Outlook 2022: UK equities December 16, 2021 The UK holds many mispriced opportunities for stockpickers. Pick-up in M&A activity is striking. Stock market fit for the future. Sue Noffke, Head of UK Equities: UK shares remain cheap because of the perceived significant political and economic risks of Brexit, which continue to linger and depress the valuation of the UK stock market. We [...]
Britain’s billboards are lighting up despite lockdown restrictions February 13, 2021 The billboard industry – also known as out-of-home (OOH) advertising – earlier this month received a welcome shot in the arm comparable to the good news surrounding the UK’s vaccination efforts. The latest expenditure report from the Advertising Association and WARC forecast OOH media channels will recover and expand significantly this year, with digital OOH [...]
Which companies can help Europe achieve its “Fit for 55” plans? September 10, 2021 Last month, the European Commission released its “Fit for 55” proposals. These set out how the European Union should reach its legally-binding target to cut net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 55% below 1990 levels by 2030. That target will be an important milestone on the road to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The [...]
Five thought-provoking books we’ve read in 2021 September 15, 2021 Book clubs aren’t just a way to while away a pleasant hour with friends as you discuss Jane Austen or Julian Barnes over a glass of wine. Our emerging market equities team has established a book club to seek investment insights from beyond the everyday sources. We hope it will spark discussion, and nurture a [...]
The future of commercial property post-Covid March 25, 2021 Will Fulton, Lead Manager, UK Commercial Property REIT The pandemic has brought real challenges for commercial tenants and landlords Strong asset allocation, prudent negotiation with tenants and strategic portfolio shifts have helped mitigate the impact of the crisis From here, the portfolio is geared into a number of long-term structural changes This has been a [...]
Chasing Tesla: how traditional carmakers are revving up their electric vehicle production August 16, 2021 Equities generally had a strong year in 2020, but few parts of the market could match the runaway share price gains of the pure electric vehicle (EV) makers. Tapping into investor (and day trader) demand for two popular themes – tech and sustainability – such companies became extremely highly sought after. US group Tesla is [...]
Chancellor Rishi Sunak: The City could be set for a post-Brexit Big Bang 2.0 January 11, 2021 Rishi Sunak believes the Square Mile is set for a post-Brexit “Big Bang 2.0” and that the City’s “culture and creativity” will see it to greater, global heights. In a candid interview with City A.M., the Chancellor also pushed back against criticism of the UK’s trade deal with the European Union, saying that it should [...]
What should investors care about most: A vaccine or the US President? November 13, 2020 The result of the US election was big news for the world, for the economy and markets. But as an investor I’ve always considered the pandemic of far greater consequence. Vaccine news steals election thunder Joe Biden’s electoral success was duly eclipsed by the news on Monday that an effective Covid-19 vaccine may have been [...]
West Yorkshire to enter Tier 3 from midnight on Sunday October 29, 2020 The whole of West Yorkshire will enter the highest level of lockdown from midnight on Sunday following a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield will all enter Tier 3 restrictions, meaning an extra 1.5m people will be placed under the toughest restrictions in the country, Leeds City council leader Judith Blake confirmed [...]
Why has north Asia outperformed its south-east Asian peers? July 23, 2021 The success of north Asian countries (China, South Korea, Taiwan) in containing the Covid-19 pandemic last year is well-known. Strict lockdowns and quarantine procedures helped all three countries return to relative economic normality last year while Western economies suffered protracted disruption. China and Taiwan even recorded positive GDP growth for 2020. This success was, in [...]