Blog

  1. Home
  2.  » Blog

More than a decade of auto-enrolment

Since the government introduced pension auto-enrolment in 2012, millions more workers have started saving for their retirement. Now, the government has confirmed plans to extend auto-enrolment to encourage a savings boost. The changes could have implications for both...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 25th September 2023

Investor sentiment was dampened this week by suggestions from various central banks that interest rates may have to stay at higher levels for longer, despite the US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, the Bank of Japan and the Swiss National Bank all opting to pause...

read more

 Healthy benefits included for you and your family?

Now those are some little things that can make a big difference.  Protection policies aren’t just there for when things go wrong. Many protection insurers include access to a range of health and wellbeing support services – and you don’t need to claim to be able to...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 18th September 2023

It was a mixed week for global markets, with many different factors impacting markets. The US saw indications that inflation is coming down. Japan was boosted by China’s economic data, though the impact on Chinese markets was more muted due to the downturn in its...

read more
What are value-added services?

What are value-added services?

Value-added services are benefits included in an insurance policy that you might not be aware of – but could help improve your overall health and wellbeing. When you take out an insurance plan like life insurance, critical illness, or income protection, you get the...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 11th September 2023

Economic signals drove markets this week – in the US a stronger economy has led investors to worry about interest rates remaining elevated for longer. Meanwhile, Japan’s economy is proving to be less resilient than anticipated and China continues to show signs of a...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 4th September 2023

Markets bounced back strongly this week as a weaker labour market in the US leads investors to believe we may soon be approaching peak interest rates. Support the China’s faltering economy also boosted global markets. Meanwhile, inflation continues to show signs of...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 21 August 2023

Performance was negative for the major stock markets last week. The US experienced improved growth forecasts, whilst inflation in the UK and Eurozone eased.  Data from China continues to paint a gloomy picture for its economy and Japanese growth was better than...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 21 August 2023

Performance was negative for the major stock markets last week. The US experienced improved growth forecasts, whilst inflation in the UK and Eurozone eased.  Data from China continues to paint a gloomy picture for its economy and Japanese growth was better than...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 14 August 2023

Performance was mainly negative for the major stock markets last week. US interest rate expectations appear to be mixed, Japanese inflation appears to continually ease whilst China’s latest economic data release paints a gloomy picture. The near-term outlook for the...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 7 August 2023

A broad decline in markets were felt in the week, with Chinese stock markets being the exception. In the West, the US Labour market appears to be healthy and the Bank of England has raised its key interest rate to 5.25% points. The Eurozone has seen modest growth with...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 31 July 2023

Major stock markets advanced in the week, despite the US and European Central Banks increase their interest rates. Inflation in Japan remains above target. Meanwhile, China’s government pledging further support to boost the economy. Eyes are on the UK as the Bank of...

read more

Investment Myths

In this blog, we'll debunk five misconceptions about investing. Understanding investments can be daunting, and there are several myths that are likely to put you off if you are new to investing. In this blog, we'll debunk five misconceptions about investing. By...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 24 July 2023

It was a fairly mixed week in the markets but clear signs of easing inflation in the US and UK, this helps to emphasise investors’ view that we may be approaching peak interest rates. With a fairly busy week for central bank around the world ahead of us, all eyes will...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 17 July 2023

Global markets were boosted by two key things this week. On one hand, positive signs that inflation was cooling rapidly in the US boosted investor sentiment as it could mean that interest rates may soon stop rising. Across the other side of the globe, further support...

read more

Is it better to gift a property or leave it in your will?

The pros and cons of both to give you an idea of the kind of things you’ll need to consider. Is it better to gift a property or leave it in your will? Before passing away, Maggie gifted her house worth more than £700,000 to her son Bruce but still remained living...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 10 July 2023

Signs that the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, would likely continue rising interest rates impacted markets globally. In Japan, investors lock in profits from a stellar year for Japanese equities, whilst data out of Europe and China points to economic weakness....

read more

Regular investing

5 ways saving little and often could help you grow your wealth When it comes to investing your money, making small regular investments can provide more benefits than investing a lump sum. Through regular investing, you can invest a small amount into the markets every...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 3 July 2023

Stocks were broadly positive this week, with inflation in major economies appearing to slow down. The UK is an exception here, where inflation is stickier. The US economy is showing signs of strength, Japan has stuck to its guns with low interest rates and Chinese...

read more
Finances and increasing energy bills

Finances and increasing energy bills

3 useful ways to manage your finances and boost your financial wellbeing The cost of living crisis has dominated the headlines since inflation began to creep up from historic lows in mid-2021. While the Covid pandemic began the inflationary increase, the situation was...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 26 June 2023

