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Intel's interest in Srouji comes at a pivotal moment for the company, as it seeks to regain its leadership in the semiconductor market and accelerate its transition into the era of 5G, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. With the rise of competitors such as AMD and ARM, Intel recognizes the urgent need for fresh leadership and strategic vision to drive its growth and innovation agenda.Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear that the Trump advisor's comments have touched a nerve and highlighted the complexities of international relations. Diplomatic meetings are already fraught with tension and nuance, and superficial criticisms only serve to distract from the real issues at hand.

As the day draws to a close, the temperatures plummet once again, signaling the onset of a freezing evening. This is the time to huddle up indoors, perhaps by a roaring fire or under a cozy blanket, and indulge in a warm cup of cocoa or a hearty bowl of soup. The cold night air lingers outside, a reminder to keep your home well-insulated and snug to retain the warmth generated within.Why will it cost me £3,000 to take just £9,000 tax-free from my pension? Reason is that I own two small commercial properties within my Sipp Suddenly they were preventing me from accessing tax-free cash that I needed I was told I needed to organise and pay for new valuations of both properties By JONATHAN MAITLAND Updated: 21:59 GMT, 7 December 2024 e-mail View comments When my boiler packed up last month, it was inconvenient to put it mildly – but fortunately I had tax-free cash stashed in my pension ready for just such an eventuality. I have £120,000 in a Self-Invested Personal Pension (Sipp) with investment platform AJ Bell, which I have built up over 20 years of careful saving. As am I older than 55, pension rules permit me to take out substantial amounts of tax-free cash as one lump sum – or smaller amounts whenever I choose. I told AJ Bell I wanted to withdraw £9,000. I expected a fee of around £100 and for the cash to appear in my linked current account within a couple of days. How wrong I was. Initially, I was told the matter would be dealt with quickly and was being labelled 'high priority'. But after a frustrating saga of 17 email exchanges in 11 days, I was told the bad news. Before it could pay out my £9,000, it said I had to arrange and pay for a legal document. I looked into how much it would cost me to get it. The answer? At least £3,000. AJ Bell was insisting I pay £3,000 to access £9,000 of my own money. Hard to get: AJ Bell wanted £3,000 to access £9,000 It turns out the reason is that I own two, small commercial properties within my Sipp. These are a convenience store and a T-shirt shop in Cardiff that I bought using my Sipp around ten years ago to provide me with a small income. They are currently worth around £200,000 together and pay me an income of around £20,000 a year. The beauty of holding them in a Sipp is that the income accrues tax free. It is only when I withdraw it for my own use that it is subject to income tax. They had proved a good investment. But now suddenly they were preventing me from accessing tax-free cash that I really needed. Because of pension regulations, I was told, I needed to organise and pay for new valuations of both properties before I could receive my money. This, I was led to believe, was standard procedure. The valuations would cost me at least £3,000 because of the complex legal nature of the properties. It was, I told AJ Bell, like a bank saying to a customer, 'You have £20,000 in your current account but we won't give you a penny until you pay £1,500 for a survey of your own home'. But this argument cut no ice. Rules were rules. It was the typical 'computer says no' argument so many companies fall back on. When you take tax-free cash from a pension, the first 25 per cent is tax free and the remainder may attract tax. Your pension provider needs to know how much your total pot is worth so that it can calculate how much is tax free. Working out the value of a pension pot is relatively straightforward when it contains just funds, shares and cash. But it's more complicated when it includes commercial properties that need to be valued. However, my Sipp also contained £60,000 in easily accessible cash in addition to the two commercial properties. Surely, to take out £9,000 of tax-free cash, AJ Bell could just assign a further £27,000 of taxable cash (three times the tax-free sum) without having to get a full valuation of the Sipp. So I complained. Three decades of presenting TV shows for the BBC and ITV about poor service and overcharging meant I was never going to take this sort of thing lying down. I did what every customer should and refused to take no for an answer. I told AJ Bell I would be complaining to the Pensions Ombudsman – I will have to wait for the company to look into my complaint first, however – and that I would be writing this article. Two days later, I got an email saying the position had changed. Managers had looked at my case and decided I didn't need the expensive surveys. AJ Bell said: 'Initially, valuations were requested to ensure accurate calculations for your tax-free cash and compliance with HMRC regulations.' RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Could the state pension end up being means-tested before I... Pension credit applications surge 145% after Labour... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account However, because I had recently made a £30,000 cash payment into my Sipp, AJ Bell could now 'match its recorded value and avoid the need for valuations'. The e-mail continued: 'We wouldn't ordinarily do this as it would likely negatively impact the amount of tax-free cash you would receive. We, therefore, went outside of our procedure given you did not want to obtain a property valuation.' This sort of burdensome regulation governing commercial properties needs to change. Tens of thousands of pensioners own commercial properties via their Sipps. Currently, a strict reading of the rules requires administrators to tell customers they must pay for expensive surveys every time they want tax-free cash. This is an overabundance of caution in my view and nearly always completely unnecessary. It won't surprise you to learn I plan to leave AJ Bell. But I will heed the advice of Jenny Ross, of Which? Pension, who says: 'If you want to transfer your Sipp to another provider, the new provider will manage the transfer on your behalf. But bear in mind that some providers charge exit fees if you move elsewhere. But you may think this is a price worth paying.' This experience with AJ Bell is the last straw. For the last five years, I've looked on in horror at its rocketing charges. In that time, my annual fees have gone from just over £1,600 to nearly £2,500 – an increase of 60 per cent. That sum includes nearly £1,500 for 'property administration fees' as AJ Bell collects the rent on two small shops owned by my Sipp in Cardiff, £340 in 'quarterly administration fees', £320 in 'off panel administration fees' (this is what I pay for the privilege of having instructed AJ Bell to invest in a tracker fund), £180 in 'income drawdown fees' and £130 in miscellaneous one-off charges. IPM, a Sipp administrator based in Hertfordshire, would charge £800 annually for exactly the same service – a saving of more than 60 per cent. And that includes any property administration fees IPM would require before letting me access tax-free cash. Other companies which offer a similar service include Investec and Dentons. Revealingly, it seems it is not just me who is unhappy about the regulatory burden of holding commercial property in Sipps. Even AJ Bell itself announced it would no longer be willing to administrate newly purchased commercial properties. The reason, according to Nick Reeve, editor at Pensions Expert, is the increasingly problematic, bureaucratic expensive and time-consuming rules designed to stop scams. He says: 'This is because some unscrupulous people could be flogging commercial property as a way of ripping people off.' In the meantime, I'm moving my Sipp as soon as I'm able. Ask not for whom the bell tolls, AJ Bell: it tolls for thee. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: Why will it cost me £3,000 to take just £9,000 tax-free from my pension? e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.

