Investment | Economic Journal https://www.economicjournal.co.uk Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:51:19 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.16 Trading Without Borders: The Rise of Global Offshore Forex Brokers and the Regulatory Debate https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/2025/04/trading-without-borders-the-rise-of-global-offshore-forex-brokers-and-the-regulatory-debate/ Fri, 11 Apr 2025 12:41:48 +0000 https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/?p=8861 We are more connected than ever nowadays. The internet gave us opportunities we never thought we would have. The forex community is one of the many to benefit from this. With access to a wide range of brokers, traders can now enjoy a personalized experience and come up with a winning strategy. Therefore, it’s not […]

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We are more connected than ever nowadays. The internet gave us opportunities we never thought we would have. The forex community is one of the many to benefit from this. With access to a wide range of brokers, traders can now enjoy a personalized experience and come up with a winning strategy. Therefore, it’s not surprising that so many traders opt for offshore brokers.

Back in 2023, the offshore trading platform market was valued at $1 billion. By 2032, it is expected to reach $2 billion. But what exactly led people towards global offshore Forex brokers and how regulated are these entities? Let’s find out.

Why Do People Prefer Offshore Brokers?

For many traders, settling for onshore brokers is more convenient. They feel safer due to deposit protection and a proper regulation. Moreover, onshore brokers are more transparent, and it’s easier to settle potential problems. Unfortunately, these also have drawbacks, one of them being the limit on leverage. In Europe, for instance, regulated brokers must limit leverage to 1:30. In other words, the guidelines are stricter.

This is where offshore brokers come to save the day. They allow for more leverage, giving traders more opportunities to personalize their strategies. The fees also tend to be lower, while processing times are shorter. Even if they come with risks too, some traders decide that the benefits outshine the dangers.

Top Reasons Why Offshore Brokers Have Been on the Rise

This shift towards offshore trading options is happening for a variety of reasons. These include:

1. Higher Leverage: Traders, especially experienced ones, are tired of being limited to leverage ratios of 1:50, 1:100, and so on. They want more opportunities to gain money. So, they want a broker with a leverage of 1:500 or even 1:1000. In many cases, these are not available at onshore brokers, hence why offshore becomes a tempting pick.

2. No Trading Style Restrictions: Offshore forex brokers come with fewer trading style restrictions. You can opt for algorithmic trading, hedging, scalping, and more. It’s easier to experiment with different styles this way.

3. Fewer Regional Limitations: When using offshore brokers, you can gain access to global financial markets and be able to diversify your portfolio even more. What’s more, you can take advantage of market movements across a variety of time zones.

4. Less Paperwork: If you’re tired of paperwork, then you’ll be happy to know offshore brokers don’t require as much. So, you can start your forex adventure sooner.

The Regulatory Debate – Why Some People Aren’t Sure About Offshore Brokers

Offshore brokers are less regulated. While in some aspects this is beneficial, the risks shouldn’t be ignored. Offshore brokers are more vulnerable to potential fraud, and some brokers might try to operate without being closely monitored. Also, lack of strict regulation also means more risk regarding your funds. In the event that a broker becomes unstable financially, you may lose your money and have limited options for recovering them.

There’s nothing wrong with trading at offshore brokers. Before doing so, you should practice caution and do lots of research. Pay attention to the regulatory situation of the broker and check out reviews. Only go for transparent brokers with a wide range of payment options.

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Smart moves for investing in P2P loans https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/2024/02/smart-moves-for-investing-in-p2p-loans/ Mon, 12 Feb 2024 10:48:57 +0000 https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/?p=8820 Let’s talk about a financial frontier that’s been gaining traction among those looking to diversify their investment portfolio—peer-to-peer (P2P) loans. Imagine a place where you can directly lend money to individuals or small businesses over the internet. Sounds intriguing, right? Well, this scene isn’t just a fad; it’s reshaping how people borrow and invest money. […]

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Let’s talk about a financial frontier that’s been gaining traction among those looking to diversify their investment portfolio—peer-to-peer (P2P) loans. Imagine a place where you can directly lend money to individuals or small businesses over the internet. Sounds intriguing, right? Well, this scene isn’t just a fad; it’s reshaping how people borrow and invest money. With an overview of p2p lending platforms, investors can access a new asset class and earn interest rates that are often higher than traditional savings accounts.

