Val Cipriani

1 week ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Val Cipriani

The approach to retirement is always a great time for a portfolio review. As their mindset shifts from growth to income, investors need to make sure their portfolio matches their changed needs. Luke is 70 and married to Claire, 67. He has his own business, but he is gradually looking to retire over the next five years. He will need to start drawing from his pension as his business income reduces, and is hoping for help with the best asset allocation given these circumstances.

1 week ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Val Cipriani

We all know the basics of investing in times of market volatility: avoid panic selling, stick to your long-term strategy, do not try to time the market, do not trade too much. It’s all very sensible and relatively straightforward; and yet it can be quite hard to implement, and even expert investors can fall into the trap of selling near the bottom. “Knowing does not equal doing,” as Greg Davies, head of behavioural finance at Oxford Risk, puts it.

2 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Val Cipriani

Novice investors are often warned against backing a company just because they appreciate its products. Loving your iPhone? It does not automatically follow that you need Apple (US:AAPL) in your portfolio. Yet buying shares in a company you know well holds undeniable appeal – even for seasoned stockpickers. You understand its products and the investment case, so you wish to partake in its growth story.

2 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Val Cipriani

Cash now or income later? The pros and cons of drawing tax-free cash from a defined-benefit pensionPublished on April 8, 2025Defined-contribution pensions tend to offer a good level of flexibility when it comes to taking your 25 per cent tax-free lump sum. However, if you have a final-salary pension, while you get to enjoy a regular income that is typically inflation-linked, you have fewer options when it comes to the lump sum.

2 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Val Cipriani

This business is in a strong position to take advantage of rate cuts, says Global Smaller Companies Trust’s James ThornePublished on April 8, 2025James Thorne, fund manager of the Global Smaller Companies Trust (GSCT), on why the trust invests in LSL Property Services (LSL):“When you consider the government’s desire to stimulate housebuilding and housing transactions, you could take advantage of this opportunity by investing in a business that builds the houses or provides the materials.