The hidden dragon – What do Chinese New Year and Golden Week mean for financial markets?

The hidden dragon – What do Chinese New Year and Golden Week mean for financial markets?

by Charly World
  • Commodity and stock market volatility expected in the run up to Golden Week (easyMarkets)
  • Shipping industry and oil prices to be impacted by import/export disruption
  • Chinese stocks traded in the US projected to respond positively

Chinese New Year, which in 2017 marks the start of the Year of the Rooster on 28 January, is the beginning of Chinese Lunar New Year Golden Week – a week-long national holiday which can have a big impact on global financial markets.

Evdokia Pitsillidou, Director of Risk Management at pioneering forex and CFD broker easyMarkets, explains,

“Golden Week was implemented by the Chinese government in 2000 to promote internal consumption and boost domestic tourism, while giving people a break to visit their hometowns. The success of this initiative has played a role in China’s economic growth. The one thing that has been consistent during this period is the significant increase in volatility in financial markets.”

Two Golden Weeks are celebrated annually in mainland China: The Chinese Lunar New Year Golden Week (or Spring Festival) in January or February and the National Day Golden Week and Mid-Autumn Festival in October. Both last for seven days, with all workers given the week off for each Golden Week.

The date of the Chinese New Year is determined by the lunisolar calendar, which means that the dates of Golden Week shift every year. This makes it more difficult to use historical data to predict the impact on the financial markets.

In addition to China, the lunisolar calendar is used by Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Even Malaysia and Indonesia, which have a large Chinese population, observe the holidays, albeit not for the complete week. Thus, the New Year Golden Week has a meaningful impact on the Asian markets.

A little over a decade back, China’s impact on the world economy was not as significant as now, and its impact on the global financial markets was limited.

The situation has changed dramatically in the last ten years. China’s ranking among the world’s economic superpowers rose to #1 in 2015, according to the IMF, and the country is expected to retain this position for the foreseeable future. China’s contribution to world GDP was estimated at 18% in 2016. With the Asian dragon becoming the single largest contributor to world GDP, its economic performance has a massive influence on world markets.

A number of factors lie behind Golden Week’s influence on global markets.

Firstly, since Chinese companies are closed for the week, the financial markets witness a great deal of profit-taking activity prior to this time, resulting in fluctuations in the commodity and stock markets.

At the same time, importers of goods from China scramble to complete orders before Golden Week, while retailers stock more inventory. The shipping industry and, in turn, oil prices are impacted. The week creates disruptions for importers and exporters worldwide.

Equity, forex and commodity trading in the financial hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore are also impacted, coming to a near standstill on some of the days during Golden Week. Trading volumes in Asia fall dramatically during this time and there is a notable ripple effect on worldwide trading. Meanwhile some Chinese companies and even government agencies have been known to reserve announcing bad news for this period. This is done in an attempt to reduce the impact of the news on the financial markets.

In addition, the past few years have seen a large number of people travelling overseas during Golden Week, giving the tourism and retail industries a significant boost. Moreover, China receives a huge influx of tourists during this time. These trends influence CNY (yuan) trading, which in turns affect the offshore renminbi trading, the CNH. The business of overseas retailers, especially those in the luxury segment (including gold jewellery), gets a fillip, which is why we sometimes see a shift in gold prices around this time of year.

Finally, positive sentiment during the run-up to Golden Week lifts the FTSE China A50 Index, as well as the stock markets in the emerging economies. Chinese stocks traded in the US (as American Depositary Receipts or ADRs) also respond positively. However, this trend typically reverses in the weeks after Golden Week.

For individual investors, the volatility leading up to the Golden Week, the market calmness during the week and possible gaps that may appear when everyone returns to business at the end of the week represent some exciting opportunities.

Whether trading the CNH, oil, gold or CNX index, there’s plenty of action for investors to be on the lookout for around this time. And for those who are new to trading, Golden Week may be the perfect opportunity to get a feel for trading the Fear Index (VXX).

For further details, visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

Think big – make your New Year’s resolutions to buy a holiday home in 2017!