Post Pandemic Retail

Navigating the shores of P2P investing

Alright, so you’ve heard that P2P loans could bring some pep to your portfolio. But before you dive in, there’s a bit to unpack. These platforms cut out middlemen like banks, which can mean more competitive interest rates for borrowers and a juicy slice of those returns for investors. But it’s not all rainbows—there are risks. Some loans might not be paid back, leaving you in the lurch. The key is to do your homework, pick a reputable platform, and start small until you get the hang of things.

Building your P2P game plan

Now, onto crafting your strategy. Remember the golden rule of investing? Never put all your eggs in one basket. That’s diversification, and it’s vital in the P2P realm, too. Spread your investments across multiple loans with varying risk levels and returns potential. It’s also smart to check out borrower profiles—if someone’s borrowing to pay off credit card debt, they might carry more risk than, say, an entrepreneur expanding their successful business. And take note of interest rates and fees—they’ll affect your bottom line.

The balancing act of risks and rewards

With great potential returns come great responsibilities. Investing in P2P loans means accepting that not all loans will be repaid. Yes, platforms often have measures in place to chase up late payments, but defaults can happen. That’s why it’s crucial to assess risk versus reward. Safer loans might offer lower returns but more peace of mind. Riskier ones could promise higher rates but come with a greater chance of borrowers defaulting. Finding your comfort zone will go a long way in your P2P investing journey.

Eyeing the horizon for P2P lending’s future

As you become more savvy with P2P investing, keep an eye on the horizon—the landscape is always changing. Shifts in regulations, technology advancements, or economic fluctuations can all impact P2P lending. Being in tune with these changes can help you pivot your strategy if need be. And remember, international opportunities can offer diverse investments but also come with their own set of considerations, like currency risk and different legal frameworks.

There you have it—a little insight into the world of investing in P2P loans. It’s a space brimming with possibilities and pitfalls, but for those willing to put in the research and approach with caution, it can be a rewarding endeavor. Always remember to do your due diligence and perhaps consult a financial adviser to align P2P investing with your overall financial goals. Good luck!

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A Beginner’s Guide to Navigating Cryptocurrency Exchanges https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/2023/09/a-beginners-guide-to-navigating-cryptocurrency-exchanges/ Tue, 12 Sep 2023 09:42:33 +0000 https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/?p=8719 Today’s digital age has proven itself fruitful in various forms, one of which is the perplexing world of cryptocurrencies. Since their recent conception, they have and will continue to evolve the financial landscape significantly. With its general accessibility and relative anonymity, crypto has become an increasingly popular source of income for many individuals. Naturally, the […]

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Today’s digital age has proven itself fruitful in various forms, one of which is the perplexing world of cryptocurrencies. Since their recent conception, they have and will continue to evolve the financial landscape significantly.

With its general accessibility and relative anonymity, crypto has become an increasingly popular source of income for many individuals. Naturally, the benefit of this exchange lies in the hands of said users, who must analyse various aspects carefully to have a basic know-how for navigating themselves in this new environment.

Informed decisions in such a dynamic and ever-changing era can prove to be a difficult task. In this article, we will go through what cryptocurrency exchanges are and the procedure for choosing the one right for you.

https://unsplash.com/photos/sM4r-swmcoY

What Are Cryptocurrency Exchanges?

Cryptocurrency operates similarly to a stock exchange, differentiating only in the medium it operates in. Like a stock exchange, a cryptocurrency exchange is a platform that allows an investor to trade cryptocurrencies for other assets, such as other cryptocurrencies or regular digital and fiat currencies.