The raising of opposition flags at the Syrian Embassy in Russia raises important questions about the role of diplomacy in conflict resolution and the power of symbolic gestures in shaping public opinion and international perceptions. It highlights the complexities of navigating political allegiances and interests in a conflict as multifaceted as the Syrian civil war.Qamishli, Dec 25 (AP) The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said Tuesday they have launched a counter-offensive against the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army to take back areas near Syria's northern border with Turkey. The SDF is Washington's critical ally in Syria, targeting sleeper cells of the extremist Islamic State group scattered across the country's east. Since the fall of the totalitarian rule of Bashar Assad earlier this month, clashes have intensified between the U.S.-backed group and the SNA, which captured the key city of Manbij and the areas surrounding it. The intense weekslong clashes come at a time when Syria, battered by over a decade of war and economic misery, negotiates its political future following half a century under the Assad dynasty's rule. Ruken Jamal, spokesperson of the Women's Protection Unit, or YPJ, under the SDF, told The Associated Press that their fighters are just over seven miles (11 kilometers) away from the center of Manbij in their ongoing counter-offensive. She accused Ankara of trying to weaken the group's influence in negotiations over Syria's political future through the SNA, “Syria is now in a new phase, and discussions are underway about the future of the country,” Jamal said. “Turkey is trying, through its attacks, to distract us with battles and exclude us from the negotiations in Damascus.” A Britain-based opposition war monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, says since the SNA's offensive in northern Syria against the Kurds started earlier this month, dozens from both sides have been killed. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke on Tuesday with Turkish Minister of National Defense Yasar Güler, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. He said they discussed the ongoing situation in Syria, and Austin emphasized that close and continuous coordination is crucial to a successful effort to counter IS in the country. They also discussed the importance of setting the conditions to enable a more secure and stable Syria. Ankara sees the SDF as an affiliate of its sworn enemy, the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, which it classifies as a terrorist organization. Turkish-backed armed groups alongside Turkish jets for years have attacked positions where the SDF are largely present across northern Syria, in a bid to create a buffer zone free from the group along the large shared border. While the SNA was involved in the lightning insurgency — led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — that toppled Assad, it has continued its push against the SDF, seen as Syria's second key actor for its political future. On Monday, the SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami said the group's forces pushed back the Turkish-backed rebels from areas near the Tishrin Dam on the Euphrates, a key source of hydroelectric power. He said the SDF also destroyed a tank belonging to the rebels southeast of Manbij. The British-based war monitor said on Tuesday that the Kurdish-led group, following overnight fighting, has reclaimed four villages in the areas near the strategic dam. Turkish jets also pounded the strategic border town of Kobani in recent days. During Syria's uprising-turned-conflict, the Kurds carved out an enclave of autonomous rule across northeastern Syria, never fully allying entirely with Assad in Damascus nor the rebels trying to overthrow him. Even with the Assad family out of the picture, it appears that Ankara's position won't change, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's landmark visit to Syria maintaining a strong position on the Kurdish-led group in his meeting with de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa of HTS. “It has turned the region into a cauldron of terror with PKK members and far-left groups who have come from Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Europe," Fidan said in a news conference after the meeting. “The international community is turning a blind eye to this lawlessness because of the wardenship it provides (against IS).” With the ongoing fighting, SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi has expressed concern about a strong IS resurgence due to the power vacuum in Syria and the ongoing fighting, which has left the Kurdish-led group unable to carry out its attacks and raids on the extremist group's scattered sleeper cells. Tens of thousands of children, family members, and supporters of IS militants are still held in large detention centers in northeastern Syria, in areas under SDF control. (AP) AS AS (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

