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Thought leadership
Our thought leadership reports take an in depth look at what influences people’s live – and how you can be prepared in how you work with your clients. Produced by our product experts, find information relating to our Protection, Retirement and Equity Release products.
Key takeaways from the Spring Budget – March 2023
16 March 2023
On Wednesday, Jeremy Hunt delivered one of the most crucial budgets in recent times. During a period of high inflation, a cost of living crisis and uncertainty in the markets, the Chancellor’s statement was highly anticipated.
Silicon Valley Bank – what happened, and what does it mean for investors in our Smoothed Managed Funds?
14 March 2023
On Friday 10 March Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapsed. This was met with concern from the US Treasury and Federal Reserve, the UK Treasury, and wider financial markets. Whilst there have been reports that Columbia Threadneedle Investments had exposure to the bank, we can confirm that Smoothed Managed Funds investor exposure is negligible, and clients should not feel any tangible impact.
The pain of losing is twice as powerful as the pleasure of gaining
Tamlin Russell, February 2023
As many sports fans can attest, the disappointment when your favourite team loses can linger longer than the happiness felt from winning a game. The same can happen when it comes to personal finances. There is a tendency for individuals to prefer avoiding financial losses to acquiring equivalent gains.
Read 'The pain of losing is twice as powerful as the pleasure of gaining.'
UK Autumn Statement: tough economic times lie ahead
Columbia Threadneedle Investments, November 2022
In this short note, produced by Columbia Threadneedle Investments, in partnership with LV=, we summarise the reaction to the announcement of the Autumn Statement 2022, and outline what it means for investors in our Smoothed Managed Funds.
Reaction to the early announcement of the UK’s medium-term fiscal plan
Columbia Threadneedle Investments, October 2022
In this short note, produced by Columbia Threadneedle Investments, in partnership with LV=, we summarise the reaction to the announcement of the UK's medium-term fiscal plan, and outline what it means for investors in our Smoothed Managed Funds.
Read ‘Reaction to the early announcement of the UK’s medium-term fiscal plan.’
Reaction to the UK Growth Plan 2022 announcement
Columbia Threadneedle Investments, September 2022
In this short note, produced by Columbia Threadneedle Investments, in partnership with LV=, we summarise the reaction to the UK Growth Plan 2022 announcement, and outline what it means for investors in our Smoothed Managed Funds.
Read 'Reaction to the UK Growth Plan 2022 announcement.'
Read 'Reaction to the UK Growth Plan 2022 announcement.'
Defaqto Smoothed Managed Funds Q&A Due Diligence report 2022
Research and due diligence are cornerstones of financial advice, and ensuring the suitability of a product for clients has never been more important.
We commissioned Defaqto to carry out a due diligence review of our Smoothed Managed Funds range to offer advisers an independent evaluation of our proposition.
Read 'Defaqto Smoothed Managed Funds Q&A Due Diligence report 2022'
Reaction to the UK energy price guarantee announcement
Columbia Threadneedle Investments, September 2022
In this short note, produced by Columbia Threadneedle Investments in partnership with LV=, we set out our reaction to the UK energy price guarantee and the impact this will have on investors in the Smoothed Managed Fund range.
Read ‘Reaction to the UK energy price guarantee announcement.’
Research reveals an increase in worried consumers - could smoothing be the solution?
George Pullar, July 2022
The results of the latest LV= Wealth and Wellbeing Monitor highlight how the finances of millions of people are feeling the squeeze of the cost of living crisis.
Read 'Research reveals an increase in worried consumers - could smoothing be the solution?'
Did the ‘unprecedented times’ take their toll on UK consumers?
Jon Grundy, April 2022
After almost two years of ‘unprecedented times’ it appears that consumers are seeking calmness and predictability more than ever.
Read 'Did the ‘unprecedented times’ take their toll on UK consumers?'
Advice opportunities with the mass affluent
Jon Grundy, April 2022
Covid-19 presented a once in a generation event, causing a seismic shift to the finances, needs, and priorities of the UK population. Since the start of the pandemic LV= has been conducting research into the UK population’s financial and wellbeing trends, and publishing our findings in the quarterly Wealth and Wellbeing report.
Can cash investors find comfort in smoothing?
Jon Grundy, April 2022
Smoothed Managed Funds could be an ideal solution for your new and existing clients who are uncomfortable with investment risk, or who cannot or do not wish to expose their accumulated capital to undue risk looking to take action to stop inflation eroding their savings.
The investment journey balancing act
Adam Ruddle, October 2021
We seem to talk a lot about risk these days. Whether it’s risk of infection or the risk of investment, that four letter word is high on most peoples’ agenda. Of course, managing risk is nothing new – and as an insurer with a 178-year heritage, risk is a currency we’re pretty familiar with.
ESG - actions speak louder than words
Adam Ruddle, September 2021
More people are thinking seriously about their impact on global climate change and sustainability challenges through the investment of their pension savings. Senior Investment Manager, Adam Ruddle, explores how we’re taking this demand seriously through the integration of ESG principles within the investment strategy of our Smoothed Managed Funds.
Coronavirus outbreak accelerates wealth transfer between generations
Clive Bolton, November 2020
Coronavirus has been a huge shock to the UK and our survey of the UK population’s financial confidence, health and attitudes to spending, saving and wellbeing reveals just how worried people are about the future.
Read 'Coronavirus outbreak accelerates wealth transfer between generations'
Are menu plans a clean solution for the CI or IP argument?
Mike Farrell, September 2022
In the past, when some advisers were considering a protection solution for their clients, it could be viewed as a choice between recommending either income protection or critical illness.
Read 'Are menu plans a clean solution for the CI or IP argument?'
Remortgage and Reprotect
Mike Farrell, September 2022
According to UK Finance, it’s anticipated that the re-mortgage market will grow to £69bn in 2022 before increasing again to £93bn in 2023.
Financial resilience and the art of selling
Mike Farrell, September 2019
A lot of progress has been made professionalising the advice sector with qualifications, examinations and CPD. But we know that people don’t buy based on facts and logic, they buy through emotion – too often we forget that. Selling is an integral ingredient to financial planning, and an absolute essential when it comes to protection and the financial resilience of your clients.
The road ahead: A view of the later life lending landscape
David Stevens, February 2023
At LV= our view of the road ahead for later life lending is a positive one. Recent macro-economic volatility may bring some challenges for the market, but there is still demand for equity release, as well as untapped opportunities for growth within the sector.
Read ‘The road ahead: A view of the later life lending landscape’'
My outlook on the later life lending landscape
Georgina Oxton, October 2022
The later life lending sector continues to grow, despite wider inflationary pressures and recession woes. Figures from the Equity Release Council* revealed that total lending reached £1.71bn in Q3 2022. New customer numbers increased by 34% year-on-year, with 13,452 new equity release plans agreed between July and September. These record breaking figures show the shift in the landscape and that lifetime mortgages are now being considered to enhance later life plans, and are no longer perceived as a last resort.