e-mail Paul LewisDear Listener,
Volatile. That’s the word. Indeed one of the most volatile weeks anyone can remember on world stock markets. Share prices in London plummeted 5.5% on Monday, rose on Tuesday, fell again Wednesday and were up Thursday and Friday, ending, as all good roller-coaster rides do, pretty much back where they started. Meanwhile there was a massive interest rate cut in the USA, a rescue plan for insurers at risk from bank losses, a single trader over in France who lost £3.7 billion, and a very downbeat speech by Bank of England Governor Mervyn King. Quite a week. We’ll be reflecting it with top analysis.
NatWest customers have been sent new Terms & Conditions consisting of nearly 20,000 finely printed words with no summary and no indication of what is new. But the Banking Code Standards Board says it will not change its rules to make banks explain new terms more clearly.
The chancellor has finally published his long awaited concession on the new capital gains tax regime. It gives a lower rate of tax on the first million pounds of gains. An accountant explains the new rules and what they mean. And we get the reaction of small businesses.
After last week’s piece on the best savings accounts, banks have been busy cutting the rates paid to savers. There are still some good deals to be found – but be quick. They may disappear. We give you a quick round-up.
And the Court of Appeal sets down new rules to make sure that people who are seriously injured for life will be able to afford the care they need for life. The lawyer behind the case explains why it is so important.
Remember Money Box is available for your MP3 player or to listen online. Just log on to our website bbc.co.uk/moneybox.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/moneybox/
Best wishes,
Paul Lewis
PS Don’t forget the live preview of Money Box on BBC1 Breakfast between 8.45 and 9 on Saturday morning.
e-mail Paul Lewis