UK Housing market conditions changed only slightly over the past 12 months and market conditions have been largely unchanged since November 2010. This stability in the overall supply/demand balance in the market helps to explain the modest movement in house prices.

A Slight Rise in House Sales

The number of completed house sales has risen to its highest levels of 2011 in October and November. The number of sales in November 2011 was the highest since December 2009, at a seasonally adjusted 79,000. Despite these recent signs
of improvement, total sales in the first 11 months of 2011 were 2.5% lower than in the same period of 2010.

Download your report here:

Housing Economist Martin Ellis comments:

“House prices in the three months to July were 0.5% higher than in the previous three months. This was the first increase in this key measure of underlying price movements for 14 months. Prices rose for the third consecutive month, increasing by 0.3% in July.”

“Overall, there has been little change in either the level of house sales or the number of properties on the market for sale since late 2010. These steady market conditions have helped to stabilise house prices in 2011 following last year’s modest decline.”

“This pattern is expected to continue over the rest of the year with little genuine direction in either house prices or sales. Sustained low interest rates and a slowly improving economy should help to support demand in the face of pressures from weak earnings growth, relatively high inflation and higher taxes.”

Teacher Retirement Plan – Key Facts

House prices in the three months from May to July were 0.5% higher than in the preceding three months. This is the first increase in this measure of the underlying trend since May 2010 (0.1%).

The average UK house price in July was marginally higher (0.7%) than in December 2010 on a seasonally adjusted basis, at £163,981.

On an annual basis, prices in July were 2.6% lower as measured by the average for the three months to July against the same period a year earlier. This was the second successive improvement in the annual rate from a low of -4.2% in May.

Little change in housing activity trend. The number of mortgages approved to finance house purchase – a leading indicator of completed house sales – increased by 4% between May and June to 48,421; the highest monthly total since May 2010. Despite this encouraging rise, the industry-wide number of approvals remains within the range of 45,000-50,000 per month where it has been since the beginning of 2010. Approvals in the second quarter were unchanged from the previous quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis.

* The Halifax House Price Index is the UK’s longest running monthly house price series with data covering the whole country going back to January 1983. From this data, a “standardised” house price is calculated and property price movements on a like-for-like basis (including seasonal adjustments) are analysed over time. The annual change is calculated as an average for the latest three months compared with the same period a year earlier. These figures provide a better picture of the underlying trend compared to a monthly year-on-year number as they smooth out any short-term fluctuations.

Teacher Retirement Plan

Advisor
Teacher Retirement Plan

Do you want a financially secure teacher retirement or one where every penny counts?

Investing in your teacher retirement early can make all the difference.

See for yourself …

* Figures are based on monthly contributions of £400 with a retirement age of 55 and a projected annual growth rate of 9%

Invest in your teacher retirement plan now – before it’s too late

Contact us for more details

Advisor

Teacher Retirement Plan

Is your deposit delivering the returns you deserve?

After recent years of economic turmoil and with historically low interest rates, now could be the right time to consider the potential gains to be made from continued economic recovery.

However, direct investment in equities could leave you vulnerable were markets to fall once again.  Instead, you may want to consider  alternatives which provide equity-like growth potential along  with the certainty of a fixed minimum return for your growing teacher retirement plan.

Now, with the launch of Quantum PLUS 5 from Standard Bank Offshore, you really can enjoy the best of both worlds. We give you a competitive rate of interest on half of your money and exposure to stock market gains on the other half.

Quantum provides 5% AER for Sterling, US dollar and Euro or 12% AER for Australian dollar  on half your money returned after one year. PLUS provides for unlimited potential returns based on the performance of a stock market  index, and your money back on half your money after five years even if markets fall.  Quantum PLUS 5 therefore gives you complete peace of mind, knowing that your money is working hard for you and your teacher retirement plan.

Click on the image to download the PDF Quantum 5 Plus brochure.

Please note that Quantum PLUS 5 is only available for a limited time and your account  must be opened and your application form and  cleared funds received by 26 April 2011.

All cleared funds received by 26 April 2011 will be placed on deposit and will earn a competitive rate of 5% AER until the Commencement Date. All cleared funds received after 26 April 2011 will be placed on deposit and will earn a rate of  1% per annum until the Commencement date.

This is a limited offer to add to your teacher retirement plan portfolio so act quickly – please contact us for further information or application form.

Advisor,

Teacher Retirement Plan.

Teacher Retirement Plan

Teacher Retirement Plan

+33.0% NET GROWTH SINCE LAUNCH IN JULY 2008

The Investment Objective

The investment objective is to aim to provide long term growth by investing directly or indirectly in Recycling Facilities in the United Kingdom and in the development of such facilities, Recycling Facilities being defined for this purpose as industrial facilities for the processing and treatment of waste, including the recycling of waste, the treatment of waste, the preparation of waste for use in waste to energy and the conversion of waste to energy by any means.

