Finance

Asian cities dominate GFCI 29

New York, London, and Shanghai maintain the top 3 spots followed by Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, and Shenzhen The world’s financial systems are starting to stabilise with vaccines being rolled out on a daily basis and things are going back to normal. The pandemic had a significant impact on financial markets and this is reflected in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) where Asian cities dominated the rankings. Of the top 10 financial centres, only Frankfurt’s rating improved by 12 points, while the other hubs dipped in ratings. Overall, the index scores are lower compared to 2019, but the average

February 12, 2024 No Comments

Featured

Scotch Whisky Is The Hottest Collectible Of 2022

Scotch whisky is the most attractive asset class globally, with experts predicting a rapid climb in its appeal within the investment community over the next three years. Scotch has been underpriced for decades, and as it matures, investors will extensively benefit as demand outstrips supply. It’s an exciting time to get involved, and we recommend jumping onboard before that happens. The collectible market journey Consumers are showing their signs of optimism in the economy and are putting their money where it counts. Collectible investments are physical objects that people can collect. Traditionally, people have collected antiques, fine art, stamps, vintage

February 8, 2024 No Comments

Finance

Britain’s booming property market sees 13 buyers for every home sold

Agreed sales last month were up 57% compared to April 2019 Many estate agents are now immediately asking prospective buyers for their ‘best and final offer’ to prevent gazumping Experts said the industry is working around the clock and buyers are resorting to extreme measures to secure a home The surge in demand is largely due to ultra-low interest rates and stamp duty relief for homes under £500,000 Britain’s booming property market is producing record sales figures, with an average of 13 buyers for every home listed. Agreed sales last month were up 57% compared to April 2019, with many

February 7, 2024 No Comments

Finance

UK banks all set for an endurance test in real estate lending business

Property markets and banks find themselves navigating through uncertain waters, reminiscent of the financial crash of 2008 and the ongoing crisis. Unlike previous crises, there’s a sense of caution prevalent among banks and property owners, yet the impact remains undeniable. The real estate lending market, estimated at £238 billion, faced dismal rent collection rates of just 67% at its nadir in the past year. Among the worst-hit entities are the prominent banking giants known as the ‘big four’ – Lloyds Banking Group PLC, Barclays PLC, NatWest Group PLC, and HSBC. Their extensive exposure to the real estate sector has left

January 28, 2024 No Comments

Featured

Are Scotch Whisky Casks a better Investment Than Property … or Gold?

What is it about whisky? It’s enigmatic to the point of ecstasy. It is possibly the only true, ahem, liquid investment. Property is, to quote the 1980s comedy Airplane!, up, down and all over the place as of January 2022. Quantitative easing, the printing of money by central banks to combat the pandemic, will grind to a halt this year. Inflation is soaring. As are interest rates. Fortunately, whisky has been outperforming markets since, we well basically, people started selling it. Whisky also has the benefit of being widely tradeable and is consumed in almost every country in the world

July 15, 2022 No Comments