Lowes Magazine Issue 123

INSIDE TRACK

Lowes 2022 competition update INFLATION IS VERY MUCH IN THE HEADLINES AT THE MOMENT, which makes this year’s Lowes Client Competition highly topical. This year we asked you to predict what the rate of inflation – CPI and RPI – would be in November 2022, as published by the Office for National Statistics in December 2022. The rate in November 2021 was 5.1% CPI and 7.1% RPI. Since then inflation has risen even further – ONS data published in June 2022 showed it to be 9.1% for the year to the end of May 2022. Opinions differ as to whether inflation will continue to rise, driven upwards by rising energy prices and supply chain issues, or whether, by the end of the year, things will have settled down again. What was your prediction?

Another structured product milestone aspects to consider alongside the divorce, which officially ends a marriage or civil partnership. A key area is the settling of finances, which will still need final court approval. Property, investments, savings and pensions are key assets typically considered. Just as professional advice from a solicitor can help with the legal aspects, input from an Independent Financial Adviser can be invaluable in respect of the financial aspects. Solicitors and Advisers can work together to help where needed. New divorce laws NEW NO-FAULT DIVORCE LAWS HAVE come into force in England and Wales enabling one or both partners to file for divorce without having to give a reason or place blame. Swifter, no-blame divorce can help people to move on more quickly but there are many Inflation November 2021 to June 2022 (%) Month CPI RPI May 2022 9.1 11.7 April 2022 9.0 11.1 March 2022 7.0 9.0 February 2022 6.2 8.2 January 2022 5.5 7.8 December 2021 5.4 7.5 November 2021 5.1 7.1 Source: Office for National Statistic

THE STRUCTURED PRODUCT sector has seen the maturity of its 1,250th FTSE 100 linked capital-at-risk autocall in the UK retail market. The very defensive plan backed

Pension nudging FROM 1 ST JUNE ANYONE WANTING TO ACCESS THEIR PENSION money is now asked by their pension provider if they want to book a financial guidance session with the Pension Wise service. This applies for all ‘defined contribution’ pension schemes, including personal pensions, SIPPs, and many workplace pension schemes, and also where an individual is transferring their pension from one pension scheme to another in order to access it. The guidance session is not obligatory and if you are looking to access or transfer your pension then your Lowes Adviser can talk you through the process to ensure it’s right for you.

by Credit Suisse AG matured early after three and a half years, returning capital plus a gain of 19.81%, an annualised return of 5.29%. No maturing FTSE 100 capital-at-risk autocall plan has failed to reward investors with a gain since April 2013, representing almost a decade of consistent positive performance.

2 LOWES Issue 123 · Published July 2022 The content of the articles featured in this publication is for your general information and use only and is not intended to address your particular requirements. Articles should not be relied upon in their entirety and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute, advice. Although endeavours have been made to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of their particular situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of any articles. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are subject to change and their value can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Covershot: The full buck supermoon rising over SpaceX Raptor engine tripod test stand, McGregor Texas, 13 July 2022. The Raptor engines are being designed to propel humanity to the Moon, Mars and beyond. Photo: Justin Swartz Photography