Lender Amigo’s share price crashes as loan growth dwindles August 29, 2019 High interest rate lender Amigo has had one-third of its market value slashed this morning after warning of a change of strategy which will see impairment rates jump and lending growth slow as it braces for a crackdown by regulators. At one point this morning shares were trading 33 per cent down at 97p, as [...]
The chart that reveals the secret of value investing August 27, 2019 | City Talk Value investing is the art of buying stocks which are valued at less than their true worth and are awaiting a correction. History suggests that over the longer term value investing works, although past performance is no guarantee of future returns. But why does it work? Using data going back to the late 1800s, the [...]
Behavioural finance: what the polka dot maxi dress sensation has to do with investing August 23, 2019 | City Talk THE polka dot Zara dress sensation comes to mind when considering recent examples of “herd bias”. The hugely popular dress, which has its own Instagram page dedicated to sightings of it, was initially a sell-out, and it seems herd mentality has been at play. However, this bandwagon effect, where people gravitate towards something because “everybody [...]
Probate delays are leaving vulnerable people at risk August 22, 2019 The delays at the probate registries are causing problems for families across the country. It is particularly the elderly and vulnerable who are experiencing undue distress as a result of these delays, which have been going on since the beginning of the year. The issues are related to the introduction of a new computer system, [...]
Is now the time to invest in gold? August 21, 2019 | City Talk In this short video Schroders fund manager James Luke gives three reasons why he believes now is the right time to think about increasing gold exposure. There are three reasons why we believe that now is the right time to think about increasing gold exposure. The first would be that broadly market valuations are high, [...]
Dealing with the debt conundrum August 20, 2019 Debt remains a word shrouded with negative connotations. And despite how commonplace it is, people are still strangely reluctant to talk about it openly. In reality, debt should not be seen as a bad thing. It is a vital financial instrument for enabling people to achieve major life goals and lead the lifestyles they want. [...]
What do “lower for longer” interest rates mean for value investors? August 19, 2019 | City Talk “Lower for longer” has been one of the rallying cries of this bull market cycle. Indeed, interest rates are not simply staying low; they have recently been cut again by the US Federal Reserve. Why do low rates matter? If interest rates remain low, economic growth is stimulated, defaults are scarce, financing is easy and [...]
Economy on red alert with yield curve close to inversion August 16, 2019 | City Talk Both the US and UK yield curves are on the verge of inverting. The yield curve has been a reliable predictor of US recessions over the last four decades, less so in the UK. With only one exception, each time the yield curve has inverted, the US economy has entered a downturn within 18 months. [...]
Why you should be worried about the rise of the Bank of Mum and Dad August 16, 2019 The yearning to own one’s home is as British as a piping hot cup of tea, cricket, or a traditional roast dinner, and the UK’s rates of ownership-occupancy have traditionally been among the highest in Europe. Unlike many traditions, this desire hasn’t been dented by the complexities of modern life either. One recent survey revealed [...]
Beware picking an investment – or a football team – for its glory days August 14, 2019 | City Talk Football being what it is, Liverpool’s triumphant Champions League campaign – with that extraordinary semi-final comeback against Barcelona to the fore – was never going to have every single club fan in the country up on their feet and cheering. Nevertheless, the weeks from the team’s victory over Spurs in June to the start of [...]