What you need to know before the open – 31/10 October 31, 2013 The Fed's decision last night to stick with its current stimulus level wasn't a big surprise, given the probable damage caused by shutdown. US markets were dragged down, however, on the absence of discussion on shutdown, tight credit conditions and high interest rates. Asian markets were cooled by the news, too, with Seoul shares edging [...]
Letters to the Editor – 22/10 – UK tech failures, Cost of nuclear, Best of Twitter October 21, 2013 UK tech failures [Re: UK efforts to nurture a tech startup revolution are worryingly trivial, yesterday] The world laughs at our abject failure to build global tech companies. Sadly Tech City will go the way of other innovation initiatives like the Cabinet Office’s Skunkworks, the Innovation Launch Pad, the Solutions Exchange and ICT Futures, which have [...]
Wolseley steps up hunt for deals as it returns £300m to investors October 1, 2013 PLUMBERS’ merchant Wolseley confirmed plans yesterday to return £300m to shareholders after posting a strong rise in profits. Chief financial officer John Martin said that a lack of attractive acquisition opportunities last year meant that it will return £300m to investors in a special dividend. He said it will continue to seek out bolt-on acquisitions [...]
Buoyant Britain: Growth forecasts rise November 5, 2013 Growth forecasts rise as services improve at best rate in 16 years UK SERVICES posted their strongest growth in over 16 years during October, with the economy’s biggest sector showing no signs of slowing down as the fourth quarter kicked off. A major survey of firms revealed yesterday suggested that the economy could grow by [...]
Mortgage deals strike a four year high in August September 24, 2013 THE SURGING housing market has pushed mortgage lending to a four-year peak, according to the British Bankers’ Association (BBA), while lending to businesses remains anaemic. The BBA said that last month its members approved 38,228 mortgages, an increase of just over 25 per cent from the same month last year, highlighting the recent boost to activity [...]
Miliband’s policies have already damaged Britain’s economy October 13, 2013 EVERY so often, financial markets spectacularly misjudge an issue. One such blunder took place immediately after Ed Miliband announced his policy to freeze gas and electricity prices for the first 18 months of a Labour government. Instead of heading for the exits, investors sat on their hands. Shares barely fell that first afternoon, despite extensive [...]
Miliband’s policies have already damaged Britain’s economy October 14, 2013 EVERY so often, financial markets spectacularly misjudge an issue. One such blunder took place immediately after Ed Miliband announced his policy to freeze gas and electricity prices for the first 18 months of a Labour government. Instead of heading for the exits, investors sat on their hands. Shares barely fell that first afternoon, despite extensive [...]
How to profit from the fund price war January 28, 2014 Increased competition between platforms is welcome – but the overhaul of charges won’t be a game-changer @AnnabelPalmer1 IN WHAT some are calling a price war, yet another investment platform (Barclays Stockbrokers) has unveiled sweeping changes to its pricing structures. It all began on 15 January, when Hargreaves Lansdown announced that it would overhaul its charges. [...]
Focus on Canary Wharf: Riding on the wave of Canary Wharf November 7, 2013 Steeped in history, Canary Wharf was once part of the world’s largest port. Now the capital’s second most vibrant business district – after the ancient City of London – it is still a gleaming hub of international trade and commerce. The banks, law firms and media organisations that have joined its ranks have brought a [...]
Analyst Views: Have Wolseley’s results altered your outlook for the year ahead? October 1, 2013 JONATHAN JACKSON KILLIK & COWolseley’s results were very reassuring…. With more than 70 per cent of profits generated in the US, the company provides a good way of playing the ongoing recovery in housing and construction markets, while self-help in Europe provides a cushion while investors wait for the economy to recover. CHARLIE CAMPBELL LIBERUM [...]