Getting Started

Before investing in a cryptocurrency, you’ll have to choose a suitable exchange. Many platforms, such as Kraken, Binance, and Bitfinex, have unique features and a wide cryptocurrency catalogue to choose from. With such competition, you should consider several factors before deciding on one. Let us discuss a few of these:

1.    Security

Sadly, crypto has been involved in many high-profile hacking incidents because of the potential for significant financial gains. This has resulted in billions of dollars of losses. Your priority should be to find a reputable exchange with various security measures to protect your funds. This includes opting for platforms with two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage of funds, and a good track record in safeguarding users’ assets.

Another way is to check for the physical address associated with the exchange. Without an address, the website’s untrustworthiness becomes evident and holds you back from using it. After all, choosing the wrong exchange could expose you to higher risks of hacking and loss of assets.

2.    Reputation

An establishment does not become well-known for no reason. How platforms build an image for themselves allows even the most disconnected individuals to be accustomed to it. A well-established, reputable exchange will provide a safe and reliable trading environment, evident in its popularity and reviews. You should check the reviews of other clients regarding the exchange and whether there have been any security threats in the past. If so, look for how the exchange addressed such issues.

3.    User Experience

The more user-friendly and accessible an exchange’s platform is, the better. This is especially true for beginners like yourself, delving into entirely new and unfamiliar territory. A forum with an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate and an efficient customer support service that’s quick to respond can make managing your crypto assets easier.

4.    Supported Currencies

Different exchanges offer varying selections of currencies. You must choose an exchange that provides multiple assets to buy or trade specific currencies so you can diversify your portfolio. Choosing the wrong platform limits investment choices and can drive you into financial struggles.

Before proceeding with finalising an exchange, shortlist a few cryptocurrencies you want to begin with and ensure your chosen platform offers them. For example, Bitcoin to dollar trading is ubiquitous, given the high popularity of BTC and the volatility of 1 BTC to USD rate.

5.    Fees

A cryptocurrency exchange charges various payments to the user, including trading, deposit, and withdrawal fees. Before you choose an exchange, make sure to compare and evaluate the transaction expenses of each platform. This is highly essential if you plan to make transactions regularly. High transaction costs can add up quickly.

Understanding Exchange Basics

After choosing a suitable cryptocurrency exchange, you must understand how to manage your funds. Let us discuss some terms you will likely encounter when trading.

Withdrawing and Depositing Funds

After choosing the right cryptocurrency exchange, knowing how to manage your funds is a must. You require a digital wallet to store and manage cryptocurrencies. They store public and private keys to buy cryptocurrencies and provide digital signatures to authorise each transaction.

After opening your exchange account, you may need to deposit or withdraw funds, and you can do so through bank transfers, debit/credit card payments, or even transfers from other cryptocurrencies. And the same options are available for withdrawals.

Price Charts

Price charts are graphical representations of historical prices and time intervals. You must understand these for fundamental technical analysis to make informed decisions and capitalise on price fluctuations. Technical analysis involves using historical price data to help forecast the likely future direction of prices. For this, you should know market trends in crypto charts.

Endnote

Booming and diverse, the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and speculative. As easy as it is to be charmed by the relative security and low transaction costs, it’s similarly easy to fall prey to scams.

Choosing a suitable cryptocurrency exchange is essential when investing in digital currencies. Likewise, understanding the basics of navigating transactions and cryptocurrency’s digital landscape helps you make informed decisions and boosts confidence in your cryptocurrency journey.

While trading through such means may feel risky, continuously educating yourself and knowing the latest market developments can help you thrive in this landscape.

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Why Boiler Finance is a Smart Investment for Homeowners https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/2023/04/boiler-finance-for-homeowners/ Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:03:20 +0000 https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/?p=8681 Boiler finance is becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners who want to replace their old, inefficient boilers with newer, more energy-efficient models. But did you know that boiler finance can also be a great investment? In this blog post, we’ll explore why. What is boiler finance? Boiler finance is a way for people to […]

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Boiler finance is becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners who want to replace their old, inefficient boilers with newer, more energy-efficient models.

But did you know that boiler finance can also be a great investment? In this blog post, we’ll explore why.

Energy Efficient Lighting

What is boiler finance?

Boiler finance is a way for people to buy a new boiler for their home without having to pay for it all at once. Instead, they can spread the cost over time by making smaller monthly payments. This is similar to how you might pay for a phone or a subscription.

