In this week's MoneyWeek magazine, where Xi Jinping may take China next; emerging Europe funds for the brave; and why it pays to plan ahead for your old age.
Plus, two peer-to-peer lenders to tempt income-hungry investor; how universal credit hurts landlords, and three European gems to buy now.
All that, plus the usual roundup of news, views and analysis from the markets, politics and economics; share tips; personal finance; property and more. Why not sign up to MoneyWeek magazine now and take advantage of our latest offer?
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Xi Jinping strengthens his grip on power
With the 19th Communist Party Conference just finished, China's president, Xi Jinping, has consolidated his power. He is now China's most powerful leader since Deng Xiaoping. Andin many respects, says Cris Sholto Heaton in this week's cover story, "he's now comparable to Mao Zedong in terms of the public image he's cultivated". He can now take the country wherever he wants be that forwards or backwards. And while it is likely to be "business as usual on the economic front", trying to forecast what will happen is "largely pointless", says Cris but "we can try to draw some broad conclusions about where China stands now and what that may mean for investors". Cris does a very good job of explaining it all, and picks some of the best ways to buy in.
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Emerging Europe funds for the brave
"I find President Vladimir Putin reprehensible on many levels", says David C Stevenson. But "populists, dictators and hard-right conservatives" don't necessarily mean their countries are bad investments. The countries of emerging Europe, which include Russia or Turkey, "are steadily picking themselves up off the floor". And that makes them appealing investments. Avid picks a couple of funds to buy now.
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Why it pays to plan ahead for your old age
"Not many of us want to plan for a time when we might be incapable of making our own decisions", says Sarah Moore. But it's "worth giving serious consideration to the subject." Power of attorney gives another person the legal authority to make important decisions on your behalf. There are a few different arrangements available, and the right one will depend on your circumstances.
Sarah goes through them all here
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There's a lot more than that, of course. Ruth Jackson looks at the Equifax hack and he to keep your financial details safe online; David Prosser looks at the new rules for people administering family trusts; and professional investor Bettina Edmonston picks three attractively priced European companies to buy into now.
There's our usual pages of luxury spending at the back, to. Alice Grhns looks at four intriguing new hotels; we have eight properties with celebrity connections for sale right now, and Matthew Jukes tastes a "simple but heavenly" Italian white wine.
I hope that's given you flavour of this week's magazine. And if you like what you see, why not sign up?
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Investing for children this Christmas – five ideasIt might not come with a shiny ribbon, but an investment fund could be the gift that keeps on giving. We share five ideas if you are investing for children this Christmas.
