds work, characteristics of bonds and different categories of bonds as well as how they respond to economic and market factors

The continuing vaccine programme and prospect of economic recovery are contributing to lower levels of market volatility, as seen in the VIX index. While markets remain sensitive to shifts in the vaccine rollout, there are trading opportunities.

Do you want to start trading on your own? Here are some tips to learn how and where to trading as a beginner.

As we enter a new tax year this is a good time to make sure your investments are looking forward and not back, using your tax allowances throughout the year to <strong>create a balanced portfolio</strong> in a time of great change across the investment markets.

Simplicity, low charges, broad investment options and tax advantages make ISAs a natural choice for many. However, there’s more to them than you might think. By getting to know ISAs better you can make the right choice for your financial plans.

Tax isn’t always a top priority when it comes to investing, but can make a big difference to your outcomes. By being aware of how your investments may be subject to tax, you can minimise its impact. A stocks and shares ISA is a good start.

Do you want to start investing on your own? Here are some tips to learn how and where to invest as a beginner.

Climate change is an increasing priority for policymakers and regulators, with Joe Biden leading the way as US president. There are clear trading opportunities for renewables, but fossil fuel providers still have a role to play too.

Effective risk management strategies and techniques are essential to maximising potential trading opportunities while mitigating the various risks traders face. Hedging plays an important part in trading risk management but can involve costs.

Being clear on your style and strategy as a trader can help you to find and get the most from a platform that meets your needs. Here we look at some of the terminology involved and what it means, from scalping to Fibonacci trading.

Indices are a popular entry point to stock markets for traders and investors. By understanding how they are built, what drives or hinders their performance and how to trade them effectively, indices can be an important part of a portfolio.

Trading risk takes many forms and is influenced by various factors. By being aware of some of the main risks – exchange rate risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and behavioural risk – you can then start to think about how to manage them.

Rewards from trading require risk and making sure potential rewards justify the risks involved is crucial. Trading and financial risk management means establishing the potential risk/reward balance and using tools to help mitigate those risks.

The tax year end presents a good opportunity to spring clean your portfolio, making sure you are using your tax allowances and starting the new tax year with a balanced portfolio which fits with the prevailing market conditions.

News of Covid-19 vaccines and a decisive US Presidential Election result have contributed to lower volatility as seen in the VIX index. However, a Brexit deal still hangs in the balance and sources of volatility for traders remain.

While US President-elect Joe Biden still has some hurdles to clear before he is sworn in on January 20, it seems the fight for the White House is finally drawing to a close. The balance of power in the Senate, however, is still to be decided.

In some ways ‘going long’ is simple: hold an asset and benefit if its price increases. You can also go long without holding assets, e.g. trading options or CFDs. By understanding the differences you can make the most of the opportunities.

Shorting can present opportunities for traders to benefit from falling asset prices or hedge a position, with leveraged trading through contracts for difference one option. Getting the best out of shorting takes market awareness and a good understanding of the risks involved.

Covid-19 has increased the advantage both of companies embracing digital tech and those enabling this progress, creating investment opportunities. Collective investments are one way to access what is likely to be a persistent trend.

The elections on 3 November will influence US stock market performance in the coming months as Trump and Biden’s contrasting policies favour different sectors. A disputed result is possible, which may trigger significant short-term volatility.

After a reasonably settled few months, factors such as the US Presidential Election, Brexit, technology stock pricing and progress towards a Covid-19 vaccine mean volatility is likely to increase, creating opportunities for traders.

Margin, or leveraged, trading can lead to gains proportionately much larger than the investment. However the same applies to losses.

A note of confidence about the future linked to the fiscal and monetary measures put in place or planned to relaunch activity on a solid foundation in the new post-pandemic world.

The success of a financial investment depends on making more right choices for your portfolio than wrong ones. It's important to define a well-structured and planned investment strategy.

Stocks enjoyed one of their best Augusts ever, but volatility is back. The markets are weighed down by the continuous evolution of the COVID pandemic and uncertainty about countries' economic recoveries.

Regular investing is a good way of growing wealth over time. It establishes good financial habits and can balance out investment prices as markets fall and rise, while compounding and pound-cost averaging can both help support long-term growth.