By using boiler finance, homeowners can upgrade to a newer, more efficient boiler that can help them save money on their energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and avoid costly repairs.

It’s a way to make an important investment in your home without having to worry about a big upfront cost.

Boiler Finance Advantages:

If you’re looking for a great financing option for your new boiler, Boiler Central might be the best choice for you. They offer competitive financing packages that can help make your investment in a new boiler more affordable and manageable.

Save money on energy bills

One of the primary benefits of investing in a new boiler is that it can save you a lot of money on your energy bills. Modern boilers are far more energy-efficient than older models, which means they use less energy to heat your home and water. By upgrading to a new, efficient boiler, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars each year on your energy bills.

Increase your home’s value

Investing in a new boiler can also increase the value of your home. When it comes time to sell your property, potential buyers will be impressed by the energy efficiency of your boiler and the fact that they won’t need to replace it anytime soon. This can help you to secure a higher asking price and make your home more attractive to buyers.

Reduce your carbon footprint

In addition to saving you money and increasing your home’s value, investing in a new boiler can also help you to reduce your carbon footprint. Modern boilers are much more environmentally friendly than older models, as they produce fewer emissions and use less fuel. By upgrading your boiler, you’ll be doing your part to protect the planet and reduce your impact on the environment.

Avoid costly repairs

Old boilers can be prone to breakdowns and require costly repairs. By investing in a new boiler, you can avoid the inconvenience and expense of unexpected repairs. Many boiler finance packages also include maintenance and repair services, which can give you peace of mind and save you money in the long run.

Take advantage of flexible payment options

Boiler finance packages offer flexible payment options that can make investing in a new boiler more affordable. Many packages allow you to spread the cost of your new boiler over several years, making it easier to manage your finances and avoid a large upfront expense.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, boiler finance can be a great investment for homeowners who want to save money on their energy bills, increase their home’s value, reduce their carbon footprint, avoid costly repairs, and take advantage of flexible payment options. If you’re considering upgrading your boiler, be sure to explore the financing options available to you and choose a package that meets your needs and budget.

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3 Reasons Joint Ventures That Keep Evolving Perform Better https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/2023/04/3-reasons-joint-ventures-that-keep-evolving-perform-better/ Fri, 14 Apr 2023 07:41:31 +0000 https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/?p=8675 We don’t need to tell you how much potential a strong joint venture can hold for the companies involved. The world is brimming with prominent examples of how lucrative they can be, from Microsoft and General Electric to Hulu, a popular video streaming service formed by NBC, Disney, News Corporation and Providence Equity Partners. But […]

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Joint ventures

We don’t need to tell you how much potential a strong joint venture can hold for the companies involved. The world is brimming with prominent examples of how lucrative they can be, from Microsoft and General Electric to Hulu, a popular video streaming service formed by NBC, Disney, News Corporation and Providence Equity Partners.

But not all joint ventures are created equal, and it’s vital that these partnerships are not marred by complacency. Why? Because ultimately joint ventures are there to give two or more businesses a new edge in a rapidly evolving market – to meet the changing needs of customers, and remain at the forefront of that evolution.

Here are three reasons why staying proactive, and allowing the joint venture to evolve is the best course of action.

1. At least one major restructure can significantly improve your chances of success

This one is backed up by some pretty compelling numbers. According to the Harvard Business Review, a joint venture that goes through a significant restructuring at least once in its lifetime will see financial and operational improvements somewhere in the region of 10%-30%.

Restructuring is, of course, a major upheaval to take on. Even with a strong promise of positive results, it’s not without its own risks. Working with a corporate solicitor, who is best placed to oversee the process of restructuring and offer invaluable insights, will give you the best possible chance of strong results. Take a look at willans.co.uk/service/corporate/ to find out more about how they can help you navigate the world of corporate law.

2. They’re better equipped to face economic downturn

Now more than ever, we’re aware of the acute risk a sudden downturn in the economy can bring to businesses. With the cost-of-living crisis, high inflation, and the looming risk of recession, businesses of all industries – even those that are relatively resilient against economic changes – are working to find ways of coping.