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MADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods , and urged the country to remain calm despite public debates around hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. In a pre-recorded speech that usually reviews the year's most relevant issues, Felipe said Spain “must never forget the pain and sadness" the flood have caused. The Oct. 29 floods killed more than 225 people in eastern Spain, damaging countless homes and leaving graveyards of cars piled on top of each other. In some towns, the heavy downpours that caused the floods dropped as much as a year's worth of rain in just eight hours. In early November, as Spaniards' shock at the wreckage turned into frustration, a political blame game began, directed especially at regional authorities who failed to send timely emergency alerts to cell phones on the day of the floods. The frustration of residents in hard-hit Paiporta near Valencia was on display when people tossed mud and shouted insults at the king and government officials in early November when they made their first visit to the town. “We have seen — and understood — the frustration, the pain, the impatience, the demands for greater and more effective coordination," Felipe said about how the disaster was managed, adding that he had asked that aid be sent to everyone who needed it. He also addressed the country's housing crunch and high rents, which have become a leading concern in this European Union country that is the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. Fast-rising rents are especially acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Felipe urged that “all the actors involved reflect” and "listen to each other” so that they facilitate bringing access to housing under “affordable conditions.” Spain's immigration debate should keep in mind the country's European partners and immigrants' countries of origin, Felipe said, warning that “the way in which we are able to address immigration ... will say a lot in the future about our principles and the quality of our democracy.” Felipe said Spain need to remain calm in the public sphere, even in the face of a “sometimes thunderous” contest in its politics.

Red Sox acquire reliever Jovani Morán from Twins for utility player Mickey GasperOne key aspect of the clear economic policy orientation for the next year is the emphasis on strengthening extraordinary measures beyond the normal range of policy tools. This means that governments will not only deploy traditional fiscal and monetary policies but also explore innovative and unconventional measures to address the challenges at hand. This could include targeted stimulus packages, sector-specific support, and policy reforms aimed at boosting productivity and competitiveness.

As a responsible and ethical organization, Hisense Group places great value on its employees and is committed to maintaining a positive and stable work environment. The company adheres to strict labor laws and regulations, and any decisions related to staffing are made through careful consideration and in accordance with established procedures.WSU Vancouver students create interactive app to learn about Woodland art inspired by Cowlitz TribeHodge scores 21 as UNC Wilmington scores 85-74 win over UNC Asheville

Senator demands answers from Gov. Phil Murphy about drone sightings in New Jersey

The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) newly launched “Walang Gutom Kitchen” in Pasay City will remain operational during select holidays to continue its mission of providing meals to those in need. “Our Walang Gutom Kitchen will continue to provide food on Dec. 24, 30, and 31 which are holidays. It will also continue to operate on Dec. 26 to 29 which are regular days,” DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao. However, she clarified that the kitchen will be closed on Dec. 25, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025. “The Walang Gutom Kitchen is open to all families and individuals in street situations and those experiencing involuntary hunger,” Dumlao said. The kitchen was established to address involuntary hunger and reduce food wastage by turning surplus food donated by hotels, restaurants, and organizations into hot, nutritious meals. Dumlao pointed out that the food provided is not “pagpag” or discarded foods, but fresh, healthy, and delicious meals. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian also called for more food donations from restaurants and fast food chains, and individuals who are willing to volunteer at the Walang Gutom Kitchen “We encourage organizations and individuals who want to help fight hunger to visit the Walang Gutom Kitchen at the Nasdake Building in Pasay City and become volunteer servers for the day," he said. “First and foremost, we want to combat hunger. But where will we get the food? Since this soup kitchen also serves as a food bank, hotels, restaurants, and fast food chains drop off their surplus or uneaten food here,” he explained. “Rather than throwing it away and wasting it, now they have a place to donate it. The DSWD will distribute and serve it to our fellow citizens experiencing hunger—families living on the streets, individuals, and children facing temporary hunger,” he added.As the digital economy continues to expand and evolve, the protection of intellectual property rights in e-commerce will remain a top priority for businesses seeking to maintain their competitive edge and reputation. Events like the 2024 E-commerce Intellectual Property Protection Exchange and Seminar play a crucial role in raising awareness, promoting dialogue, and advancing best practices in this important area of law and business.The Tragic Passing of Influencer "Liu Dameili" After Liposuction Operation Sparks Concern

