Best of the Brokers for 24 November 2015 November 24, 2015 To appear in Best of the Brokers, email your research to notes@cityam.com Analysts at Numis have revised their expectations for Close Brothers Group, lowering their earnings per share forecasts for the specialist financial services firm by 5.8 per cent for this year and a similar amount for next year off the back of the firm’s [...]
Oil stocks drag down the FTSE ending its rally – London Report November 24, 2015 Traders’ concerns over miners and retailers yesterday pull down London’s main index, ending a week-long run. The FTSE 100 dropped 29.1 points to 6,305.5. Oil companies were struggled after Saudi Arabia indicated it will work to stabilise oil markets, sending the price pinballing. Producers ended lower, despite a late rally after the oil price bounced [...]
Santa Clause ain’t coming to town: Why you shouldn’t expect stocks to rally – CNBC Comment November 24, 2015 Last week was the year’s best for the S&P 500. October also saw a very strong bounceback from the late summer malaise. I’ve been surprised by the recent recoveries in markets in the short term. When you pair that with the huge long-term gains we have had since March 2009 alongside my fundamental bearishness, [...]
Corporate networking needs a rethink: Senior mentors and targeted events aren’t always the best idea November 24, 2015 Like most of us, I’m a firm believer in the power of networks to help facilitate professional growth at all career levels. In today’s increasingly digital world, much of our networking has moved online. And of course social media absolutely has its place but, in my opinion, you can’t underestimate the value of good old [...]
Tech unicorns face fresh bubble fear November 24, 2015 Traders are piling up short interest on early stage technology firms after a string of young companies made market-busting initial public offerings (IPOs). The so-called “unicorns” – companies which are valued at $1bn before they have launched onto the stock market – are being targeted by traders betting their share prices will fall. Although they [...]
Institute of Economic Affairs debunks fears over 24-hour drinking: Licensing Act did not result in catastrophe November 24, 2015 Relaxing liquor licensing laws has benefited consumers and caused little harm, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) is arguing today. On the tenth anniversary of the Licensing Act and so-called 24-hour drinking, the free-market think tank has said that looser licensing laws “did not result in the catastrophic outcomes” predicted a decade ago. “The apocalypse [...]
London house prices: Buy-to-let investors looking outside the capital for best value as Brewin Dolphin warns sector is a “disaster waiting to happen” November 24, 2015 A rising number of buy-to-let investors are trying to get their hands on cheaper properties outside of London and the South East, new figures reveal today. Meanwhile, one London investment manager has warned BTL is a "disaster waiting to happen" due to a lack of understanding on recent changes in the tax rules. Figures released by [...]
The UK to crash out of global trading top ten by 2050 and won’t be able to keep up with emerging markets November 24, 2015 The UK is set to fall out of the top ten trading nations by 2050, pushed out by the likes of South Korea, Mexico and other emerging markets, according to a new report. Global merchandise trade is set to quadruple by 2050, down to increased economic integration and new technology. The UK is set to struggle [...]
Fed interest rate hike decision: Why I’m long the dollar – whatever history says November 23, 2015 With the US Federal Reserve expected to raise rates for the first time since 2004 next month, should every man and his dog be long dollar? Or is this a good example of a “buy the rumour, sell the news” rally? Looking at the statistics of the eight Fed rate hike cycles since 1971, [...]
US interest rates: Markets are prepared for a Fed rate hike – eToro Tips & Picks November 23, 2015 The markets are absorbing the likelihood that the Fed will raise US interest rates next month, reducing investor uncertainty. All eyes are now on the ECB and the Bank of Japan, which are seeking to stimulate economic growth. Mario Draghi announced on Friday that he is determined to increase inflation. This could involve expanding the [...]