Flexibility and adaptability are, of course, key. What worked in one season won’t work the same in another, and that means that any venture – whether you’re partnering with another business or not – needs to be ready to evolve as quickly as possible.

If you’re too rigid about your joint venture, it may not perform so well 6 months from now, when the lay of the land is different and new challenges are appearing on the horizon.

3. They’re ready for market changes

No market stays exactly the same throughout the months and years. Customer spending habits can be influenced by any number of external factors, from climate change to economic downturn – international health crises to changing trends online.

Joint ventures that are primed and ready to evolve are all the more prepared to meet those changes head-on, and avoid months of prevaricating – or even head-in-the-sand constancy – as other competitors align themselves with the ‘new market’ and pull ahead.

Evolution for the sake of evolution is rarely advisable. It causes disruption to business-as-usual and unsettles employees and customers. But, when the time calls for it, evolution may be just what your joint venture needs in order for you to meet your target.

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How Do the Rich Stay Rich in the UK? https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/2022/12/how-do-the-rich-stay-rich-in-the-uk/ Fri, 09 Dec 2022 14:16:11 +0000 https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/?p=8585 In many countries like the UK, for example, the rich stay rich or become even richer. How do they do that? Well, there are interesting things they do that people in the low-income bracket don’t and won’t. Whether born into money or amassed millions by working their way to the top, wealthy people know a […]

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In many countries like the UK, for example, the rich stay rich or become even richer. How do they do that?

Well, there are interesting things they do that people in the low-income bracket don’t and won’t. Whether born into money or amassed millions by working their way to the top, wealthy people know a lot about how not to blow through their earnings.

Since the cost of living can be expensive, especially if you are doing a high life, a lack of an effective financial approach can take your millions down the drain without trying hard to.

Gold Piggy Bank

Here is a quick rundown on how the rich stay rich.

  • They seek professional financial advice. Not everyone is skilled in financial literacy. Plus, it could take a lifetime of learning to understand the complicated money matters, from earning to spending, investing, protecting, and borrowing. People who are rich understand and acknowledge their incapacities in the area, so they employ a financial expert as their anchor. And they find it better to work with a local company. If they live in the southwest, they would rather trust a financial advisor Bristol than a flashy firm at the other end of England.
  • They invest money in property, art, cars, and unusual securities. They are not afraid of tying up their money for five years at the very least to enjoy high yields and big returns.
  • They put a portion of their wealth into retirement savings no matter how far the future might seem. They prioritise savings rather than continuously improving their current financial status so they can maintain their current lifestyle even in their golden years.
  • They have several income sources. The rich do not put all their eggs in one basket, so to speak. They do not live paycheck-to-paycheck and continuously work out ways to depend on not just one source of income. It’s one way of protecting themselves and preserving their emergency savings when bad things happen. Believe it or not, bad things happen to rich people, too. But the impact is not that strong; it doesn’t strain them financially because they always have a saving grace, a security blanket that delivers when one of their income sources fails to.
  • They do not remain debt-free. But they do not borrow money that weighs down their finances either. Instead, they leverage debt to their advantage. A mortgage, for example, gives them a great chance to expand their wealth with a small down payment. Since property investment usually grows in value, it pays off the debt efficiently and even puts back a lot in return.

It’s easy enough to remember that the rich do not necessarily sleep on their money to keep it. You can see them working hard, making the right decisions, and constantly finding ways to grow their future with wise investments.

They know that making millions is one thing, but keeping the fortune and growing it requires a different set of tasks altogether.

