Corporate collapses: when Arthur Andersen went down 15 years ago over Enron the problem was that the liabilities of one branch of that firm spread right across the world. This is different to the collapse of Bell-Pottinger where no liabilities (at least as matters stand) are due. Here the firm which specialised in managing reputations…
In recent decades, governments and central banks have come under fierce criticism for the way they manage our most important commodity – money. Money is supposed to be a simple and neutral way of facilitating the financial interactions necessary in all our lives; but it has become somewhat of a burden, and has often been…
Corporate collapses: when Arthur Andersen went down 15 years ago over Enron the problem was that the liabilities of one branch of that firm spread right across the world. This is different to the collapse of Bell-Pottinger where no liabilities (at least as matters stand) are due. Here the firm which specialised in managing reputations…
It has been a busy buying day or two. Having sold EROS (NYSE:EROS) I rushed back in at $12.20. I just love it. But I also bought Interquest (LON:ITQ) at 29p just before the suspension – in the belief that we will get the management buyout at 42p. And I bought Tribal (LON:TRB) at 76p…
Hurricane Harvey brought biblical floods to Houston. Ten days later, Hurricane Irma devastated the Caribbean. Were these freak storms the direct consequence of man-made climate change? What lessons can we learn to prepare for extreme weather events in the future? Who will be the key players in a world of freak weather? And can the insurers cope with this…
With inflation moving back up to 2.9% in August, obtaining a real return may become more difficult for investors. Certainly, there are a number of popular income shares which are likely to offer income returns in excess of inflation. However, they may become more in-demand if inflation keeps rising, and this may cause their yields…
In my opinion, investors/traders don’t spend enough time on putting together a strategy that helps them decide when to get out of a profitable position. All of the effort gets channeled into finding a perfect system for where to get in – which of course doesn’t exist! But where you finally get out is what…
Back in 2015, when I was raising funds for my FinTech start-up CityFALCON, I mentioned that our most active user on the platform is a woman who trades from home while her family is out. I would never have imagined of the reaction that I got then: “this clearly can’t be one of your target…
In recent decades, governments and central banks have come under fierce criticism for the way they manage our most important commodity – money. Money is supposed to be a simple and neutral way of facilitating the financial interactions necessary in all our lives; but it has become somewhat of a burden, and has often been…
This missive is being written on the Edinburgh to London train, as I return from a full week at the Edinburgh Festival. My friends Alan and Fran Steel of Alan Steel Asset Management, Scotland’s most successful IFA (Independent Financial Adviser), asked me to speak to a selection of their clients during my visit, which I…
Gold may not have a practical value as an alternative currency. It’s not possible to enter a shop and pay for any product or service in gold. However, the precious metal may have value as an alternative to cash or other assets due to its scope to help protect against rising inflation. Inflation potential In…
The election result has plunged the UK into a period of significant political uncertainty. There have been calls for Theresa May to resign, and there is the potential for a relatively weak minority government formed by the Conservatives and DUP. This could be just the beginning of an intense period for UK politics. In just…
One of the best options for long-term investors looking for higher risk/return opportunities is the Emerging Markets. The region offers huge potential upside as the various countries develop, although there are many challenges for them to overcome along the way. A well-diversified regional fund offers the safest way for people to profit from this area,…
Commodity-related stocks have had a difficult time of it in recent years with the main sector indices still trading well below their pre financial crisis levels. Funds that specialise in this area can provide a useful source of diversification and protection against inflation. They also offer huge upside potential if you can get the timing…
The Brexit talks-about-talks have started badly. What is the chance that there will be no deal at all? Are investors heading for the rapids…? Come dine with me On 26 April Theresa hosted dinner at her well-appointed home in Downing Street for Jean-Claude (a louche Belgian gentleman whom she had met on a caravanning holiday…
Ready. Aim. Fire! The notorious Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon (2007) was “triggered” by the United Kingdom last night when Prime Minister May signed off a historic letter to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council. This was delivered by hand by Sir Tim Barrow, our man in Brussels, at 12:20 BST this afternoon.…
