Gilts, Sterling recovery and markets
So the UK Government has sold the most expensive Gilt since 2007, paying 5.668% till redemption in October 2025. That is significantly higher than the rates which were applying only a few years ago. Unless inflation abates (and wage figures today don’t help) then the cost of servicing the National Debt will rocket and...
Markets in the first half of 2023
Elon Musk is basking in the light as the world’s richest man again as his investments have recovered some followers and at the same time the froth has blown-off the top of the French luxury brands’ world. We feel both stocks' and sectors’ sun-bathing remains transitory.
So US inflation has slipped some more and the...
Investment returns and falls
North Devon Business Awards
We were delighted to be the main sponsor again for Business Action’s North Devon Business Awards. Well done to Rob Zarywacz and team for a great event and all that volunteer help in assimilating all the applicants and judging them too.
Every applicant was a worthy contender but well done to those...
Investment psychology and trusts
Albeit a little belated, I hope you had an enjoyable Coronation weekend. Whatever your views on the process, no other country in the world can replicate what we can produce so all applause to the thousands involved in whatever way they achieved such a successful event - and a restful holiday weekend, I trust...
Coronation, cost of living & currency
Before anything else, we hope you had a really Happy Coronation Weekend! Well done your Majesties!
So, US growth is lower than expected, unemployment is rising in the UK and the US as job vacancies are falling and that is seen as good news so the markets react without great negativity... why?
It may sound bizarre...
Investment opportunities and trends
You will recall the special opportunities I mentioned recently in several Investment Trusts? Triple Point Social Housing has been reading my missives. It has announced a small buy-back to cancel up to £5million of its shares at these seriously deep discounts and that has floated many of the similar boats. We don’t have that...
Happy Easter, good news and why you should avoid crypto
Latest on the banks crash and why forecasts are unreliable
So, a mini bank collapse (compared to the larger ones) which has passed without significant contagion, saw bank shares across the globe fall in value by $0.5trillion in a week, the most since the pandemic panic. This will affect investors’ portfolios everywhere as banks represent a large portion of market indices too. Goldman Sachs loses...
What does the banking crash mean for us?
What is it about March and crises affecting the financial markets? So Credit Suisse, one of the bastions of the Swiss banking industry has been swallowed by UBS and with a big write-down for its shareholders and 100% losses for those with the riskiest of its bonds. The reverberations appear to be continuing. ...