Think big – make your New Year’s resolutions to buy a holiday home in 2017!

by Charly Spain United Kingdom World , , ,
  • Political and economic volatility to create big opportunities in 2017 (easyMarkets)
  • Emphasis on quality of life will be key this year (Kyero.com)
  • Sun-kissed Spanish holiday homes available from just €190k (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Achieve second home serenity through interior design in 2017 (Alexander James)

Let’s face it, New Year’s resolutions to lose weight, eat more healthily and drink less are all well and good, but they’re hardly likely to get 2017 off to an exciting start. So ditch the traditional resolutions to enjoy life less and instead resolve to enjoy it more – by buying a holiday home!

Evdokia Pitsillidou, Director of Risk Management at pioneering forex and CFD broker easyMarkets, explains,

“In many ways – certainly politically – the world was turned on its head in 2016. Thus many people are entering 2017 with a new mindset and looking at the way they live and their personal finances in a new light. Political and economic volatility may lead to big shifts in currency values and investors playing the markets successfully may consider putting their profits into property this year.”

Richard Speigal, Head of Research at leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com, agrees,

“I think we’re going to see a lot of emphasis on enhancing quality of life in 2017. Certainly our own data has shown that since the Brexit vote British buyers are looking more intensively than ever at the possibilities that a second home in Spain opens up. Sterling’s drop has made them seek out cheaper destinations – Almeria and Alicante are the big winners so far – but we’re experiencing a record level of interest in Spanish property that we expect to continue throughout the year.”

The prices offered by the Spanish property market (as well as Spain’s fabulous climate, excellent cuisine, stunning golf courses and superb beaches), means that British buyers can pick up good value property, even once the drop in sterling has been taken into account.

Leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, for example, is selling spacious two and three bedroom apartments with generous terraces at La Floresta Sur (close to Marbella), from as little as €190,000+VAT. As well as the development’s two large shared pools, owners can enjoy free access to the facilities of El Soto Golf Club. Each apartment comes fully fitted with white goods and with private parking.

But an overseas holiday home isn’t the only option for those looking to buy in 2017. Robert Walker, Managing Director of Alexander James Interior Design, explains,

“We’re seeing a big trend for staycations at the moment and many holiday home buyers are looking at what they can pick up in the UK, rather than overseas. Jumping in the car and driving to your holiday home whenever the mood suits you is far less hassle than having to plan ahead and book a plane and the money you save on flights can be spent on the property itself.”

Using interior design architects to create a serene, harmonious environment within a holiday home is money well spent. The desire for relaxation is a key driver for many second home owners and with the right interior design service, the feeling of calm and peace as you walk through the front door can be almost palpable. Compare that to the stress of dealing with airports, flights, hire cars and the other trappings of a second home overseas and the attractions of owning a holiday home within the UK are clear.

If you still haven’t decided on how to improve your life in 2017, make buying a holiday home your goal this year!

For more information, please contact:

easyMarkets: +44 203 1500 748 or www.easymarkets.com

Kyero: www.kyero.com

Taylor Wimpey España: 08000 121 020 (00 34 971 706 972 from outside of the UK) or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com

Alexander James Interior Design: 020 7887 7604 or www.aji.co.uk

5 fitness-friendly homes to kick start your New Year’s resolution

5 fitness-friendly homes to kick start your New Year’s resolution

by Sophie Evans World , , , ,

2017 is here and it’s time to put those New Year’s resolutions into action. And as with every other January, many of us have pledged to get fit and healthy this year.

From student digs to million pound pads, and the very best interior design to entice you to exercise, an on-site gym is the must have motivation for 2017 in order to stick to that new fitness regime!

Here are 5 of the best homes here and abroad with on-site gyms and sporting facilities:

 

  1. Hoola, Royal Docks, London

Available from £450,000, the Hoola studio, two, and three-bedroom apartments, boasting stunning glass balconies as well as floor-to-ceiling windows, benefit from a range of onsite facilities including a gym, resident’s business lounge and concierge.

A spectacular garden is available to all residents with soft and hard landscaping that includes semi-miniature trees and dramatic water features making it the ideal home to hit the gym before or after work then relax and rejuvenate in the stunning gardens.

  1. Fusion Tower, Bristol

Providing exceptional student accommodation, Fusion Tower enjoys an incredible location within Bristol’s city centre. Offering elegant and innovative student apartments, Fusion Tower has been designed by a team of leading architects, interior and graphic designers.

