Keep your powder dry and let the worm turn
Investment value and the Autumn Statement
I am pleased to report that whilst I have been in South Africa, with the Autumn Statement happening, values on market investments seem to have been nudging gently upwards, after unrelenting negativity. That’s helpful but the opportunities are not quite so attractive of course then – but still compelling.
We have just issued what we...
Autumn market musings
I am going to be signing-off for a few weeks now for a much-needed proper break, (excluding Christmas) the first since July last year, so am completing an eshot just before I disappear.
Of course I shall be keeping more than a wary eye on things and especially the markets (the joys of global internet...
Dreadful Gaza war and market reaction
What awful atrocities are happening in Israel and Palestine. Our sympathies go out to all the innocent people and their families affected. Hamas’s action is evil and no protest deserves what it has done, regardless of any ‘excuses’ about its lands and people.
The conflict pushed the oil price back up and on Monday, unless...
Negative markets but a good PJM average
The 15th anniversary of Lehmans’ collapse passed on 15 September. Aren’t memories short – the world’s whole financial system could have imploded (and really Lehmans shouldn’t have been allowed to go - and liquidity could have been used - its demise exacerbated the problems). The financial downturn was the worst since the Great Depression....
Are the ‘magnificent seven’ seriously over-extended?
An ‘emperor’s new clothes’ scenario could be applied to US tech stocks, which have been highlighted before in this column and we still feel could be living in an unreality bubble.
There was a very interesting article by Peter Atwater, an adjunct lecturer in economics at the College of William and Mary, Virginia, in the...
A good financial adviser will help you stay on course
The importance of a good financial adviser that understand economics and the mechanics of investing was highlighted recently by a frank interview with multi billion investment house Baillie Gifford.
This column has highlighted more than once the need for advisers to help clients understand long term investment strategies and not to rush into knee-jerk reactions...
Is inflation deflating? And is your adviser clued up?
Inflation is coming-down – only 6.8% and for the first time since 2021, lower than the increase in average pay (including bonuses etc). Food inflation is dropping even faster. Some of the reasons are ‘pigs in pythons’ – when a big increase a year ago drops-out of the figures.
The next big hit will be...
State Pension set to see 8% rise if ‘triple lock’ promise holds
Millions receiving the State Pension could receive a ‘bumper’ rise yet again next year due to rising wages.
Due to the ‘triple lock’, experts are predicting the annual State Pension could increase by up to £879 in April, 2024.
This means pensioners would receive around £11,500 a year and the maximum flat rate State Pension would...