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Forget London: These Are the UK’s Next Biggest Business Capitals https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/2022/11/forget-london-these-are-the-uks-next-biggest-business-capitals/ Wed, 23 Nov 2022 12:08:29 +0000 https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/?p=8566 London is the undisputed business capital of the UK, and a heavy hitter, in Europe and globally. In 2021, Visual Capitalist statistics showed it had an estimated GDP of $978 bn, second only to Paris ($984 bn), Seoul ($926 bn), Los Angeles ($1.5 tn), Tokyo ($2.0 tn) and New York ($2.4 tn). But if you’re […]

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London is the undisputed business capital of the UK, and a heavy hitter, in Europe and globally. In 2021, Visual Capitalist statistics showed it had an estimated GDP of $978 bn, second only to Paris ($984 bn), Seoul ($926 bn), Los Angeles ($1.5 tn), Tokyo ($2.0 tn) and New York ($2.4 tn). But if you’re looking for a place to do business in the UK, you shouldn’t restrict your view to just London.

Whether you are looking for the ideal place to set up a new company, plan to expand, or arrange or attend a business conference or networking event, keeping an awareness of the UK’s business hotspots can give you the edge when it comes to professional success.

However, If you search for your next business move, here are some of the best and biggest you should consider; cities with great transport, workforces, cultures, economies, and acclaim.

London Offices

Leeds

The largest financial hub outside of London (it’s home to the Bank of England’s only non-London base), and a heavy hitter when it comes to both law and the digital economy, Leeds is growing fast. It benefits from excellent rail transportation links from London, Edinburgh, Manchester and beyond, and has a blossoming culture and economy that’s attracting and retaining top talent.

Edinburgh

With an excellent track record of innovation, leading research institutions and biomedical funding bodies unparalleled in the country, Edinburgh is a great choice for aspiring businesses. According to analysis from Management Today, the Scottish capital came top in the magazine’s Best Cities for Business 2022 rankings, owing to its ‘vibrant, future-facing’ nature, ‘much-vaunted quality of life’, strong economy, skilled workforce and much more.

Manchester

Arguably the capital of Northern England, Manchester has a high-quality and wide-ranging availability of talent thanks to its many top-flight universities and one-of-a-kind culture which keeps graduate talent in the city. That’s made it a great choice for professional businesses of all colours, from tech to legal, through to finance and creative.

If you’re looking for a northern hub, Manchester’s location on the rail route between Liverpool and Leeds is highly beneficial too.

Birmingham

Compact and centralised Birmingham is often referred to as the UK’s second city for good reason. It’s home to the leading business school of Birmingham City University, has a large and growing business district and the venerable law firm hub of Colmore Row, and has a great availability of inexpensive office space to boot.

As we mentioned, the city is easy to get around too, and will soon benefit from augmented transport links via HS2.

There are so many places to start a business in the UK outside of London. Think there’s a city missing from our list? Be sure to get in touch and let us know!

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How to Identify UK’s Top Forex Brokers https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/2022/09/how-to-identify-uks-top-forex-brokers/ Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:18:32 +0000 https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/?p=8498 Finding a reputable and reliable forex broker can be challenging. With so many brokers to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? As a trader, you want to ensure that you’re working with the best possible forex broker. But how can you identify those brokers? In this article, we’ll outline […]

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Finding a reputable and reliable forex broker can be challenging. With so many brokers to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? As a trader, you want to ensure that you’re working with the best possible forex broker.

But how can you identify those brokers? In this article, we’ll outline some critical factors to consider when choosing a UK-based forex broker. Read on to learn more.

Cost of Trading

The importance of forex brokers in the UK economy

The forex market is the world’s largest and most liquid financial market. It trades 24 hours a day, five days a week, and has a daily turnover of over $5 trillion. That’s more than any other financial market. The UK is one of the most significant participants in the forex market. In 2016, the UK’s share of global forex trading was 12%. That means that 1 in every eight forex trades was made by traders based in the UK.

Given the size and importance of the UK forex market, it’s no surprise that many forex brokers are operating in the country. In fact, according to Finance Magnates, there are over 150 retail forex brokers in the UK.

How to identify the best forex brokers in the UK

With so many brokers to choose from, how can you identify the best ones? Here are some key factors to look for:

Regulation

Regulation is the first and most important thing to consider when choosing a forex broker. In the UK, forex brokers must be authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA is a government body that oversees financial services firms operating in the UK and has strict rules and regulations that firms must comply with.

