Money
Navigate your finances and money with confidence: investment, savings tips, and economic trends from Creative Media News.
Bitcoin price hits record highs at $72k
In mid-morning, the largest cryptocurrency in the world was trading at $71,700, an increase of 3.1% for the day and over 60% since the beginning of the year. Moreover, flows into recently introduced US spot Bitcoin ETFs, which have accumulated flows exceeding $106 billion since the beginning of the year, continue to fuel Bitcoin's momentum.
The best-selling SUV is back—is it better?
The Volkswagen Group, which owns, among others, Skoda, Seat, and Porsche, is no minor force in the automotive industry. However, starting in 2018, the Tiguan has dominated sales as the best-selling model not only within the Volkswagen lineup but throughout the entire auto group. Therefore, the introduction of a new one is a significant event, particularly for VW executives.
Financial insecurity in retirement worries half the population
A report claims that as many as 48% of individuals are concerned that their pension savings will not be sufficient to support them in retirement. Moreover, 56% of respondents said they had yet to save enough money for retirement, according to Investec Wealth & Investment research.
From village halls to space: 17 Budget victories
There were seventeen measures in the budget from the previous week that you may have missed, including renovated village halls and shortened passport queues: Are you venturing overseas for Easter? Travellers should anticipate a three-week renewal process for their passports, as enhancements are expected to eliminate the need for ten-week waiting periods.
Bitcoin hits $69,000 all-time high
Over $69,000, the price of Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency in the world, has reached a new all-time high. It exceeds the previous benchmark established in November 2021; however, Bitcoin's value has declined to $16,500 by 2022. This new price surge was precipitated by the investment of billions of dollars by US financial behemoths in bitcoins.
Young automatic car drivers now pay nearly £3k in insurance annually
The average annual premium for auto insurance for an automatic-only vehicle driven by a driver under the age of 25 was £2,803 in 2018, up 49% from £1,887 in 2023, as reported by the price comparison website Compare the Market. In contrast to those with full licenses, young drivers of vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions paid an additional £490 for coverage in 2023, but £760 in 2024.
Safety body to penalize cars with distracting touchscreens
The introduction of novel safety standards in 2026 will compel automakers to reduce the complexity of touchscreen systems, which can be distracting for mobile drivers. Regulations to be implemented by crash testing organization Euro NCAP in January 2026 will reduce safety ratings for newly manufactured vehicles lacking dashboard buttons for essential functions like activating hazard warning lamps and indicating them.
Pension funds must disclose their British company investments
New government initiatives will require pension funds to disclose the proportion of shareholder funds allocated to British enterprises. Assisting investors in making "informed decisions," the funds will additionally be obligated to contrast workplace pension performance data with their rivals publicly. Recent years have seen an influx of additional funds into employment pensions due to the implementation of automatic enrollment.
Half of learners favor EV lessons, threatening manuals
Future drivers of the nation have expressed a desire to gain experience in electric vehicles. However, a new study by Gridserve, a charging network, indicates that the lack of instructors with electric vehicles in the United Kingdom is impeding the transition to electric driving, creating an environmental dilemma.
Child benefit removal tax trap: How parents pay 63% tax
There are circulating rumours preceding the Budget that the Chancellor may ultimately intervene in the child benefit taper. Since its inception a decade ago, the high-income charge for child benefit (HICBC) has been criticised for imposing an additional financial burden on parents and introducing superfluous red tape.
Renowned Renault 5 reappears as £25,000 retro electric car
In 2021, when Renault unveiled an electric concept car based on the cult classic Renault 5, there was tremendous anticipation. The pivotal inquiry was whether Renault would revive its icon from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s with an antiquated aesthetic.
Driving license aids job search amidst rising motoring expenses
According to research conducted by the RAC Foundation, a valid driver's licence is currently regarded as an "essential qualification" for job applications. As the cost of operations escalates, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and the expense of acquiring driving skills, the ability to operate a motor vehicle becomes increasingly significant when applying for jobs.