On-site facilities include a private gym which provides Bootcamp, Dance and spinning classes to make sure that students are kept on track with for fitness goals, all included in the £134 per week rate.

 

  1. Whitelands, St Georges Hill, Surrey

The award-winning Alexander James Interior Design architecture team redesigned the basement of this stunning 6 bed, 5 bath property to appeal to any fitness fan.

The grand 14,500 sq ft property, located on one of Surrey’s most premier private estates benefits from a hydraulic swimming pool, dedicated vitality spa and gymnasium designed and dressed by Alexander James Interior Design.

And for those that want to take their training on vacation, homes in Spain with outdoor and indoor fitness activities can help ease the January blues.

 

  1. Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain

This stunning unique 10-bedroom villa located within the super exclusive gated community of La Zagaleta on the Costa del Sol features a fabulous spa on the ground floor with saltwater swimming pool and choice of saunas (classic, steam bath, salt bath, caldarium), all with access to a large covered terrace and Jacuzzi. The second floor also houses a separate gym for those who want a more intense, private workout.

 

  1. Horizon Golf, Mijas, Costa del Sol, Spain

As well as the three 18-hole golf courses, hydrotherapy centre and spa on site, the exclusive apartments of Horizon Golf also enjoy access to the golf school (La Cala Golf Academy) and an array of sports facilities including two running circuits and specialised trainers on hand to improve technique.

From just €270,000 +VAT for an apartment, residents of these exclusive properties will enjoy breathtaking view of the prestigious golf course and the Costa del Sol’s sun kissed coastline, spacious terraces perfect for al fresco dining and the convenience of a private garage space.

 

For more information, please contact:

  1. Hoola, London: Properties of the World: http://propertiesoftheworld.co.uk/ or call +44 20 7624 5555
  2. Fusion Tower, Bristol: Collegiate AC: www.collegiate-ac.com or call 01235 250 140
  3. Whitelands, Surrey: Alexander James Interior Design: www.aji.co.uk or call 020 7887 7604
  4. La Zagaleta villa, Spain: visit www.kyero.com
  5. Horizon Golf, Spain: Taylor Wimpey España: 08000 121 020, +34 971 706 972 or http://taylorwimpeyspain.com
Hotspots Index: Spain’s international appeal stays strong

Hotspots Index: Spain’s international appeal stays strong

by Charly Italy Spain Thailand World
  • Spain enjoys rebound at the end of 2016
  • Rome and Florence occupy top spots for property interest
  • Toronto appears in top 50 for first time

Spain’s appeal to international property buyers shows no sign of waning, according to TheMoveChannel.com’s latest Hotspots Index.

The quarterly report, which analyses location searches on the property portal, reveals that Spain is enjoying a rebound in popularity at the end of 2016, led by Barcelona and Benidorm.

Italy’s Florence remained the most sought-after hotspot on the property portal in Q4 2016, accounting for 3.37 per cent of location searches, up from 2.86 per cent in Q3 2016. This is the second quarter in a row that Florence has been the top hotspot on TheMoveChannel.com, after overtaking Rome in Q2 2016.

Rome remained the second most popular market for house-hunters. While Italy dominated search activity in Q3 2016, though, making up seven out of the Top 10 hotspots, the country’s share in Q4 2016 fell to three out of 10, just ahead of Portugal’s two. Spain, on the other hand, saw a rebound in searches, accounting for four out of the Top 10 destinations. In Q3 2016, Spain accounted for none of the Top 10, highlighting the significant rise in interest quarter-on-quarter.

Spain’s renewed international appeal was fuelled by Barcelona (sixth place, 1.06 per cent of searches) and Benidorm (seventh place, 0.99 per cent). Torrevieja and Tenerife completed the Top 10 in ninth and 10th place respectively. Spain also dominated the overall Hotspots Index, accounting for 18 out of the Top 50 hotspots – up from 10 in Q3 and higher than any other country. Italy was the second most in-demand, accounting for 13 out of the Top 50. Portugal was third, with 10 out of the Top 50.

Thailand’s Pattaya held onto its 18th place ranking. Liverpool also remained the UK’s only entry in the Top 50, sliding from 34th to 36th in the chart. Canada saw its first entry in the Hotspots Index, with Toronto receiving the 32nd highest share of searches in Q4 2016.

