Government supports climate change with electric car investment
Posted on July 26th, 2010
Earlier this month, Business Secretary Vince Cable warned that the UK’s car industry will not receive any further funding from the Government but said it would consider investing in measures which would reduce emissions from cars and to help transform the UK into a low carbon economy.
As a result, the Government has today unveiled it will support this area and drivers who purchase a new generation electric car from January 1, 2011, will receive 25% off – up to a maximum £5,000.
Spending cuts introduced by the Government to reduce the budget deficit meant investment in the car industry was in doubt, but the £43 million earmarked for the industry will be protected.
Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, comments: “The coalition government is absolutely committed to low carbon growth, tackling climate change and making our energy supply more secure.
“We are sending a clear signal that Britain is open for business and that we are committed to greening our economy.
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Ofcom: Broadband speed gap ‘is widening’
Posted on July 26th, 2010
Despite this, many broadband customers are still not achieving anything like their advertised speeds, the watchdog found, clocking the average “up to 20/24 Mbps” DSL package at just 6.5 Mbps.
Discrepancies between advertised and actual speeds are often caused by broadband being delivered over copper lines originally designed for phone calls, it said.
“Ofcom’s research shows that average speeds have increased which is good news, but there is scope for a further step change in the quality of the UK communications infrastructure,” said Ed Richards, Chief Executive of Ofcom.
The regulator has strengthened its Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speeds, under which providers agree to give a “more accurate and consistent” estimate of maximum speeds.
The UK was recently found by Strategy Analytics to have better broadband coverage than the US, although it still ranked just 22nd in the world’s top 57 countries.
Posted by Martin Ellis. Read more…
The best banks to invest in
Posted on July 25th, 2010
If you were designing a bank now, from scratch, for growth and maximum profits, what kind of bank would you build?Bank earnings this year — from the biggest and most aggressive investment banks such as Goldman Sachs () to the do-everything behemoths such as JPMorgan Chase (), to the lending-oriented banks such as U.S. Bancorp (), to the specialist banks — don’t give a single definitive answer. It’s hard to tell whether the old models are in need of serious overhaul or just taking a breather, and there are serious doubts about the future profitability of many classic banking activities.
And I think that’s healthy — even if it makes life hard for investors.
Pennsylvania Mortgage Laws
Posted on July 24th, 2010
Recent developments relating to mortgage laws are going to make Pennsylvania homebuyers happy. In the online version of the Philadelphia Inquirer, an important news article was published on July 8, 2008 regarding five bills that were signed by Governor Rendell. These bills are intended to provide added layers of protection for Pennsylvania homebuyers with their mortgages as well as to keep a tight rein on the state’s mortgage industry.
Foreclosure: an essential element in mortgage laws
The term “mortgage” encompasses a whole gamut of other concepts such as “default” and “foreclosure.” In light of the present economic situation and sub-prime mortgages causing people to lose their homes, it is good to be aware of what the law provides in case of a foreclosure in Pennsylvania.
Fir Read more…
Tax Deductions Tips for Individual Real Estate Investors
Posted on July 21st, 2010
Tax deductions are not the top priority for most individual real estate investors. They often work out of their home with no employees, other than those on-site at the property. Challenges (aside from tax deductions) include selecting what property to purchase, screening tenants, repairs, managing expenses, obtaining financing, and deciding when to sell. This articles addresses tax deductions sometimes over-looked by real estate owners. Tax deductions reduce taxable income but do not directly reduce taxes. For example, $10,000 in additional tax deductions will generate $3,500 in federal income tax savings ($10,000 X 35%), assuming a 35% federal income tax rate. Read more…
How to Start Buying and Trading ETFs
Posted on July 20th, 2010
One downside of investing in exchange traded funds (ETFs) is that commissions can quickly rack up if you’re trading frequently. Several brokerages have addressed this by slashing fees. Here’s how to get set up to start trading, wherever you choose to go.
Fidelity, Vanguard and Charles Schwab all offer free ETF trades with a number of ETFs, as long as you keep your account in-house. For instance, Matt Krantz for USA Today reports that Fidelity offers free trading in many iShares ETFs and Vanguard and Schwab offer free trading in their proprietary ETFs. []<