Treasury steps into ISA minefield

Article Abstract:

The UK Treasury may be creating difficulties by establishing voluntary benchmarks for individual savings accounts (ISAs). The government will still allow any ISA that does not meet minimum standards for simplicity and cost to be offered for sale and to qualify for tax-free status. However, it seems inevitable that ISAs that do not qualify for the government benchmark will not be popular among savers. A number of financial experts have expressed reservations about the wisdom of seeking to set standards for any form of equity-based investment product.

Standards

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The CAT standard finds a champion at last

Article Abstract:

Norwich Union is showing strong support for the UK government's CAT standards for Individual Savings Accounts. This company has launched seven different CAT standard funds, representing almost a quarter of the CAT funds made available so far. Six of these funds are actively-managed, including a balanced fund and a corporate bond fund. It is clear that Norwich Union's short-term goal is to establish itself as the low-cost provider within the retail fund management sector. This company's support of the CAT standard is to be welcomed.

Management, Product information, Norwich Union PLC

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You can bank on some more mega mergers yet

Article Abstract:

The large merger deals that have been taking place in the UK have considerable significance for investors. Most deals are taking place in insurance, banking and pharmaceuticals, the sectors which have been at the forefront of the growth of the FTSE 100 index for most of the time since late 1996. If the run of mergers comes to an end, then the market will probably be negatively affected. However, it is likely that there will be further deals, especially in insurance and banking.

Insurance, Insurance Carriers and Related Activities, Mergers & Acquisitions, INSURANCE CARRIERS, Banking industry, Commercial banks, Forecasts and trends, Acquisitions and mergers

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