“There has been talk in recent months of declining demand for Spanish property in the wake of the UK’s vote to leave the European Union, thanks to the pound’s weakness,” comments TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson. “Spain, though, still shows signs of being as popular as ever among lifestyle buyers, with the Costa Blanca, Costa Brava and British expat favourite Benidorm all among the most searched-for destinations on TheMoveChannel.com in Q4 2016. For US or other non-EU buyers, Spain is also an attractive investment, for either buy-to-let or capital growth opportunities. It is perhaps no surprise that Barcelona, which combines both tourist and investor markets, is the most popular hotspot in Spain.

“One impact of Brexit that can be seen in search behaviour is Liverpool’s continuing appeal in the UK. As the weaker pound draws buyers to the country, the city’s economy is growing, with new developments and strong rental yields all reinforcing the city as a major regional hotspot. It is interesting also that Canada’s first entry in the Hotspots Index was Toronto, rather than Vancouver, following the city’s introduction of a foreign buyer tax in Q3 2016. Will 2017 see that trend continue? And will buyers continue to flock to Spain?”

Click here to see the full top 40 property destinations for November 2016.

 

— ENDS –

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 1.4 million listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

TheMoveChannel.com is one of more than a dozen international property sites operated under the Lead Galaxy brand. Lead Galaxy provides online marketing solutions to thousands of property companies worldwide, focusing on portal listings, email marketing, qualified leads, paid search and social media advertising.

The business is headquartered at 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Shoreditch, London, E1 6NN.

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Please contact Ivan Radford on ivan.radford@themovechannel.com or +44 (0)207 952 7221

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5 resolutions to make you more money in 2017

5 resolutions to make you more money in 2017

by Charly United Kingdom World
  • Trading no longer just for the chosen few
  • Vast online Learn Centre from easyMarkets equips newbie traders with the info they need to get started
  • Markets more sensitive than ever to global events in 2017

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to mean pain and deprivation. If hitting the gym more and eating or drinking less don’t appeal, there are much more interesting alternatives available. With that in mind, here are five New Year’s resolutions from Evdokia Pitsillidou, Director of Risk Management at pioneering forex and CFD broker easyMarkets.

  1. Trade!

“We want 2017 to be the year that everyone can test out their skills as a trader and find out if making money through trading can revolutionise their personal finances,” explains Pitsillidou. “We’re constantly looking for new and innovative ways to democratise trading. Being able to improve your finances through trading shouldn’t be an avenue open only to the chosen few.”

  1. Learn

Jumping headlong into trading without knowing what you’re doing probably isn’t the most sensible of plans. As Evdokia Pitsillidou observes,

“Taking a studied approach and using resources such as the easyMarkets Learn Centre is much more likely to result in outcomes that are beneficial to your cash-flow! So resolve to learn the basics before plunging into trading in order to maximise your effectiveness.”

  1. Proceed with caution

When trying anything for the first time, a cautious approach is always good. To empower those new to trading to proceed with caution, easyMarkets has introduced the dealCancellation tool. This innovative produce allows traders to cancel a losing deal within 60 minutes of making it – perfect for those still learning the ropes and wanting an extra layer of risk mitigation at their disposal.

  1. Read the news

Global markets have never been more sensitive to political happenings, so keeping abreast of the news is essential for anyone who plans to take up trading in 2017. The unfolding of the Brexit process in particular is likely to be of keen interest to those looking to trade currency pairs over the months ahead.

  1. Think big

It’s not just politicians who can create headaches (and opportunities) for traders. Everything from weather patterns to shifting global consumption patterns can impact on the price of commodities and the value of currencies. As easyMarkets’ Evdokia Pitsillidou points out,

“You really do have to keep your finger on the global pulse if you’re serious about trading. Of course, you’re not alone. We provide detailed market news reports and real-time trading charts to share our expert knowledge with all those who want to profit from trading, whether they’re old hands or complete newbies. This is knowledge that we want everyone to be able to use to their own advantage.”

For further details, visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

 

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

Traders’ Guide to Financial Fitness in 2017

Traders’ Guide to Financial Fitness in 2017

by Charly United Kingdom World

From the Desk of Evdokia Pitsillidou, Head of Risk Management at easyMarkets.

