Opinion

Smart meters should be compulsory

by Victoria Bischoff on Feb 01, 2012 at 16:45

Protests over costs, health risks and privacy fears mean smart meters will now be voluntary instead of compulsory. This is a mistake.

• 22 Comments

Smart Investor: a super addition to your portfolio?

by Smart Investor on Jan 31, 2012 at 05:01

With impressive return on equity and profit figures, fashion house Supergroup looks like a winner. Smart Investor puts the group under his investment microscope.

• 5 Comments

Funds industry denies unit trusts are a 'rip off'

by Gavin Lumsden on Jan 27, 2012 at 17:23

The chief of the IMA has debunked critics' claims of 'hidden' charges, but has done nothing to say if funds are too expensive.

• 84 Comments

Does Stephen Hester deserve his RBS bonus?

by Gavin Lumsden on Jan 27, 2012 at 10:21

Turning round the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L) required a poacher to turn gamekeeper, but we wanted a hero too.

• 97 Comments

Buy low, sell high: we test the theory

by Mike Deverell on Jan 27, 2012 at 05:01

A basic understanding of the price to earnings (P/E) ratio could boost your returns, says Mike Deverell, and he's got the data to prove it.

• 25 Comments

Mansion tax: a terrible, unworkable idea

by Linton Chiswick on Jan 25, 2012 at 11:58

Vince Cable’s plan to impose a tax on properties worth more than £2 million is impractical, unethical and cowardly, argues Linton Chiswick.

• 104 Comments

Smart Investor: is Imperial Tobacco the ideal income stock?

by Smart Investor on Jan 24, 2012 at 00:01

With a yield of 4.2%, Imperial Tobacco (IMT.L) is worth a look as an income stock. Smart Investor gives his expert verdict on this defensive holding.

• 19 Comments

Child benefit reform: why the government is wrong

by Lorna Bourke on Jan 23, 2012 at 09:19

There are simple steps the government could take to reform child benefit, Lorna Bourke says, without imposing an arbitrary cut-off for higher-rate taxpayers.

• 31 Comments

Beer-swilling Brazilians can have my money

by Chris Marshall on Jan 19, 2012 at 11:59

Does anything more closely track the rapid growth of consumer spending in the emerging markets than beer?

• 1 Comment

Understanding IFA fees: a simple guide

by Michelle McGagh on Jan 18, 2012 at 16:32

The rules on charging clients are changing for independent financial advisers. Make sure you're asking the right questions and get the best deal.

• 1 Comment