Five things your clients will call you about this week

Nationals round-up: The Budget continues to grab headlines on the Money pages while investors are still mulling whether to invest in Japan.

Here's what your clients might be asking about having digested the weekend's news...

1) Index-linked certificates

The Mail on Sunday has dubbed NS&I's soon-to-be relaunched index-linked certificates as a ‘lifeline' for savers and is predicting another rush to grab them. The last issue of the bonds paid out RPI+1% over three to five years, with a maximum investment of £15,000 and the new issue is expected to work along similar lines. They were withdrawn for the first time in 35 years last summer as a result of high demand due to their inflation hedge and tax-free status. However, their return was announced in the Budget, with confirmation they will still be linked to RPI.

2) Buying Japan

On the back of the recent and ongoing disasters in Japan, some investors are seeing opportunities in Japan. Warren Buffett recently described the Japanese market as a "buying opportunity" and in the Sunday Telegraph, Diary of a Private Investor author James Bartholomew explains how he has also been exploring his options in the country, with mixed successes. His cautiousness meant he made only a "tiny gain", yet he made a seven-day profit of 11.5% from the money he put into a Japanese investment trust.

3) How low could inflation go?

Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Adam Posen is predicting inflation could fall to 1.5% by mid-2012 as a result of the government's austerity measures and the underlying weakness of the economy. The academic has repeatedly called for more quantitative easing and has insisted interest rates should be pegged at 0.5%. In an interview with the Guardian, he says he will not pursue a second term on the committee if his predictions are wrong and questions whether the government's deficit reduction plans with drive economic growth.

4) Life cover costs

A tax measure buried in the Budget could force women to pay up to 30% more to provide for their loved ones in the event of their own death because of the way life companies are taxed. Experts tell the Independent on Sunday people should hurry to get cover to protect their family as the tax changes could add 10% to previous premiums. However, this comes on top of the 20% rise for women being anticipated as a result of the recent European Court of Justice gender-equality ruling.

5) EIS opportunities

In its analysis of the budget, the Mail on Sunday highlights the changes in rules for enterprise investment schemes (EIS) and venture capital trusts (VCT) as opportunities for savers. From April 6, EIS investors will see upfront income tax relief rise from 20% to 30% on the money they invest. Meanwhile, from April 2012, the annual allowance will double to £1m and both EIS and VCT managers will be permitted to invest in a wider range of companies, taking stakes worth up to £10m in firms with up to 250 staff.