Why it may be time to reduce investment exposure to UK September 3, 2008 Two trends have dominated financial markets in recent months: global growth has continued to weaken, while inflationary pressure has eased. The main cloud on the horizon now is the renewed upward spike in US mortgage spreads; this prevents the average American house-buyer from benefiting from looser monetary policy and lower bond yields. More positively, energy [...]
Cash and bonds will help protect your investments from stagflation August 29, 2008 It’s time to re-balance your portfolio to cushion the blow of the bear market, says Bill Jamieson Investors have arrived at a critical inflection point on portfolio planning. Many believe that key sectors of the equity market such as banks and house builders are now undervalued, yet they choose to remain markedly underweight in these [...]
Guinness gears up to offer retail fund August 27, 2008 Guinness family wealth-management office Iveagh yesterday announced the launch of its first retail fund, the Iveagh Wealth Fund. The fund’s objective is wealth preservation, rather than rapid growth, and it is aimed at families seeking to pass wealth on to future generations. In a statement, Iveagh said the fund had been launched to meet demand [...]
Plunge into a dark pool in the new era of trading platforms August 26, 2008 Project Turquoise is here, and promises to shake up the world of trading. But what does it mean for you?, asks Katie Hope Within two weeks, Project Turquoise will launch in full. The hotly awaited new trading platform set up by a consortium of nine investment banks, started quietly almost two weeks ago trading just [...]
Suite returns: why it’s a good time to check yourself into the hotel industry August 14, 2008 Hotel rooms are one area of property investing that are bucking the credit crunch, writes Timothy Barber If we’re thinking positive, the slowing economy presents an opportunity to get a bit creative with investments. The alternative asset market has become more and more prominent in 2008 as investors look for areas offering stable returns in [...]
When traders and chatrooms go hand-in-hand August 12, 2008 Investors can now exchange ideas online, Katie Hope assesses the pros and cons Social networking sites are nothing new. Millions of people every day log on to Facebook to update their profile, “poke” their mates and throw sheep at each other, but the trend has now hit Contracts for Difference (CFD) trading. While adding chatrooms, [...]
It’s best to trade on what you see, not what you think August 11, 2008 In these uncertain markets, instinct and common sense can be a trader’s best friend, says Sandy Jadeja There is an old saying that we should trade what we see and not what we think. Now, I for one agree. The moment I start to think about what’s happening in the markets rather than trade based [...]
Could now be the moment to enter the dragon? August 8, 2008 As the Olympics begin, China has never been more intriguing, says Samantha Downes It was once a region where only the least risk-averse would fear to tread, but China has emerged as a magnet for investors’ cash. In the last decade the communist-run country has emerged as the world’s second largest economy. Its willingness to [...]
The top five tools to improve your trading August 5, 2008 Master technical analysis, but don’t get too bogged down in the details, says Katie Hope Any body logging onto a retail contracts for difference (CFD) trading platform for the first time could end up a bit dazzled. It’s like an online 80s disco, all flashing lights and neon colours. Just add some leg warmers and [...]
Summer volatility means rich pickings August 4, 2008 Traders should stay disciplined to make the most of unusual summer markets, says Sandy Jadeja With holiday season upon us, minds are turning to currencies. With the dollar so weak against the pound, a trip to the US looks like a better bet than Europe at the moment. I am planning to take a break [...]