Showing 1 - 10 of 11
A boom or a bubble?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 27/07/2014
» The world seems to be in a state of fervour with appreciating investment assets. Could the apparent nascent global economic recovery be disrupted by mere interest rate rises or even geopolitical threats? On the one hand everything appears to be chugging along very nicely in the boom. However, there are other influencing factors which many opt to overlook as most of the world joins the ever-growing herd stampeding onwards in their quest for wealth accumulation. Or are they really inflating a bubble?
Year the snake bit, but not fatally
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 29/12/2013
» The Year of the Snake, 2013, has been mixed in many ways. We have witnessed some unexpected surprises while certain expectations have not come to fruition. Will this uneven trend continue into next year and beyond? Here is a recap of current trends and a look ahead.
Can gold give you shelter from the perfect storm?
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 31/03/2013
» Equities and gold traditionally fare best during inflationary cycles, and the question is when, not if, inflation will emerge again. Current economic wisdom is that fuelling inflation is acceptable to kick-start economies again. So far expats have mainly seen the downsides of monetary policy implementation, ranging from negligible saving rates to home currency devaluations and pension income dilution.
Opportunities and pitfalls for investors in 2013
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 27/01/2013
» Last week, we looked at some topical considerations for new investments in 2013. Although 2012 was a mixed year, we noted that there were some exceptional winners and unusual losers.
Wise investing: risks and opportunities for 2013
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 20/01/2013
» Last year is barely over and we are already in a bull market. Equities had their best single week in five years. Is this a harbinger of things to come? Is your portfolio adequately structured so that you can respond to the opportunities and difficulties that lie ahead this year? There are many key attributes that all investors will be wise to take account of when they decide on how to allocate their assets _ not just your investment portfolio but your entire net worth as an expat.
Alternative ideas for more adventurous investors
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 28/10/2012
» If you have an offshore personal portfolio bond (OPPB), most of these options are available to you within your current structure. If you have an existing trust, the good news is that these assets can be placed within the OPPB without your having to make fresh investments outside the trust.
Turn hesitation blues into the black with these tips
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 22/07/2012
» With so much economic and market turmoil today, what solutions exist to protect the hard-earned savings of today's expat? With so many economic happenings, many people become confused and hesitate and that can have devastating effects. The majority of road traffic accidents occur as a result of hesitation. Likewise, if you hesitate in the matter of asset protection you may well end up with your head in your hands, wondering "Why me?"
Offshore bonds complex but rewarding
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 01/07/2012
» Last week we talked about offshore personal portfolio bonds (OPPBs) and how they assist with currency management. Since then a number of readers have enquired about the uses of OPPBs and how they may benefit from such an account. There is obviously a lot of confusion out there.
Portfolio success a complicated equation
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 04/03/2012
» Last week, we looked at portfolio diversification and how you can manage your existing nest egg and capitalise on performance while broadening your overall balance to suit your risk appetite and time horizon.
Wealth creation: It's never too late
Spectrum, Andrew Wood, Published on 12/02/2012
» So far this year we have looked at the importance of a well thought-out financial life plan and how such a plan might be affected by the creeping stealth power of inflation. Projecting these aspects of your overall finance picture into the future is not easy as there are so many unknowns and factors to take into account.