2016 was a highly unpredictable year for the financial markets. Brexit, the election of Donald Trump and the resignation of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi were just some of the major headlines that drove the markets this year. These and several other developments will be at the centre of the 2017 financial storm. Against this backdrop, we decided to give traders five tips to prioritise financial fitness in 2017.

Diversify

Diversification is one of those recommendations we hear ad nauseam, mostly because it’s true and we rarely ever do it. Financial diversification – the process of allocating capital in a way that reduces risk exposure to one particular asset or market might be the key to financial fitness in 2017 and beyond. EasyMarkets has done just about everything to increase traders’ ability to diversify their investments. We have over 300 markets to choose from, so there’s no excuse to put all your eggs in one basket. Forex, commodities, stock indices and contracts for difference (CFDs) are just some of the markets you may use to achieve diversification.

Monitor the Economic Calendar

Today’s financial markets are highly market driven. A high-profile news event, economic data release or monetary policy decision may set the market ablaze. Traders must be able to anticipate these moves in advance and prepare accordingly. Luckily, this isn’t particularly difficult to do. Start off by glancing at the economic calendar every day before you start trading. Monitor it carefully every single day for potentially volatile events, then research those events to get a sense of what might transpire.

Prioritise Risk Management

In the world of trading, you must manage risks to experience rewards. Risk management should be part of every fit trader’s regimen. This includes employing tools that may help you minimise loss and lock-in profit. Guaranteed stop loss, negative balance protection and take-profit orders might therefore be part of your everyday vocabulary. EasyMarkets took risk management a step further in 2016 by introducing dealCancellation, a tool that allows traders to cancel a losing position within 60 minutes and have any losses returned for a small fee.

Discovering Volatility

Volatility is the ugly step-sister of the trading world that many market participants simply don’t want to talk about. Unfortunately, ignoring volatility won’t make it go away. In the era of high-frequency trading, computer-based algorithms and globalized markets, volatility is here to stay. Rather than be afraid of it, learn to trade it. The CBOE VIX (a.k.a. the “fear index”) allows traders to trade volatility tied to the S&P 500 – Wall Street’s foremost stock index. Put simply, volatility usually moves in the opposite direction of the S&P 500,[1] giving you ample opportunity to buy and sell volatility. EasyMarkets recently added the VXX Fear Index CFD to its MT4 platform. Give it a shot if you’re interested in trading volatile market-moving events.

Be Skeptical

The final piece of advice on the road to financial fitness is skepticism. Be sure to have lots of it as a trader, as your day might be filled with sifting through fear mongering, poor analysis and a heavily biased media. Skepticism has a lot of unique advantages in the financial markets. Chiefly, it may help you avoid herd mentality, or the irrational euphoria that gets traders to do silly things just because others are also doing it. Herd mentality has led to massive asset bubbles and more devastating market crashes. It is the bane of the financial markets, and should be avoided at all costs. Since there’s no single tool or strategy that will overcome it, your best defence might be a healthy dose of skepticism.

A regimen centered on diversification, risk management, research and skepticism might help you become financially fit in 2017. Remember: trading is a marathon, not a race. Just as crash diets never work, the same applies to trading. Learn to pace yourself and don’t be afraid to embrace new markets and strategies in 2017. This is especially true if what you’ve done before hasn’t brought you success. After all, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results.

For further details, visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

 

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

[1] CBOE. The Relationship of the SPX and the VIX Index.

Make a mint from your armchair in 2017 – the perfect New Year personal finance resolution

Make a mint from your armchair in 2017 – the perfect New Year personal finance resolution

by Charly Uncategorized United Kingdom World
  • easyMarkets trading platform offers more choice than ever before
  • Market-leading dealCancellation tool allows people to recoup losses within an hour of making a trade
  • Democratisation of trading allows individuals to keep pace with the rapidly changing world

The arrival of a New Year is always a good time to try out a new venture, focus on self-improvement and assess one’s personal finances. From losing weight to finally taking home improvements that have been needed for a while, New Year – and the traditional resolutions that accompany it – is a symbol of fresh starts.

