FTSE in modest gains as UK inflation dips July 17, 2012 The FTSE 100 made modest gains in early trading as investors awaited a key report by US Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke which could open the door to new monetary stimulus measures after recent weak US data. Bernanke will present his latest monetary policy report to Congress today and tomorrow against a background of lacklustre [...]
A snapshot view: The right time to say goodbye to a business July 29, 2012 ON HOLIDAY in India in 1995, I was very popular with the locals. Before flying from London, I had splashed out about £1,000 for one of the first digital cameras for the consumer market. Nowadays it would seem Stone Age. But back then it was a sensation whenever I used it. Locals jostled to get [...]
Bell Pottinger buyout passes vote despite Sorrell’s rejection June 18, 2012 LORD Bell’s management buyout of Bell Pottinger was yesterday approved by 63 per cent of parent group Chime’s investors, despite opposition from its biggest shareholder. The £19.6m deal is expected to complete on 30 June, with new company Bell Pottinger Private (BPP) commencing business on 1 July as one of the UK’s top five public [...]
EPISODE 60 – RETURN OF SUNDAY LUNCH July 2, 2012 We’ve reinstituted Sunday lunch chez Cashman. My parents sit at one end of the table and Emma’s at the other. Emma and I are scheduled to sit between our respective in-laws but would both prefer not to do so. Maria and Noel sit mid-table, opposite one another. They are intended to operate as buffer states [...]
Miners and banks pin back FTSE July 12, 2012 The FTSE 100 was dragged down by weak commodity stocks and banks in early trading as investors cut their exposure to riskier assets on uncertainty over whether the US Federal Reserve will launch more stimulus measures. Minutes from last month’s Fed meeting showed the world’s biggest economy would have to worsen further before the central [...]
Lazy politicians should be universally admired September 29, 2011 IT’S conference season, and the airwaves are full and the newspaper pages thick with a barrage of policy ideas. Every would-be chancellor and tyro PM wants to make their mark on the nation with their energy, their zeal to do something that will make life better. They’re all wrong. Half the trouble of the world, [...]
RAPID RESPONSES July 3, 2012 The firing line There is no doubt that an inquiry is called for in the Libor manipulation saga, but the fines should be targeted at the dealers and the management, not the banks. Shareholders did not have a say in the internal dirty dealings, nor did they share much of the loot. Bonuses mostly went [...]
PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR July 29, 2012 TODAY we kick off the countdown to the City A.M. Awards with the first of the shortlists – for Personality of the Year. Our awards, now in their third year, have established themselves as a key part of the business calendar, celebrating all of the City’s main sectors and the people that make sure London [...]
First victory will prove to Willett he can handle pressue and win again June 26, 2012 TWO heart-warming tales involving up and coming English players dominated the weekend’s results, with Danny Willett and Melissa Reid both overcoming recent troubles to record landmark wins. I was delighted to see former world amateur No1 Willett earn his first European Tour victory after several near misses and some injury problems, which had interrupted his [...]
A solid start, now let’s beat the Swedes June 11, 2012 NOW the dust has settled on their opening match, England should be delighted with the draw. The circumstances were difficult, with players missing and Roy Hodgson only enjoying a short preparation period, and they were facing strong opposition, but they got their noses in front and, even when France equalised and took control, they deserved [...]