FTSE 100 falls ahead of the Italian referendum – but the pound tries to keep its chin up December 2, 2016 The FTSE 100 slid almost one per cent in morning trading today, as jitters over the outcome of the Italian referendum and the higher oil price conspired against equities. The UK's blue-chip market was down 0.9 per cent at 6,693 points in mid-morning trading, pushed down by minters and oil giants, after oil prices jumped this [...]
The league table of countries with the most ‘caring’ investors December 2, 2016 | City Talk Europeans are less concerned about environmental issues when it comes to selecting investments than Asians or Americans, according to a major study of attitudes in 28 countries. Investors in Asia were far more likely to consider environmental concerns, particularly those in Indonesia and Thailand. Investors in China and India also ranked the importance of these [...]
How the stockmarket returned 80% without moving December 2, 2016 | City Talk Reinvesting dividends is one of the most powerful tools available to an investor to boost returns over time. If you had invested £100 on 30th December 1999 in the FTSE 100, the capital growth would have produced a notional return of £0.97 (by 31/10/16). But on a total return basis, reinvesting all dividends, the £100 [...]
Small companies Aim high: Junior market set for buoyant December, with five new floats in the pipeline December 1, 2016 The London Stock Exchange’s junior market is set for a buoyant month after a slow year for floats across the board. While initial public offerings (IPOs) on the main market appear to have almost ground to a halt, at least five new listings are due on the Alternative Investment Market (Aim) in the coming weeks as [...]
Oil prices hit $50 around the world as Opec’s production cut decision continues to make waves in markets worldwide December 1, 2016 The trading frenzy sparked by Opec’s historic deal on Wednesday to agree a production cut has continued to make its presence felt throughout markets worldwide, with oil-related shares gaining further and futures prices rising beyond the levels seen after the announcement. Prices for both Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) traded well above $50 per [...]
Pound shoots up as Davis says UK could pay for single market access December 1, 2016 The British pound rose sharply to break $1.26 after Brexit secretary David Davis said in a speech the UK may continue to pay money into the European Union budget in order to preserve Single Market access. The pound/dollar spot exchange rate had opened the day at $1.2506, but rose sharply this morning to reach intraday highs [...]
Glencore share price rises 2.1 per cent as miner reveals it is on track to pay out $1bn in dividends next year December 1, 2016 Shares in Glencore rose 2.2 per cent this morning after the miner and commodities trader revealed that it is on track to pay out $1bn (£798m) in dividends in 2017. Glencore said it will distribute the $1bn in two equal portions in the first and second half of next year. The company announced a new [...]
After the Trumpflation trade, should investors expect a Santa rally in equity markets this month? December 1, 2016 Brad Holland, fund manager at Nutmeg Savings and Investments, says Yes. Central banks across the world have been desperately trying to create inflation for years now. If inflation did return to the radar screen, monetary policy wonks could celebrate that the past decade’s extraordinary policy measures are finally beginning to lift the global economy out [...]
FTSE reshuffles confirmed: Convatec and Smurfit Kappa replace Travis Perkins and Polymetal International in blue-chip index November 30, 2016 Medical products company Convatec has successfully made its way into the FTSE 100 after floating on the London Stock Exchange’s main market at the end of October. Convatec will be joined by Irish packaging firm Smurfit Kappa on the blue-chip index tomorrow morning. Making way are building materials company Travis Perkins, which was forced to [...]
Oil prices shoot up as Opec agrees its first production cut since 2008 November 30, 2016 Investors piled into oil futures and related stocks yesterday evening after Opec defied expectations and revealed a deal to cut production by 1.2m barrels a day. Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices soared as the Saudi Arabia-led cartel announced its first agreement since 2008. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will reduce [...]