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Just a quick reminder to those who haven’t made best use of their 2008/2009 ISA allowance or made plans for their 2009/2010 allowance that this is probably as good a time as ever...

Financial markets around the world continue to be very challenging, testing the confidence of many investors. Many have seen the value of investments made earlier this year fall, making it hard to be optimistic and uncertain about investing in an ISA before the end of the current tax year.  However, the fact remains that your annual ISA allowance is a valuable, tax-efficient opportunity that should continue to be key part of your long term investment strategy. Although of course we cannot guarantee that the favourable tax treatments will continue in the future, as they are subject to changes in legislation.  History shows that investors who can overcome uncertainty when markets are low will go on to achieve the greatest long term success.

Some of the best times to invest in stock markets have been during periods of negative sentiment and market turbulence. The best five year return in the US stock market began in May 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression, when stocks rose by 367% (source: Fidelity Management & Research). Whether or not we are close to the bottom of the current market slide, anyone tempted to ‘sit on the sidelines’ and wait for things to get better may miss the next opportunity. On only four occasions in the last fifty years has the UK market delivered negative returns for two or more consecutive years.   
                                                                               
In challenging conditions you need expert hands at the helm. Through our affiliation with St. James's Place Wealth Management we have access to a combination of specialist advice and St. James's Place distinctive approach to investment management that can help you make the most of your ISA allowance.

Don’t forget that when you decide to fund your 2009/2010 allowance this does not necessarily have to be done as a lump sum - £600 per month would ensure that you use your full stocks & shares allowance over the tax year.

If you wish to secure your ISA investments for this tax year 2008/2009 or intend to implement a plan for the new tax year commencing 6 April please call Teresa Kirkley on 0844 477 1757 in order to secure a free consultative appointment with St. James's Place Partner, Martin de Blocq in our City office or at a location of your convenience.

Members of the St. James's Place Wealth Management Group are authorised and  regulated by the Financial Services Authority. St. James's Place UK plc.

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