There are thousands of investment options in the current market for the average investor, and while options and choice are good – the sheer volume of funds may leave even the savviest among us bewildered.

HSBC shares have climbed this morning after the bank beat analyst’s expectations today by announcing a 10 per cent rise in profits for the first half of this year, driven by strong performance in Hong Kong. The bank reported pre-tax profits rose to $13.6bn in H1, up from £12.3bn a year ago. Revenues were up from $31.1bn from $32.9bn.  

Gone are the days where the sheer mention of the word ‘ethical’ in relation to investments conjured up pictures of soup-eating, hemp-wearing, free-spirited types with a bit of cash.

 “Yesterday’s sharp vertical drop in Apple’s share price will obviously concern investors with any substantial exposure to the tech behemoth. Shares in the California-headquartered multinational firm slid around 7 per cent in afternoon trading following its latest quarterly results.

So you are fortunate enough to have been the recipient of an unexpected windfall – lucky you. The mortgage payments are ticking along, the kids have all flown the nest and as it stands you can’t think of a more fruitful way to use your money than the investment markets.

Yesterday’s budget announcement of pending dividend tax changes will be seen by many as a coup for savers and retirees alike - the much needed encouragement for Britons to buy into a savings regime while also providing some form of relief for yield-starved income seekers.

The euro has shed more than 9% against the British pound since the start of the year, marking one of the biggest slides for the currency over the past 5 years. While this is great news for holidaymakers and those looking to buy a bolthole on Continental European shores – the weak euro could also pose an investment opportunity for some investors. 

UK online-only retailer, Asos has reported an impressive 20 per cent increase in sales over the past four months. This is welcome news for the former AIM-listed fashion shop after what was a pretty dismal year in 2014.

You’re in the process of seeking advice and just have been told by your adviser that you could benefit from the services of a discretionary fund manager –do you know the right questions you need to be asking?

“The Competition and Markets Authority is expected to say this week that it will not force the Big Six energy firms to break up, and that the vertical integration structure under which the Big Six operate does not result in higher prices. The announcement is to follow after a year-long review which was fuelled by the significant increases seen in energy bills over the past few years.