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What really drove August’s market sell-off?

In the first week of August, global stock markets sold off sharply - but what was driving that correction? Ram Sachdev highlights the pivotal role played by the ‘yen carry trade’ The recent market correction (defined as a decline of more than 10%) has raised questions among investors as to what underpinned the sell-off. One key factor was the role played by the yen carry trade at that time.  What is a carry trade?   A carry trade is a financial strategy in which an ...

How and Why I’m Voting at Nationwide’s Upcoming AGM

This article reflects the opinions of its author and not necessarily those of ShareSoc. A personal view from ShareSoc Director, Mark Bentley Nationwide has chosen to hold its AGM online only, this year on 15th July. I believe that this will be a controversial AGM, so it is disappointing that the directors have chosen not to face Nationwide’s members in person. The chief source of controversy, in my opinion, was the board’s decision to acquire Virgin Money, without consulting its members. Now, I ...

Request for a SIPP Provider

This article reflects the opinions of its author and not necessarily those of ShareSoc. ShareSoc Member Sunil Chadda Seeks a New SIPP Provider for P2P Loan Assets Hartley Pensions SIPP & Exotic Assets I wonder if anyone can help or perhaps finds themselves in the same rather unique position as myself? I have a Hartley Pensions SIPP that is currently going through the administration process. The administrators are about to let us transfer our investments and cash out to another SIPP provider. My investments ...

From ShareSoc member to Non-Executive Director (NED)

This article reflects the opinions of its author and not necessarily those of ShareSoc. First Impressions with Advice and Tips on Becoming a Non-Executive Director. As I sat on the train en route to my first board meeting, I took the opportunity to reflect on my experience on becoming a Non-Executive Director (NED) at ShareSoc. I would like to share my recent insights with you, which hopefully may be helpful for those considering advancing their careers with a Non-Executive Director role. In today's ...

Wealth Management Advice versus DIY investing

This article reflects the opinions of its author and not necessarily those of ShareSoc. £300 or £3,400 of fees (i.e. costs) you pay each year? £300 or £3,400 of costs/advice fees is the choice that an investor with a £170,000 portfolio would face if he/she invested in a Vanguard passive fund with interactive investor or sought individual financial advice from one of the UK’s leading firms of advisers. £170,000 is the average portfolio of a St James’s Place client so is a useful ...