Performance

Development Programmes

New Earth Solutions has fou>r operational waste treatment facilities (Canford, Blaise, Sharpness and Cotesbach) with combined potential processing capacity of nearly 225,000 tpa and is growing organically by winning Local Authority waste treatment contracts which underpin the development of new plants. A further two facilities (Willow and Avonmouth) with a combined capacity of 250,000 tpa, each supported by Local Authority waste contracts, are expected to open in 2011 and 2012. Planning permission on Longwood (in Lincolnshire) was achieved in 2009 and this site will be developed subject to securing an underpinning waste contract. Returns for investors in The New Earth Solutions Recycling Facilities Investment Sub-Funds are driven by 5 factors:

1. Income in the form of a base rent plus a share of gate fees
2. Capital appreciation on the underlying value of the long term local authority contracts and the hard
assets such as plant and equipment
3. Indirect benefit of capital allowances which should mean that the Joint Venture Companies (which own
the assets) should not pay corporation tax for 9/10 years
4. Senior debt repayment, which increases the investor equity as debt is repaid
5. A share of the revenues from electricity and heat generation (where applicable)

New Earth Solutions Recycling Facilities Energy Process – Turning waste into power!
Pyrolysis is an Advanced Thermal Conversion process. It entails the transformation of a solid compound into a fuel gas, through the application of heat in an oxygen-free environment. The resulting heat is a valuable by-product of the process. There are three key stages in converting untreated waste into heat and electricity:

1. Processing of waste off-site to create feedstock
2. Pyrolysis which turns the feedstock to fuel gas
3. Gas refining which removes any remaining impurities before combustion in the engines

The fuel gas that is formed from the pyrolysis process is a high energy gas, rich in hydrogen. Once refined to remove particulates and any oils, the gas can be used to feed conventional gas engines to convert its energy into electrical power.
1 tonne of compost per hour produces 1 MW which would supply electricity to 1,000 households for a year. New Earth Solutions will be installing power stations of between 1MW and 10MW over the coming months.

Scottish Borders

Following New Earth’s recent appointment as preferred bidder for the 24-year Scottish Borders Council waste treatment contract, the Company is preparing for the commencement of initial recycling and composting services in April and the development of a new facility on Council land at Galashiels in 2012.

Work has begun on a detailed planning application for a new Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facility on the Council-owned site. Outline permission already exists for a waste treatment facility and New Earth is applying to amend that to a full permission, submitting detailed designs for its enclosed MBT solution. Following this, a further application will be submitted to add a 3MW low-carbon, renewable energy plant to the facility.

Tendering

The New Earth tendering team has had a particularly busy month, with local authority bids submitted to Central Bedfordshire (short -listing for a new service to manage 75,000 tonnes per annum for up to 25 years) and Dorset (final tender for a new 6 year contract for Canford). They have also submitted the latest set of bid documents as part of the ongoing procurement process with Blackburn where they are one of two left in the running for a long term contract.

Contracts won & Pipeline

Interesting to see that the “Secured/Awarded” contracts have increased by +24% from September 2010’s figure whilst the “Advanced Pipeline” opportunities have jumped by +225%. There’s a lot happening!

Download brochure here

The next dealing date for the Fund is Tuesday 1st March

Contact us for more information

Advisor

Teacher Retirement Plan

Offshore savings plans offer a flexible way for expatriates to save for their retirement using an effective teacher retirement plan because of the following features:

Your Teacher Retirement Plan moves with you

Offshore savings plans go with you wherever you choose to live and work and allow you to continue to contribute to your teacher retirement plan so your pension planning doesn’t need to be put on hold.

Multi purpose

You can use offshore savings plans to save for more than one reason for example you could combine your pension and children’s education savings.

Contribution flexibility

Offshore savings plans provide the flexibility to take contribution holidays or reduce premiums subject to the terms and conditions and allow you to increase your premiums and add lump sums. You can make monthly, quarterly, six monthly or annual contributions by bank standing order, visa and master card.

Investment flexibility

Offshore savings plans offer a wide range of funds and provide the freedom to easily switch between funds giving you the ability to tailor your fund selection to suit your ongoing savings requirements and attitude to risk. The investment flexibility also enables you as you near your chosen retirement date to switch to low risk fund options to preserve gains. A flexible approach to your teacher retirement plan.

Withdrawals

Offshore savings plans allow you to make partial withdraws and withdraw the full amount as a lump sum when you retire.

Your Teacher Retirement Plan is secure

Offshore savings plans provide a high level of client protection and confidentiality because your teacher retirement plan will be established in a highly regulated offshore centre.

Tax Savings

Offshore savings plan funds enjoy tax free growth and any growth in your investments will be added to your teacher retirement plan without any deduction of tax (with some exceptions in jurisdictions where withholding taxes imposed on dividends are not recoverable). You will also receive the proceeds of your teacher retirement plan, or any partial withdrawals, without the deduction of tax by the offshore company.