As the era of "lying flat" for savings comes to an end, it is essential for individuals to reassess their financial goals and priorities. Rather than passively accepting a minimalist approach to saving and investing, individuals should strive for a balanced and sustainable financial plan that takes into account their long-term goals, risk tolerance, and personal values.In conclusion, the launch of the “Spring Dawn Plan” and its introduction of “Factory Direct Sales” mark a significant milestone in the evolution of the retail industry. By fostering transparency, sustainability, and efficiency, this initiative has the potential to drive positive change and empower both consumers and manufacturers in the new economy. As we look towards the future, it is clear that innovative approaches like the “Spring Dawn Plan” will play a crucial role in shaping the way we do business and interact with products in the years to come.

Together, we stand ready to face the challenges ahead and to turn adversity into opportunity for growth and renewal. Let us remember the power of community, compassion, and cooperation as we navigate the uncertain path ahead and emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity.

The upcoming adjustment in interest rates is set to impact new housing loans, with the rate poised to reach 3.1%. This represents a notable increase from the rates previously offered to borrowers in Qingdao. The move is attributed to a variety of factors, including changes in the overall economic landscape, market conditions, and the policies of financial institutions.Who Is Dion Dawkins’ Girlfriend? Daiyaana Muhammad’s Job & Instagram By , the offensive tackle of the Buffalo Bills, has received much acclaim for his skills on the field. However, his fans have been curious about his personal life, including his romantic relationships. Many specifically wish to know about . So, here are all the details we’ve learned about the star’s girlfriend and her career. Who is Dion Dawkins dating? Due to the couple being highly private about their dating life, information regarding their first meeting is unknown. However, as per several reports, Dion Dawkins and his girlfriend have been partners for a long time. Dawkins also frequently posts photos of him and Muhammad on his . Moreover, she has been a constant companion for the Bills’ tackle at numerous social events, parties, and more. Muhammad has also visited Dawkins’ games to support and cheer for him. Dawkins and his girlfriend are parents to three wonderful children. The couple is blessed with a son named Dil and two daughters, Dakota and Dalilah. Dawkins has previously spoken about his family and expressed his love and gratitude for them. As per , he said, “I’m thankful that I have three beautiful children, a beautiful girlfriend, and a beautiful family.” What is Daiyaana Muhammad’s job and Instagram? After attaining a Nursing degree from Brookline College in 2015, Daiyaana Muhammad pursued a Master of Science in Leadership and Healthcare Management at Western Governors University, which she completed in 2020. According to , she has worked across several units in numerous hospitals. Muhammad even served as a professor at Chamberlain University from 2021 to 2022. She is currently working on becoming a certified Pilates instructor. Apart from her medical career, Muhammad is an accomplished model taking the fashion world by storm. Not only has she graced many prestigious magazine covers like Harper’s Bazaar, but she also is becoming a sought-after name at fashion events worldwide. Daiyaana Muhammed’s username on Instagram is . She has a following of over 21,000 followers and is an avid social media poster. Apart from her work projects, Muhammad often shares snippets of her life with Dion Dawkins and their kids on her social media page. Meanwhile, it is important to note that acknowledges Muhammed as Dawkins’ fiancée. Ishita Verma is an SEO contributing writer for ComingSoon. She is passionate about delivering authentic content and holds experience in SEO content writing. Apart from her quest to ensure her content is promising, Ishita is an avid Kdrama and anime watcher. Ishita is a bibliophile and also pursues gaming as one of her favorite pastimes. Share articleThe tremor occurred at [insert time and date], catching residents and officials by surprise as the ground suddenly began to sway and tremble. Reports of the earthquake's impact flooded in from various locations in Nevada and neighboring states, with eyewitnesses describing the event as a powerful and unsettling experience.

However, critics of the move argue that it undermines the official position of the Syrian government and could strain the already complicated relationship between Syria and Russia. They view it as a betrayal of the Assad regime and a deviation from the established diplomatic protocols that govern international relations.The benefits of this achievement extend beyond just numbers on a report. The improved living conditions for thousands of residents in Liaoning province signify a positive change in their quality of life. Families now have access to safer, more comfortable homes, with better amenities and infrastructure. This not only enhances their well-being but also contributes to the overall development and prosperity of the local communities.