The May Fundamentals report produced by Legal and General suggests that the economic outlook for the UK is a negative one.
There are some positive factors said the Legal and General, such as low unemployment, the weaker pond helping exports and the fact that consumer spending is still active. However they see more negative elements than positive ones which leads them to rating the economic forecast as poor.
Key pointers include the much more difficult lending conditions facing borrowers, higher levels of debt and also a rate of inflation that is rising much too quickly. All in all the Legal and General view is that, unless changes are seen in this factors the UK economy could face real difficulties.
A survey carried out by Tesco Finance has found that nearly half of the people talked to are taking steps to be more eco-friendly, though it is saving money rather than saving the planet that is the motivator.
As the cost of gas, electric and petrol soars ever upwards so about two thirds of people in the Tesco Finance survey say they make sure electrical items are switched off rather than left on standby. Three quarters of people now use low energy lightbulbs too.
A smaller percentage, around 20 percent of people surveyed, told Tesco Finance that going green was just too expensive. There are aspects of this that are true, but it is in the practical aspects that consumers can save money by thinking green.
The 8.5 percent interest rate offer on the Alliance and Leicester Premier 50 and Premier Direct current accounts is being extended for a further 3 months such has been its popularity.
The high interest rate is guaranteed for the first year of having the account, which also provides a 0 percent overdraft option, again for twelve months. An Alliance and Leicester spokesperson suggested that people could earn a significant amount of extra interest by swapping to these current accounts as well as saving on overdraft charges.
As a nation we tend to stick with the same accounts, with 80 percent of current account holders having been with the same one for five years or more so perhaps this Alliance and Leicester offer can change that, for the benefit of the customer.