For 2017, pioneering forex and CFD broker easyMarkets has come up with a simple way for individuals to take on a new venture at the same time as tackling their personal finances in a different way. Evdokia Pitsillidou, easyMarkets’ Director of Risk Management, explains,

“For 2017, we’ve made it easier than ever for individuals to learn to trade from the comfort of their armchairs. Our goal has always been to democratise trading and for 2017 we’re offering a host of incentives and great features that open up trading to all those who fancy trying their hand at it.”

The 2017 easyMarkets platform is offering traders a 30-50% bonus on their first deposit (up to $2,000), the ability to trade on multiple devices (laptop, PC, tablet and smartphone) and more products to trade than ever before. Those trading on easyMarkets have a choice of 115 currency pairs, 21 metals pairs, 12 commodities, 14 indices and 27 options pairs. Day trading, forward deals, pending orders and options are all available through the site.

As such an array of possibilities may seem bewildering to budding traders, the easyMarkets team has provided an extensive knowledge centre as part of its site. Educational videos, weekly hot topics features and comprehensive eBooks all mean that those who are new to trading can start 2017 armed with the knowledge they need to starting playing the markets. Trading tool such as trading charts, live currency rates and a trade simulator all make it even easier.

The UK’s political and economic environment in 2017 looks possibly volatile, as the ongoing Brexit process continues to have an impact on the country. The triggering of Article 50 will no doubt send ripples through the markets and many traders may be poised to take advantage of that fact. Now, those seeking a new approach to their personal finances in 2017 may also look to benefit from the tumultuous situation.

Even the most cautious traders have been considered as part of the easyMarkets offering, with late 2016 seeing the launch of the market-leading dealCancellation tool. With dealCancellation, traders have 60 minutes to cancel a losing trade – so if things don’t pan out as expected immediately after their trade, they have the option to turn back time and have any losses returned.

The world is changing fast. 2017 is the year for those who want to get ahead to adapt and change with it.

For further details, visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

 

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

New Year, new investment – the most intriguing asset classes of 2017

New Year, new investment – the most intriguing asset classes of 2017

by Charly United Kingdom World , , ,
  • Care homes and hotel investments set to make their mark in the New Year (Properties of the World)
  • Commodity trading will attract a host of new traders in 2017 (easyMarkets)
  • Buy-to-let continues to entice virgin property investors (Surrenden Invest)
  • Undiscovered areas of Spain tipped for growth in 2017 (Kyero.com)

New Year is almost upon us – time to turn over a new leaf. For investors, New Year can serve as the inspiration for broadening their portfolio and discovering the benefits of new asset classes. In that vein, let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing asset classes and investment models of 2017.

Jean Liggett, pioneering CEO of Properties of the World, is quick to promote the benefits of care home investment in 2017. She explains,

“We’re going to see care home investment taking off in a big way in 2017. It’s an interesting asset class as it’s one of those rare investment models where absolutely everyone wins. The UK’s population is ageing and we need to build more care homes, providing superior accommodation that affords comfort and dignity to our citizens as they age.”

Investing in a care home can provide individuals with impressive returns. Wagon’s Way in Tyne and Wear, which is available for investment from £58,500, offers circa 8% NET rental returns for 25 years. The sustainable investment model carefully balances the needs of the investor, those living in care, their families, the community, care professionals and the Care Quality Commission (the UK’s regulatory body for care homes). This ethical balance makes care homes a particularly intriguing asset class for 2017.

Hotel investment is also coming into its own. At Caer Rhun Hall Hotel in Conwy, North Wales (rooms available from £75,000), investors have the chance to pick up an asset that will not only generate strong returns (circa 10% per annum) but will also afford them personal usage. There’s also a 125% developer buy-back option for investors’ peace of mind. With a renewed focus on staycations in the UK, hotel investment in 2017 could be big news indeed.

Investing in commodities may also be an exciting option in 2017, according to Evdokia Pitsillidou, Director of Risk Management and pioneering forex and CFD broker easyMarkets. She comments,

“Trading is no longer something that’s only for fulltime traders working in the City. Increasing numbers of individuals are looking to trade for themselves and the appeal of commodities and metals is strong, particularly for those who are new to trading. Gold and wheat are two investments to watch in early 2017, though of course investors need to do their own analysis before they try their hand at trading.”

