UK’s biotech sector raised twice as much through IPOs in 2017 than 2016 January 25, 2018 The UK’s biotech industry ended last year with a bang, having raised more than twice as much money through initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2017 than the previous year. A report published today by the BioIndustry Association (BIA) and data firm Informa Pharma Intelligence found IPOs by UK biotech companies raised £234m last year compared [...]
Hedge funds’ “star traders” are being booted out of the limelight in favour of data-driven strategies and artificial intelligence April 16, 2018 The hedge fund industry is at an “inflection point”, according to titans in the sector, which could see the idea of “star managers” take a back seat to artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven strategies. Efficiency in markets and the wider availability of financial data has helped make it harder for hedge funds to produce returns [...]
Trump’s protectionism poses “significant risk” to global growth says Bank of England March 27, 2018 Policymakers at the Bank of England are concerned that protectionist economic policies pursued by US President Donald Trump could damage global growth, according to their latest assessment of the risks to the financial system. The Bank’s financial policy committee (FPC) is concerned that “The potential for an increase in trade barriers represented a significant downside [...]
Friends disunited: US imposes sanctions on Russian oligarchs including Oleg Deripaska April 6, 2018 The US has imposed sweeping sanctions against Russian oligarchs, as the Trump administration continues its assault against friends of President Vladimir Putin. Billionaires Oleg Deripaska, Viktor Vekselberg, Suleiman Kerimov and Kirill Shamalov, who the US said is married to one of Putin’s daughters, are on the hit list revealed by the US Treasury this afternoon. [...]
Should shareholders shudder as Rio Tinto mentions M&A? February 20, 2018 During the last mining boom, chief executives of virtually all of the major resource stocks listed in the UK blew shareholders’ money on over-priced acquisitions. These purchases appeared to be more about ego and empire building than a sensible, prudent growth strategy. The M&A (mergers and acquisitions) splurge led to billions of dollars in write [...]
Politicians must stand up for Britain’s post-Brexit future June 7, 2018 It is almost two years since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. Since the referendum, it is fair to say that the government’s Brexit strategy has been characterised by confusion, indecision, and political infighting – and that’s to put it mildly. With the clock ticking ahead of our scheduled exit in March, [...]
Will the number of listed law firms double over the next 12 months? March 15, 2018 When previously unfashionable Birmingham law firm Gateley listed on London’s AIM market on 8 June 2015, hundreds of years of legal tradition were undone, as members of the public were able to buy shares in a law firm for the first time. While this was undoubtedly a seminal moment for the English legal market, Gateley’s [...]
As seen on TV: We get some tips on investing in film memorabilia September 12, 2018 I wasn't expecting to, but I grinned excitedly when I saw – with my very own eyes – two of the wand boxes from the first Harry Potter film. Maybe that’s just my inner fangirl shining through, but it’s that emotional reaction that has made the film memorabilia industry so huge. It’s that rare glimpse [...]
Stobart Group confirms interest in Flybe (FLYB) deal as shares in the airline rise 36 per cent February 22, 2018 The owner of London Southend Airport confirmed today it was considering a number of options in a potential deal with regional airline Flybe, including a takeover approach. The firm said today a number of possible structures have been considered, including “a non-controlling interest in a vehicle to acquire 100 per cent of Flybe” after shares [...]
AI and experiments – let’s make 2018 Britain’s year of innovation December 21, 2017 It has been a rather frustrating year for those interested in hearing from the government on a long-term vision for the British economy. With most of the year dominated by Brexit negotiations – plus a mid-year pause for a surprise election – it took 11 months for a roadmap for UK growth to be set [...]