Investors clamp down on executives’ pension pay packets November 16, 2020 Investors are piling further pressure on companies to scale back executive pension packets to align with the rest of their workforce. In the past it has been common for executives’ pension contributions to be considerably higher than the rest of the workforce. Some progress has been made in bridging the gap but now investors want [...]
Gap between rich and poor grows despite jump in savings ratio November 16, 2020 The wealth gap between rich and poor people in the UK is widening as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns, according to an Oxford-based think tank. Research from the Centre for Enterprise, Markets and Ethics has found that a third of British people now have less than £1,500 in the bank, [...]
Restrictions confusion and lockdown fears stunt white collar job openings November 16, 2020 Regional tiered restrictions confusion and rumours of a national lockdown stalled white collar hiring in October, with contract vacancies dropping -1%, according to the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo). The latest data found that while month-on-month vacancy numbers saw little to no change, the year-on-year percentage drop slightly increased for October following several months [...]
What should investors care about most: A vaccine or the US President? November 13, 2020 | City Talk The result of the US election was big news for the world, for the economy and markets. But as an investor I’ve always considered the pandemic of far greater consequence. Vaccine news steals election thunder Joe Biden’s electoral success was duly eclipsed by the news on Monday that an effective Covid-19 vaccine may have been [...]
DEBATE: Will the National Security and Investment Bill make it harder for the UK to remain a business hub? November 13, 2020 Max von Thun, senior associate at political advisory firm Global Counsel, says YES. Under the screening regime proposed by the new National Security and Investment Bill, a much higher number of deals will be subject to potential government intervention on national security grounds for up to five years after they have taken place. In addition [...]
Exclusive: Meet the 50 highest-growth startups in the UK November 12, 2020 A total 50 of the most promising high-growth tech firms in the UK have been named as the country’s top scaleup companies by tech group Silicon Valley Comes to the UK (SVC2UK). Global medical network Air Doctor, social enterprise Beam, which helps the homeless secure employment, and business and finance marketplace Funding Options were among [...]
New FCA chief tells City: ‘We are committed to open markets’ post-Brexit November 12, 2020 The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is committed to maintaining open financial markets following the end of the Brexit transition period, warning that not doing so will disrupt the city. Speaking today at Mansion House in an address to city regulators, new chief executive Nikhil Rathi said the watchdog had been keeping its focus on readiness [...]
Barcelona, one of the world’s smartest cities November 12, 2020 | Sponsored Barcelona was one of the first European cities to adapt smart city technologies. About ten years ago, the Catalan capital installed extensive sensor networks that provided government and the private sector with data on transport, energy usage, noise levels, irrigation et cetera. Its technology-base is solid, with a noteworthy open data portal, a good air quality [...]
What does the US election mean for healthcare investors? November 12, 2020 | City Talk Voting has already begun in the US presidential election with many polls predicting a win for Democrat candidate Joe Biden. A Biden victory has been perceived in many quarters as likely to be negative for the healthcare sector. However, as with everything to do with US healthcare, the reality is more complicated. The main focus [...]
Green Bonds are misguided, counter-productive, and an investment handicap November 12, 2020 On Monday, the chancellor announced that the UK government will soon be issuing “Green Bonds”. In separate but related news, Scottish Widows will dump £400m of stocks that don’t meet Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. ESG compliance has become the first thing discussed at investment committee meetings. Everyone wants to show how green they [...]