Stocks closed lower last week, with sentiment in western developed markets driven mostly by inflation and interest rates. Following the Eurozone’s rate hike, the UK raised rates to levels not seen since 2008. China’s economic growth forecasts for 2023 has fallen...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 19 June 2023

It was another good week for markets, with investor sentiment boosted by the US Federal Reserve’s decision to pause interest rate increases. Meanwhile, China shows signs of willingness to provide support for the economy and Japan remains with its ultra-low interest...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 12 June 2023

US and Japan stock markets were boosted by economic optimism, whereas the Eurozone has entered a technical recession. China is continuing to struggle with sluggish post pandemic recovery. The UK property market shows decline, whilst the “Atlantic Declaration” has been...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 5 June 2023

With the US Debt Ceiling being suspended, US and Asian equities rallied. Inflation remains sticky in Europe and the UK. The Japanese economy remains strong with potential for further growth, whilst manufacturing levels in China are weaker than expected. Last week’s...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 30 May 2023

All eyes were on the US this week, focussing on the US Debt Ceiling negotiations, with a deal being struck over the weekend. Other things that investors kept an eye out for included signs of a stronger Japanese economy, a sluggish Chinese economic recovery, a...

read more

Is drawdown right for you?

2 important questions to consider If you have a defined contribution pension, you can access your retirement savings in a variety of ways. One of those options is drawdown – a flexible approach for dipping into your savings when you need to. Read on to learn more...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 15 May 2023

Investors continue focussed on the three key variables – Firstly, economic growth, and specifically how deep or shallow any recession we have might be. Secondly, all eyes remain on inflation, which, whilst appears to be slowing, remains elevated. Finally, investors...

read more
Why diversification is key when inflation rises

Why diversification is key when inflation rises

To stay ahead of rising costs and maintain your assets’ purchasing power, your portfolio needs to provide positive returns. Diversification can help you achieve this. What is diversification? Diversification is investment jargon for the well-known proverb: “don’t put...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 09 May 2023

It was a relatively short week as many markets were closed on certain days for various holidays. Both the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank rose interest rates, with indications that higher interest rates are likely to be around for longer than investors...

read more

Spring clean your finances

The start of a new year is a great time to review your finances – whether it’s your savings and investments, mortgages or insurance policies. Higher interest rates and the rapid increase in the cost of living are likely to be affecting many areas of your finances. The...

read more

Making sense of dividends

Companies that are doing well pay out extra money, called dividends, to shareholders. However, the amount can be taxed depending on how much money you earn In order for a company to grow, it can sell little pieces of itself, through what are known as shares. Many...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 3 April 2023

Markets rallied across the world as disruption in the banking sector begins to settle as regulators intervene to protect the financial system. Inflation remains problematically high around the world. China’s economic rebound gains pace whilst in the UK, the economy...

read more
Think twice

Think twice

Think twice: Why cancelling your financial protection during the current cost of living crisis could be a bad idea Centuries ago, Benjamin Franklin announced that “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail”. This is especially true when it comes to ensuring your...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 27 March 2023

The last few weeks have been eventful, driven by turmoil in the banking sector. On Sunday 19 March, UBS agreed to purchase Credit Suisse and central banks across the world announced coordinated action to ease strains in financial markets. Markets reacted broadly...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 20 March 2023

Turmoil in the global banking sector dominated markets. Since 10th March, two US bank, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank have collapsed – we discuss the details in a special podcast interview. In Europe, Credit Suisse was in the limelight following Saudi Bank’s...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 13 March 2023

Signs that interest rates could carry on rising for longer dampened investor sentiment across the globe. In China, a lower economic growth target also weighed on markets. The financial health of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) was also a focal point towards the end of the...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 6 March 2023

After weeks of losses, markets delivered positive returns across the board. In the US, mixed economic data meant investors took a breather. Japan gets a boost of optimism, whilst in China, despite strong data, the growth expected for 2023 is likely to underwhelm....

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 27 February 2023

It was a challenging week for markets – higher inflation numbers point to potentially larger interest rate hikes, whilst economic activity in many parts of the world appears to show more resilient economies. This would allow central banks to continue raising interest...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 13 February 2023

Broadly speaking markets were down across the world – for various reasons, but clearly focused on what’s next for central banks. In the US and Europe, any signs from the central banks on what’s next continues to drive markets. In Japan, investors await news on who the...

read more
Home Insurance Explained

Home Insurance Explained

One wet and windy evening, Alex and Megan decided to take advantage of their newborn, Ellie, falling asleep in her moses basket by getting an early night. Picking up the basket from its regular spot in front of the fireplace, they crept upstairs. No sooner had they...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 6 February 2023

The US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England and the European Central Bank all raised interest rates this week as widely expected. But investors focused on their narrative after these interest rate hikes. In the US, things are getting better but the Fed is taking baby...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 30 January 2023