When choosing a forex broker, ensure they are authorized and regulated by the FCA. You can check this on the FCA’s website. If the FCA does not regulate a broker, you should not trade with them.

Reputation

Another vital thing to look for when choosing a forex broker is reputation. A broker’s reputation can tell you a lot about the quality of their service.

Do your research and read online reviews before opening an account with a broker.

Trading platforms and tools

When choosing a forex broker, you should also consider their trading platforms and tools. Some brokers offer proprietary trading platforms, while others offer popular third-party platforms like MetaTrader 4 or cTrader.

Test out the platform before opening an account to ensure it’s user-friendly and has all the features and tools you need.

Customer service

Another critical factor to consider is customer service. You should be able to contact customer service quickly if you have any problems or questions. Make sure to test out the customer service before opening an account.

Pricing

Finally, it would help if you also considered pricing when choosing a forex broker. Some brokers charge a commission, while others charge a spread.

Make sure to compare pricing between different brokers to find the best deal.

Post Pandemic Retail

The benefits of working with a top forex broker

There are many benefits of working with a top forex broker.

The main benefit is that you can trade confidently, knowing you’re working with a reputable and reliable firm. Top forex brokers are also typically well-regulated and offer robust trading platforms and tools. Another benefit of working with a top broker is accessing better customer service.

If you have any problems or questions, you’ll be able to get in touch with customer service quickly.

Finally, top forex brokers typically offer competitive pricing, which means you can save money on your trades.

The risks associated with working with a bad or inexperienced forex broker

There are also risks associated with working with a bad or inexperienced forex broker.

The main risk is that you could lose money. If a broker is not reputable or reliable, they may not handle your money correctly, which could lead to you losing money on your trades. Another risk is that you may not have access to the best trading platforms and tools, making it difficult to trade effectively.

Another risk is that you may not be able to get in touch with customer service quickly if you have any problems or questions. Finally, if a broker offers bargain-basement pricing, you may pay more for your trades than you should.

In conclusion

When choosing a forex broker, consider regulation, reputation, forex trading platforms and tools, customer service, and pricing. Working with a top forex broker includes trading confidently, having access to better customer service, and getting competitive pricing.

However, there are also risks associated with working with a bad or inexperienced forex broker.

These risks include losing money, not having access to the best trading platforms and tools, and the inability to get in touch with customer service quickly.

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How Can Financial Advisors Facilitate Your Financial Planning Journey? https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/2022/09/how-can-financial-advisors-facilitate-your-financial-planning-journey/ Fri, 02 Sep 2022 10:35:10 +0000 https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/?p=8470 To enhance, preserve, and work toward a positive financial status, everyone should aim to obtain effective money management skills. However, we are aware that getting outside assistance can occasionally be quite helpful and speed up the process. Whether your financial objectives are to attempt to save for a home, set up your pensions for retirement, […]

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To enhance, preserve, and work toward a positive financial status, everyone should aim to obtain effective money management skills. However, we are aware that getting outside assistance can occasionally be quite helpful and speed up the process.

Whether your financial objectives are to attempt to save for a home, set up your pensions for retirement, or prepare your kids for a prosperous future, getting assistance from a financial adviser can be a great approach to help you. Although it might sound difficult, we will go over what a financial adviser does and how you can make sure you find the right one to meet your financial needs.

Trading tips

Understanding your financial goals

First off, it is important for you to have a clear understanding of your financial priorities before beginning your financial journey to comprehend what you will need to do to achieve them. As a starting point, simply writing down where you want to be in a few years and what it would take to get there is advised. There are several options you may want to consider. Some of these may include creating a budgeting plan, paying off debt, beginning to have a pension, or looking for advice on how to start investing.

You will then be able to choose the financial services you require. Choosing to learn more about investing, for instance, would mean locating a financial advisor who specialises in this field, such as an investment consultant.

You might also consider hiring discretionary services, which entail having financial matters handled on your behalf, if you don’t have the required time or knowledge. In either case, you may start to effectively work toward your financial goals by recognising what they are.

So what is a financial adviser and how can they help?

