Request a call back

Callback Form

For more information or advice, please fill in your details below and we will contact you shortly.

Sending
×

A timely proposition

Considering gilts for your investment portfolio?

High interest rates make gilts an attractive option for some investors, especially higher rate taxpayers who benefit from the tax exemption from capital gains. What exactly are gilts? These UK government bonds, or debt securities, are issued to finance public expenditure. Their appeal lies in their low-risk nature and guaranteed income.

Securing safe investments with gilts

Gilts are considered one of the safest investment options because the British government fully backs them. Think of a gilt as an IOU from the Treasury. Investors receive regular interest payments in return for lending money to the UK government. Most gilts offer a fixed cash payment (or a coupon) every six months until maturity, when the final coupon payment is made along with the return on the original investment.

Trading and maturity of gilts

Investors have two options: hold on to the gilts until maturity or sell them on the secondary market, much like company shares. Short-term gilts mature between one to five years, medium-term gilts have a lifespan of five to fifteen years, while long-term gilts exceed fifteen years, some even extending up to fifty years. Generally, gilts with longer lifespans have higher interest rates than those maturing soon.

Understanding gilt yields

The annual return an investor gets for holding a gilt over the next 12 months is known as the yield. It’s calculated by dividing the annual coupon payments by the current market price. Various factors influence gilt yields, including the outlook for interest rates, inflation and market demand for gilts. Interestingly, bond prices and yields move in opposite directions.

The rise of gilt yields

Since the pandemic, interest rates have skyrocketed as the Bank of England tries to control inflation. Interest rate changes significantly impact bond prices, especially when they are forecasted to keep increasing. As interest rates increase, bond prices generally fall, and vice versa. This inverse relationship is due to new bonds with high coupon rates being issued at higher interest rates than older bonds that have been issued at lower rates.

The tax benefits of gilts

While Income Tax applies to the interest earned from gilts, they are entirely exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT). This means there’s no CGT to pay on any profits from selling a gilt or when it matures. This exemption is especially beneficial for higher rate taxpayers who’d otherwise have to pay a 20% CGT. Moreover, there’s no tax on gilts held in a tax-efficient wrapper like an Individual Savings Account (ISA) or a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP).

Protecting capital with inflation-linked gilts

For investors concerned about inflation, inflation-linked gilts offer a reliable way to protect their capital if held to maturity. The principal and interest are tied to inflation, ensuring investors receive a return that keeps pace with the cost of living.

Gilts and portfolio diversification

Gilts provide a safer alternative during uncertain times, and their low correlation with stock markets makes them an alternative diversifier. By including gilts in a diversified portfolio, investors can mitigate risk and balance their exposure to different asset classes as the coupon is fixed at the outset.

Are you looking to make better-informed investment decisions?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information or advice on adding gilts to your portfolio. We’re here to help you make informed investment decisions. To find out more, contact us – we look forward to hearing from you.

THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS SUCH. TAX TREATMENT DEPENDS ON THE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF EACH CLIENT AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE FUTURE. FOR GUIDANCE, SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.

THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENTS (AND ANY INCOME FROM THEM) CAN GO DOWN AS WELL AS UP, WHICH WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE LEVEL OF PENSION BENEFITS AVAILABLE.

Adam Reeves

Author: Adam Reeves

DipPFS Cert CII (MP&ER)
Independent Financial Planner, Wealth Manager, Director

Last updated on

Read our reviews

Vouched For
×

Adam was quick to assess & understand my situation, and was able to discuss & communicate in a very concise and simple way the various options available to me, taking time for me to understand and clarify where necessary. My understanding & knowledge of taxation & pensions has increased significantly allowing me to feel much happier making financial decisions for the future.

Rob – West Sussex

Adam and his team undertook in-depth research into our existing QROPS schemes and clearly set out both pros and cons of transferring the funds back to the UK. Having decided to go ahead with the transfer, Adam and his team worked extremely hard to facilitate the transfer. The QROPS pension trustees were not always the most professional or responsive organisation – however we were very grateful for the perseverance and commitment that Adam showed us as clients.

Jonathan – East Sussex

Adam offered a range of financial products , the one he suggested was affordable and proved to be a good choice.  Returns on investments have exceeded my expectations, based on Adam’s advice and guidance. Profits have enabled house improvements to take place.

David - Surrey

Adam arranged an appointment very timely, he explained his role and qualifications as an IFA giving me reassurance , we went through my retirement and investment goals. Adam discussed my options explaining in great detail, I felt relaxed during our discussions allowing me to fully understand my choices. I feel very confident in the financial advice allowing me to enjoy my retirement.

I was very happy with Adam’s recommendations and explanations of financial products which would suit my retirement goals, I feel this has helped me review and reduce my financial risk as I reach retirement, leaving me feeling confident that I can enjoy my retirement plans.

Ron – West Sussex

After initial meeting Adam put together a very detailed and thorough written plan. At our second meeting he went through the whole booklet and explained everything in layman’s terms which made it a lot easier to understand.

I am very happy with everything that was suggested and put in place especially with something as big and important as pensions. Adam and his team have taken a huge weight off my shoulders and I would highly recommend their services to anyone needing help with their financial planning and pension.  Adam couldn’t have been more helpful, and even came outside his normal area to meet me on a number of occasions.

Richard - Kent

Unfortunately I had to claim on my critical illness insurance due to my wife being ill and because of the sound advice Adam gave in acquiring this insurance we ended up being financially safe through a tough time.

Steve - Kent

Adam did a review of our financial situation, confirmed that Flexible Drawdown best suited our needs as a family, and then did all the research into the best product for us. He will continue to monitor it for me. He acted extremely promptly because we had a deadline for requiring the lump sum; went out of his way arranging meetings during non-office hours, was professional yet friendly and explained a difficult subject very well.

Clare – East Sussex

Adam did a thorough review of my pension policies, clearly explained how well they had performed, how flexible they were, how the market regulation has changed, and, crucially, what the tax implications would be if I were to leave them untouched. He accurately assessed my attitude to risk and recommended an up-to-date solution that will offer me the greatest flexibility at retirement.

Greg – East Sussex
Read all our reviews here
×
Indices
Value Move   %     
FTSE 100
8,288.606.08 stock arrow0.07 stock arrow
FTSE All Share
4,528.445.27 stock arrow0.12 stock arrow
Currencies
Value Move   %     
Euro
1.190.00 stock arrow0.19 stock arrow
United States Dollar
1.310.00 stock arrow0.09 stock arrow

Market Data

Data is compiled by Adviser Portals Ltd every 60 minutes. Information is not realtime. Last updated: 04/10/2024 at 09:00 AM
×