Investor sentiment is boosted globally as data suggests that the global economic picture may not be as bad as previously anticipated. All eyes will be on the Federal Reserve (US Central Bank), European Central Bank and Bank of England this week as they meet to decide...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 23 January 2023

Recession concerns come back to the forefront, dampening investor sentiment, and breaking the 2023 market gains for Western economies. Over in Asia, demand was boosted by better-than expected data coming out of China. Last week’s performance – major stock markets...

read more
Regularly review your mortgage

Regularly review your mortgage

It’s important to regularly review your mortgage. If necessary, you may want to transfer to a new deal or a different lender when you come to the end of a fixed rate. If you’re worried about your options when you come to the end of your deal, talk to us. We can help...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 9 January 2023

*On behalf of everyone at Omnis Investments, we’d like to wish you a Happy New Year* 2023 has begun with most markets in green led by strong jobs data in the US and falling inflation in Europe. Last week’s performance – major stock markets   S&P 500 +1.45%...

read more

The benefits of making overpayments on your mortgage

Hardly a day goes by without the cost of living hitting the headlines. For many homeowners the increasing costs of owning and running a home is having a huge impact on household budgets. For those borrowers with a fixed rate mortgage, the recent increase in mortgage...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 5 December 2022

This week, investors were (yet again) focused on interest rates. From suggestion by the central bank in the US, to falling inflation in Europe, markets were lifted on expectations of slower interest rate hikes from here. Development in China has led to a review of its...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 28 November 2022

Overall markets were positive over the week. Investors were broadly focussed on any indications that would allow central banks to slow down the pace at which they raise interest rates. Signs of economic slowdown and that inflation may soon begin to fall set the scene...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 21 November 2022

It was a mixed week for markets around the world. In the US, investors continue to look for reasons for the Federal Reserve to slow its interest rate rises. High inflation and poor economic data in Japan weighed in markets, whilst in China investors balanced their...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 14 November 2022

Markets around the world rallied, with the news that inflation appears to be slowing in the US, boosting investor sentiment around the world. A relaxation in China’s zero-covid policies provided some further support in Asia. Meanwhile, economic contraction in the UK...

read more

10 ways to reduce your energy bills

10 simple ways to cut your carbon footprint and reduce your energy bills Reducing your energy consumption can be a great way to cut your carbon footprint, lessening your personal impact on the environment and potentially helping to limit the devastating effects of...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 7 November 2022

With the exception of the US, markets around the world rose during the week. A key focus for markets were the comments coming out of central banks in the UK and the US following interest rates hikes. In China, speculation about a review of their zero-covid policies...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 31 October 2022

Broadly speaking, markets had a strong week with continued focus on what central banks around the world are likely to do going forwards. Markets are expecting interest rate hikes to become smaller in size going forwards. In the UK, a new Prime Minister focused on...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 24 October 2022

Markets broke a string of losses with most major stock markets reporting positive returns for the week. All eyes remain on the Federal Reserve and how it continues to raise interest rates. Political turmoil dominated markets in the UK with ripple effects on global...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 17 October 2022

Inflation in the US remains elevated, paving the way for further large interest rate hikes. Economic news out of China looks poor, but support from the central banks supported markets. The UK economy contracted in August and unemployment continued to fall. Meanwhile,...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 10 October 2022

Markets broke a string of losses with most major stock markets reporting positive returns for the week. All eyes were on economic data in the US and what this could mean for future interest rate hikes. Despite a very strong start in markets, some of the gains were...

read more

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 3 October 2022

Last week was all about the UK. Markets did not react kindly to the announcements made by the Chancellor on Friday 23rd September, and we saw instability in UK financial markets, particularly in UK government bonds and the British Pound. On Friday 30th September, we...

read more

Omnis Market Update

A week dominated by large interest rate hikes in the US, the UK and several countries across Europe. On Friday, the UK government unveiled large tax cuts – and markets did not react well. Further details of last week’s interest rate hikes and tax cuts and can be found...

read more

Omnis Market Update

*** Omnis Investments would like to offer our deepest condolences to the royal family. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II spent her life dedicated to the service of her people, led by example, and gave herself to her country and the commonwealth. May she rest in peace.***...

read more
Cost of living focus summary

Cost of living focus summary

Energy costs statement 8 September 2022 After a prolonged period of speculation, the new Prime Minister Liz Truss has announced preliminary details of how the government plans to deal with the energy price crisis. In late May this year, the then Chancellor, Rishi...

read more

Omnis Market Update

Markets continued to digest the implications of aggressive interest rate hikes by global central banks, led by the US Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, Japan’s Yen plummets to a multi-decade low and China faces further economic turmoil as Covid-19 cases spike. Inflation in...