A personal financial plan that will assist you in achieving your financial objectives is often created by financial advisors using their knowledge and experience. These strategies can involve making investments, initiating savings plans, creating a budget, or looking for other ways to strengthen your financial stability.

With this in mind, it’s also important to remember that there are numerous distinct types of financial advisers available.

Investment consultants: can assist you in building upon an existing portfolio, selecting the finest investments for it, or even starting one from scratch. If you want to increase your passive income, then this can be the best course of action.

Certified financial planners: can assist you with all element of saving, including retirement planning, budgeting, and investing. They provide a wider range of services.

Wealth managers: If you are affluent this would typically be your best choice as they are focused on handling clients with significant wealth and work on diverse tasks like major investments and  charitable donations.

How to choose the right one for you

Finding the appropriate financial advisor can be difficult, and the beginning of your financial journey may feel fairly daunting. But remember to take into account your own situation before looking at the numerous services that are provided to ensure that your counsel provides genuine value for your money by carefully preparing this.

The post How Can Financial Advisors Facilitate Your Financial Planning Journey? first appeared on Economic Journal.

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Importance of Retaining Walls to Structural Support https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/2022/08/importance-of-retaining-walls-to-structural-support/ Mon, 15 Aug 2022 06:25:33 +0000 https://www.economicjournal.co.uk/?p=8442 While constructed and designed primarily to withstand the soil’s lateral pressure or hold back the material, another advantage retaining walls have in construction is enhancing structural integrity. So even if they’re not necessarily the central part of a project or building, they can still indirectly promote more stability to the structure. In this article, we’ll […]

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Concrete wallWhile constructed and designed primarily to withstand the soil’s lateral pressure or hold back the material, another advantage retaining walls have in construction is enhancing structural integrity. So even if they’re not necessarily the central part of a project or building, they can still indirectly promote more stability to the structure. In this article, we’ll cover the importance of these structures in providing support. Continue reading if you want to learn more.

Prevents soil erosion

One of the significant risks that many structures face, despite the landscape’s nature or climate, is soil erosion. After all, a building must be firmly anchored to the ground to ensure that every building has the structural support required. With retaining walls, you’ll be able to maintain the land’s integrity since soil erosion will be prevented. This is especially important for properties constructed on bare grounds and lacking vegetation coverage.

Soil erosion can potentially weaken a building’s structural members as it exposes its foundation. Concrete retaining wall construction can minimise, if not mitigate, any structural failure risks and ensure that the foundation remains strong. Beyond keeping soil from eroding, retaining walls can also prevent flooding. They can control the surface runoff and keep it from going too fast.

Creates flat areas

Anyone in the construction industry understands flat areas are more useful and easier to work with than steep slopes. Thankfully, while the latter can’t always be avoided, turning them into the desired flat surfaces with retaining walls is possible. The structures are generally ideal when it comes to grounds that are hard to deal with, enabling property construction that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible.

Using retaining walls can also allow you to achieve more stable structures on lands that may have grading issues. Moreover, they can do so at much lower costs compared to alternatives. When you get down to it, it’s not easy to deal with sloped areas. Usually, it involves a considerable amount of time and effort in landscaping and digging to transform them into functional spaces. By constructing retaining walls, you’ll essentially eliminate the slope/hill part to make it possible to erect stable foundations.

Improves drainage sites

Beyond the creation of flat surface areas and prevention of soil erosion, retaining walls are useful in providing drainage around structures. As you may very well know, draining is crucial because it channels the runoff water into the designated area to prevent any instances of flooding. Perhaps the greatest enemy of a building’s structural members is water because it can saturate the wood, forcing it to rot and collapse.

In addition, water can potentially blast apart foundations made of poured concrete and rock if it’s strong enough. It can also corrode any steel elements within the structure with long-term exposure. With retaining walls, you can direct water around your property instead of on it and avoid these problems.

Conclusion

Retaining walls serve functions beyond visual enhancement. When used correctly, they can provide the structural strength that your project needs, giving you peace of mind that the structure will remain strong for years to come.

The post Importance of Retaining Walls to Structural Support first appeared on Economic Journal.

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