Naturally, existing strong asset classes will continue to be popular in 2017. Despite the government tinkering with landlords’ incomes through changes to stamp duty and tax on second homes, UK buy-to-let remains a popular way for virgin investors to profit from property. Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of Surrenden Invest, comments,

“The UK’s housing crisis is still far from resolved. The country has been working hard to increase the rate at which it has been building homes and the latest purchasing managers’ index shows that construction reached a nine-month high in November. Despite this, the Federation of Master Builders has reported that 87% of local authorities don’t believe they will hit the government’s housebuilding targets by 2020. This means that buy-to-let still presents a huge opportunity for those looking to invest in property for the first time.”

Artillery House in Manchester city centre is an excellent example of the kind of property that is attracting virgin buy-to-let investors in large numbers. With 7.5% NET assured return, a comprehensive management programme and a Q4 2017 delivery target with apartments fully furnished and ready to rent, this kind of development allows investors to be truly hands-off.

Finally for 2017, there’s holiday homes as an intriguing asset class. While the concept of buying a holiday home predates even air travel, what’s exciting about 2017 is the range of destinations available. Richard Speigal, Head of Research at leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com has flagged Oliva as an interesting choice for 2017. He explains,

“In terms of broadening the story, I’d pick Oliva out right now. Alicante has long been the epicentre of British buyer activity, but Kyero saw a shift northwards in 2016 to the neighbouring province of Valencia. The reasons are nicely told in the small coastal village of Oliva.

“We were alerted to something happening when the town appeared for 3 months running in our ‘trending destinations’ list, having attracted over 1,500 enquiries since July. For its size, Oliva is punching way above its weight and it seems post-Brexit buyers may have sensed an opportunity, as prices there have been slower to recover than in other areas of Spain. With six miles of beautiful coastline, a cosmopolitan vibe, two international airports an hour away (Valencia and Alicante) and the potential for capital growth, Oliva ticks all the boxes for investment potential in 2017.”

Whether it’s an entirely new asset class or a new opportunity in an established investment model, there’s no doubt that 2017 is going to be an exciting year for investors.

 

For more information, please contact:

Properties of the World: +44 20 7624 5555 or www.propertiesoftheworld.co.uk

Surrenden Invest: 0203 3726 499 or www.surrendeninvest.com

easyMarkets: +44 203 1500 748 or www.easymarkets.com

Kyero: www.kyero.com

 

Top trends for property portals in 2017 from Kyero.com

Top trends for property portals in 2017 from Kyero.com

by Charly Spain World
  • Portals need to embrace technology to boost the customer experience
  • At the same time, sticking to the basics is essential – portals exist so that people can find properties!
  • Big data analysis to reap impressive rewards
  • Virtual reality is one to watch – but not for 2017

With the impact of technological developments and political events making global property markets ever more sensitive, portals are having to stay at the top of their game in order to succeed. Spanish property portal Kyero.com is one of those at the forefront of the industry. Record-breaking monthly figures are backed up by significantly increased market share. In fact, the portal now outperforms its nearest competitor at a rate of four to one, based on search activity*.

Richard Speigal, Head of Research at Kyero.com, offers market-leading insights into top trends for property portals in 2017, based on the company’s extensive success in 2016.

Top trends for property portals in 2017, from Kyero.com

  1. Get smarter

2017 will be all about getting smarter. This means evolving from the core out. Internally, portals need to be able to perform up-to-the-minute data analysis in order to identify trends, hotspots and buyer preferences. This will give them leading insights into the markets they serve. This can be shared with those listing on the portal, to better inform how they shape the properties they offer and increase their chances of a successful sale.

Externally, the user interface needs to be clean and clear, offering a range of services that make the most of evolving property technology, while also remaining simple to use.

At Kyero.com, this means improving the property selection while continuing to make the portal increasingly easy to use.

  1. Be true to your values

Kyero.com was established with a simple mission: to help buyers find beautiful property in Spain. As technology expands and the march of big data continues, it can be easy for portals to lose sight of their original intentions. However, without that initial mission fixed firmly in mind, property portals may be in danger of delivering fantastic insights into user trends, at the same time as watching the numbers of those users dwindle.

