Flexibility is the key in these markets: you can win on falls as well as rises July 28, 2008 Smiles have returned to traders’ faces with the markets rallying more than 7 per cent in the last two weeks. But be careful. It’s easy for the bulls to get too optimistic. During a spread betting seminar last week, people kept asking, “Are there any buying opportunities in the markets?” My answer is that there [...]
Avoid the equities wipe out by riding the fast-moving forex wave July 28, 2008 By spread betting currencies you can avoid the boom and bust bedevilling other markets, says Katie Hope Global currency trading has burst into popularity in recent times as investors try to profit from exchange rate fluctuations. The rapid moves of currency exchange rates are what attracts investors to the market. It’s fast-moving and exciting area. [...]
The British energy giant set to light up America July 28, 2008 National Grid boss Steve Holliday has ambitious US plans, he tells Roger Baird It is entirely appropriate that Steve Holliday, the 51-year-old chief executive of National Grid – which runs Britain’s power network – is a bundle of energy. The engaging, former fly-half club rugby player gesticulates constantly and frequently bounds across his large London [...]
Prudential eyes Wigley for top role July 28, 2008 Bob Wigley, the veteran banker who is leading Boris Johnson’s review of the City, is in line to become the new chairman of the Prudential. Wigley, who currently serves as head of Merrill Lynch’s European operations, is on a shortlist of candidates to run Britain’s second largest insurance group. Prudential’s interest will fuel speculation that [...]
UK industry is modern, high-tech and a good bet for savvy investors July 25, 2008 Funds and ETFs can help get you exposure to an area that promises to flourish, writes Phil Thornton Barely a day goes by without a new portent of doom and gloom for some part of the UK economy, whether for financials, retailers or housebuilding. But one sector may offer a glimmer of hope during a [...]
ABI: Darling must end ‘ill considered’ taxes July 24, 2008 Chancellor Alistair Darling must put an end to “ill-considered” tax measures and create greater tax certainty to enable British businesses to compete internationally and encourage investment from overseas, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). A report published today puts forward a series of proposals that it thinks will help see Britain through the [...]
Rock forced to pay £2m for new boss July 24, 2008 Northern Rock has announced the appointment of Barclays director Gary Hoffman as its new chief executive, in a deal worth more than £2m. Hoffman, who will pull in an annual salary of £700,000, has been at Barclays since 1982, where he has held several senior positions, including chief executive and chairman of Barclaycard. He stands [...]
A good trading plan is the first step if you want to make money with CFDs July 23, 2008 You could come a cropper if you don’t have information at your fingertips, says David James Norman Trading with contracts for difference (CFDs) can be a complicated undertaking. That is why arguably the most important part of successful CFD trading is to have a clear plan. Think of your CFD trading like a business: it [...]
Use spreadbets to protect you when markets are stormy July 23, 2008 Don’t worry about turbulent times: there is a simple and inexpensive way to shield your portfolio, finds Katie Hope Cash is king once again. Last week, research by Merrill Lynch found that fund managers were retreating to the safety of cash on fears that equities had further to fall. The worldwide poll of 191 fund [...]
Investment matchmaking: a new industry that is beating the crunch July 21, 2008 It is boom time for Gerson Lehrman, now backed by private equity giant Silver Lake, says Roger Baird Business is great for Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), the investment matchmaking service, to the delight of the managing director of its British division, Paul Ciraolo. New York-based GLG was set up in 1998; it is part of [...]