Contact us for for further advice

Advisor

Teacher Retirement Plan

Commercial Road Property, Melbourne

Centrally located between the St Kilda Road and Chapel Street Prahan, this boutique development offers the perfect “set and forget” investment.

With Fawkner Park just a short stroll away and the Alfred Hospital just down the road, property Investors will be looking at terrific rental tenancies and easily occupied. As an investment for your teacher retirement plan or a great place to retire.

Public transport a few hundred metres away and most apartments offer a single car park.

Due to commence later this year and settle early 2013, this offers the ideal opportunity to lock into todays market and prosper. Massive stamp duty savings of up to $20,000 and only 10% required now…..

Contact us for more information.

Advisor
Teacher Retirement Plan

When investing for your teacher retirement plan there is a common misconception that the value of your units must constantly rise to make gains from a unitised investment. However, over time this can be proven to not be the case.

Consider the following scenario where gains for your teacher retirement plan are made from a falling market because you are able to buy a larger number of units. You then benefit from an upturn in the market, which gives you a greater return on your investment – and a smart teacher retirement plan.

As can be seen from the illustration althouigh the final unit price can be lower as more units have been bought the total investment value is higher.

Contact us for more information on how we can help with your Teacher Retirement Planning.

Advisor
Teacher Retirement Plan

Teacher Retirement Plan – Think time, not timing

What puts some people off stockmarket investment for their teacher retirement plan is the fact that market fluctuations could mean they lose money. This is why it is recommended that investors should take the long term view of their teacher retirement plan– typically at least five years or more. Indeed, past experience has shown that, the longer you hold a teacher retirement plan investment for, the smaller the likelihood you will lose money and the greater the chance you will make money.

Research, covering a 30 year period, is illustrated here and considers all 349 possible monthly start points over that period. As you can see, an investor taking a five year view would have made money in the vast majority of instances from a UK teacher retirement plan portfolio. For those taking a ten year view of their teacher retirement plan they would have made money in all instances.

However, please note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. The value of a stockmarket investment and the income from it can go down as well as up. You may not get back the original amount invested.

Teacher Retirement Plan – Don’t let the downs get you down

It is quite common to be distracted from your long-term teacher retirement plan investment goal by short-term market fluctuations. This is particularly so at times of uncertainty – it is only natural to be concerned about making an investment, or even consider selling existing investments, when stockmarkets are falling.

However, many experts agree that investors will usually be better off resisting the temptation to make changes to their long-term teacher retirement plan investment strategy in reaction to short-term market movements.

This is because it’s too easy to miss the gains. Just as sharp falls in stockmarkets tend to be concentrated in short periods of time, the best gains are similarly concentrated. Because these gains often occur just before, or after, a market fall – an investor who tries to time investments for their teacher retirement plan is highly likely to miss the best gains. It makes little difference over the long term Research has shown that, over the long-term, choosing the ‘right’ day to invest makes surprisingly little difference. This research shows the returns from three different hypothetical investment strategies – all investing in UK equities:

1. Investing each year when the market is at its lowest – the ‘best’ strategy
2. Investing each year at the market high – the ‘worst’ strategy
3. Investing at a random date (1st January) – a typical investor’s strategy

Not surprisingly, adopting the ‘best’ teacher retirement plan strategy of investing at the market low has produced the highest annual return. However, the difference in returns between all three strategies is remarkably small.

Source: Fidelity’s research 1.2.73 to 1.2.03. Standard & Poor’s. FTSE-A All-Share Index with net income reinvested. Cumulative returns over 1, 5, and 10 years on all eligible time periods at one month start intervals.

Teacher Retirement Plan

Wishing all teachers a very happy and prosperous New Year from Teacher Retirement Plan advisor.

Out with the old year and in with the new – Have you made your New Year resolution(s) yet?

Maybe you should be reviewing your Teacher Retirement Plan?

Here are the top ten most popular New Year resolutions:

10th – To get more organised (time to review your teacher retirement plan?)

9th – To help others

8th – To learn something new (learn more about effective teacher retirement planning?)

7th – To get out of debt (Teacher Retirement Plan advisor can help you with that too)

6th – Stop drinking (for a healthier teacher retirement)

5th – Enjoy life more (enjoy your retirement with an effective teacher retirement plan)

4th – Quit smoking (instead of sending money up in smoke put it towards your teacher retirement plan!)

3rd – Lose weight (for a fitter and healthier retirement)

2nd – Get fit (for a fitter and healthier retirement)

1st – Spend more time with loved ones (An effective teacher retirement plan will mean you can afford to stop working and spend more time with your loved ones)

Whether you have made one of these your resolution or chosen something different you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to review your own teacher retirement plan.Peace of mind for a happier and healthier retirement.

For further information please ask us. 

Advisor
Teacher Retirement Plan