read more

Talking to kids about the value of money

After seeing their six-year-old son’s birthday list, Liz and Dan have realised it’s high time they started teaching Archie about the value of money. It’s true they both have reasonably well-paid jobs and only the one child but, even so, a Saint Bernard puppy, a quad...

read more

Omnis Market Update

Broadly speaking markets continue to worry about aggressive interest rate hikes given the very high levels of inflation we are seeing around the world. Data coming out of China points a weaker economy and comments from central banks during the week added to investors’...

read more

How to save for a house deposit

First time buyers guide to saving for a deposit When preparing to buy your first home, saving for a deposit can be a difficult process. As house prices, inflation, cost of living and mortgage rates increase, it can mean that some mortgage lenders may require larger...

read more

Omnis Market Update

All eyes were on the US, particularly focussed on inflation data for the month of July. Signs that inflation may be peaking boosted confidence around the world. Political stability in Japan, rising Covid-cases in China, economic support for the cost-of-living crisis...

read more
Funeral Planning

Funeral Planning

Can you afford to die? Although not traditionally associated with jollity, for those who like to have the last laugh, a funeral may offer the perfect opportunity. It’s becoming increasingly popular to use humour during services to reflect the personality of the...

read more

Omnis Market Update

It was the Bank of England’s turn this week to raise interest rates aggressively, following aggressive hikes by the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve in recent weeks. Strong jobs data coming out of the US suggests that central banks may have to continue...

read more

Home Insurance – Contents vs Buildings Insurance

Home Insurance - What you need to know One wet and windy evening, Rachel and Nathan decided to take advantage of their newborn, Eli, falling asleep in his moses basket by getting an early night. Gently picking up the basket from its regular spot in front of the...

read more

Budgeting

Budgeting tips for saving money while making your life better Whether you want to go on holiday or just want to save some money for the future, budgeting is a good way to put aside some money for reaching this goal. Here you can find some tips to help you take control...

read more

Omnis Market Update

Despite the Federal Reserve raising interest rates aggressively, global investor sentiment was boosted by the fact that in the face of a slowing economy, the Federal Reserve in the US could slow down its interest rate rises from here. The focus around the world stays...

read more

Investing for your children’s future

As parents to four children ranging in age from three to 12 years old, Rachel and Samantha were horrified to hear on the news that a quarter of 20-to-34 year olds still live at home with their parents. As much as they love their kids, the idea they might still be a...

read more

Omnis Market Update

The US begins to see clear signs of a slowing economy and inflationary pressures beginning to fade, whilst the UK inflation continues to rise. The Japanese central bank bucks the trend and keeps interest rates low as the European Central Bank raises interest rates....

read more
10 ways to reduce your tax bill

10 ways to reduce your tax bill

Being tax smart means knowing the basics about how tax affects your life and money. Here are 10 ways to reduce your tax bill, which could make your money go further for you and your loved ones. Personal savings allowance You’re entitled to receive some interest on...

read more

Omnis Market Update

Investor sentiment was boosted somewhat last week as slowing economic growth and signs that inflation could be peaking soon could mean that central banks tone down their approach to raising interest rates aggressively. Political news dominated last week, with Boris...

read more

How does a remortgage work?

A remortgage is the process of moving your home’s existing mortgage to one with a new lender. Remortgaging could help you save money if you weigh up the fees involved with the savings you could make. Here’s how it works. People remortgage for many different reasons,...

read more

What are value-added services?

Value-added services are benefits included in an insurance policy that you might not be aware of – but could help improve your overall health and wellbeing. When you take out an insurance plan like life insurance, critical illness, or income protection, you get the...

read more

Omnis Market Update

After taking a breather in the previous week, markets returned to its losing streak, with pessimism centred around economic growth deteriorating and the impact that the actions of central banks around the world could have on tipping economies into a recession. Markets...

read more

How to protect your business

What is business protection insurance and how does it work? Find out why it could be right for your business. If you own or run a small business, protecting it is always a priority, especially if something were to happen to a key member, which could affect the...

read more

Omnis Market Update

Markets took a breather this week, which came from the realisation that economies are slowing down, which should in turn help tame inflation and take the pressure of central banks applying the brakes too aggressively. Of course, there is still a lot of uncertainty...

read more
Saving For A University Education

Saving For A University Education

Funding your child's university education Sarah and Andrew’s 10-year-old twins, Isabelle and Isaac, couldn’t be more different. While Isabelle is boisterous and full of beans, Isaac is gentle and reserved. The children do have one thing in common though - they’re both...

read more

Omnis Market Update

A week driven by interest rates. Interest rate rises are the way central banks try to control inflation, not just by taking the foot off the pedal of the economy, but by indeed applying the brakes. Investors are worried about how forcefully these brakes are applied...

read more