Therefore, the focus should be an ongoing war on “feature bloat.” Portals should concentrate on solving the core user problem in ever faster and more elegant ways. Help people find the right house: that’s a portal’s job – no more, and no less.

  1. Make big data your friend

One of the biggest challenges of 2017 for property portals is data. Modern websites produce voluminous amounts of it. Then there’s market statistics from government open data sources. Data tells portals where buyers are looking, how much they’re prepared to pay, where they’re from and what their tastes are.

The trick is figuring out how to analyse this data and act upon what it reveals. Kyero.com has spent the last year learning to do this better. The result for the portal’s audience is both obvious and invisible. Property recommendations are becoming increasingly accurate, at the same time as Kyero.com is helping buyers to get the best deal by sharing insights into the local market.

A final word…

One trend to watch, but that isn’t expected to fully take off until at least 2018, is virtual reality (VR). Real estate watchers are understandably excited about virtual reality technology. After all, who wouldn’t be excited about viewing houses without all the inconvenience of actually going there?

Unfortunately, the technology is still way behind its promises. Kyero.com has tested the latest equipment, but found that the scanning systems are still cumbersome to use, with poor quality results produced. Consumer availability is also difficult: there just aren’t many people with an Oculus Rift in the house. As Kyero.com’s Richard Speigal concludes,

“VR is certainly one to watch, but it isn’t for 2017. Property portals would be wiser spending the year improving what they do best: finding property.”

For further details, visit www.kyero.com.  

 

* Rightmove Overseas reported a rate in Spain of over 500 leads per day in June 2016, or around 15,000 per month, compared with Kyero.com’s 62,596 per month (September 2016).

Asian buyers will pay more for your property: True or False?

Asian buyers will pay more for your property: True or False?

by Charly World
  • Investorist finds that educated Chinese buyers are doing their homework – at home and abroad
  • Two-tier pricing seen as representative of ‘cowboy’ selling agents
  • Safety of investment trumps yields for majority of Asian investors

Off the back of their latest China Connection event, Investorist, the world’s leading B2B off plan property platform, is ready to dispel the urban myth that Asian buyers will pay more for your property.

Jon Ellis, Founder and CEO of Investorist, explains,

“Chinese buyers are extremely educated when it comes to buying property in overseas markets. Many choose to invest in the same property as their family, friends or colleagues and they seek local advisors in the country that they intend to buy in. Prior to the purchase, Chinese buyers will verify what they are being told by their agent in China and may well also arrange to film inside the project showroom simply by using their mobile phone, a practice which is common for apartment sales in several countries.”

This verification of details includes serious attention to the price of the development. If there’s a discrepancy between the price given by the Chinese agent and the price from the local advisor in the country where the development is based, the buyers will want to know why. According to Investorist’s findings, this can be make or break the deal. Developers seeking to be truly successful in Asia need to price their properties fairly for the market. Investorist’s Jon Ellis continues,

“Two-tier pricing was often introduced as a result of aggregators and middlemen. However, such an approach has become representative of ‘cowboy’ selling agents and as a result has largely disappeared from the industry now. Developers looking to roll out two-tier pricing for new projects should think very carefully about how this will be perceived by Asian buyers.”

For developers and selling agents looking for repeat buyers – which most should be, given how much easier it is to sell to a repeat buyer than a new contact – fair and transparent pricing makes even more sense. If buyers are put off by two-tier pricing, developers who insist on sticking with it may well find themselves with unsold completed apartments on their hands, while those who’ve priced fairly manage to sell everything off-plan.

At the recent China 2016 International Property Outlook, Investorist reported that the desire for  safe investment locations would be the main driver of Chinese investment in overseas property in 2017. The report also found that security and longer-term capital appreciation were considered more important than investment yield. Developers’ approach to pricing structure is one way in which the safety of the investment can be judged.

Investorist’s Jon Ellis concludes,

“We’re dealing with a market of mature buyers in China now and developers need to respect their desire for safety and for clarity. Chinese investment in overseas property is showing no signs of slowing down and the developers who are appropriately respectful of Asian buyers can look forward to achieving healthy sales in 2017.”

For more information about global off-plan property, contact Investorist by visiting www.investorist.co.uk or calling the team on +44 (0)203 761 7380.