Downturns, like the one we saw at the end of March, are all part of the market cycle: accumulation, mark-up, distribution and mark-down. Understanding why markets behave as they do can help you make the most of the opportunities.

The Dow Jones takes a selective approach to track US industry. As it covers a narrower range than some indices, the movement of each stock in the Dow Jones can have more impact, increasing volatility.

The top global technology stocks dominate markets around the world, with consistently strong performance even during the Coronavirus crisis. There is plenty of potential interest for traders.

Trading and investing: together they can form portfolios which can both meet long-term goals and take advantage of short-term market movements.

Major themes driving global economic growth include digital transformation, climate change, shifting consumer patterns, the ageing population and automation.

The airline sector has been hit first by environmental concerns and then Covid-19. Share prices have reflected the challenges airlines have faced as the crisis has unfolded.

Covid-19 has increased market volatility - as demonstrated in the VIX index - with central banks acting to limit its impact. Rising and falling volatility both present opportunities for traders.

Behavioural biases can mean traders act against their own best interests. By being aware of these behaviours you can take advantage of a range of approaches and automated tools to limit losses.

Agricultural commodities are influenced by both short and long-term elements such as extreme weather, climate change and population growth, making them a popular trading choice. Focusing on a single commodity can be a good starting point.

Contracts for difference are a flexible form of leveraged instrument that can be used to trade based on your view of how the price of an asset is likely to move. They are useful for hedging as well as for exploiting market volatility. But they do come with risks of significant loss so it’s important to protect yourself by putting appropriate risk parameters in place.

By learning to use tools and analysis to judge market sentiment based on numerical measures you can make better, more informed, trading decisions.

Leveraged trading lets you gain exposure to assets for a small amount of their actual cost. This offers the potential for large returns, but it can also lead to large losses. Starting small, having a clear strategy and managing your risks.

Trading has its own terminology. Our jargon-busting glossary makes it clear and easy. Helping you to become familiar with the common terms and trading phrases.

Gold is well known as a ‘safe haven’ asset. But what influences its price over time? Interest rates and inflation, supply and demand and diversification driven central bank buying programmes can be relevant factors?

While renewable energy is on the rise, for now oil remains the lifeblood of the global economy. Driven by the push and pull of global demand oil prices can be volatile and influenced by geopolitical and technical factors.

While currency markets can at times feel irrational, there are some useful indicators out there that can help you get a feel for the likely future direction of travel a currency might take. For example, inflation, retail sales, housing market.

Over confidence, not setting parameters around your positions, falling foul of confirmation bias, being tempted to take short cuts and jumping in to an already crowded trade are all mistakes that all traders can do.

As the central bank for the world’s largest economy, the US Federal Reserve is an influential force, not just on US stock markets but around the world. It may now be focusing on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

With interest rates at record lows, cash savings will struggle to keep up with inflation and many studies show that staying invested on the stock market over the longer term is more likely to lead to good outcomes.

There is a lot to think about financially when buying a house abroad and or work there. The potential impact of currency movements is one of them. The good news is that there are some practical ways to take control.

If you’re on the globe-trotting path this can present practical challenges in managing your finances. Using a service that offers multi-currency banking, investing and trading all through a single account is your way.

The fees you pay when investing can make a big difference to what you might get back over the longer term. If you want to maximise your return potential, it’s important to factor all costswhen making decisions.

Currency can affect investment returns in a number of ways, from corporate profitability to the value of dividend payments But currency fluctuations can also be a source of opportunity.

At times of crisis, thoughts may turn to ‘safe havens’ for your money. The US Dollar, the Japanese Yen and the Swiss Franc have each developed a reputation for typically holding their value during uncertainty times.

We can sometimes be our own worst enemies when it comes to investing for the longer-term. Fortunately, there are several practical steps we can take to protect ourselves.

If you transfer money frequently between countries or often pay for goods and services in different currencies, you may benefit from a multi-currency bank account.

From gaining exposure to the potential trillion dollar corporate stars of the future to executing effective hedging strategies, being internationally minded can help you to maximise your opportunities and manage your risk.

When living and working abroad and managing your finances across borders and currencies it’s easy to end up paying more than you need to in exchange rates and other currency transaction costs.