Fed minutes and Apple’s figures in focus – New York Report October 25, 2015 Another busy week beckons,with the Federal Reserve holding a policy meeting, a plethora of big-name companies posting quarterly financial results, and a number of key economic reports are released. Investors will be paying close attention as the Federal Open Market Committee reveals its latest policy statement on Wednesday. Wall Street does not view it as [...]
RationalFX and Xendpay founder Rajesh Agrawal on Apple Pay, Masai warriors and the future of banks October 25, 2015 When I get the Tube, I always pay using my Apple Watch,” says Rajesh Agrawal. The Indian-born entrepreneur and philanthropist doesn’t exactly need to take the Jubilee Line to work – in The Sunday Times Rich List 2012, he was estimated to be worth around £90m. But making money has never been the aim: “look [...]
New mortgage rules to affect dual currency earners – Investec Comment October 25, 2015 Coming into force in March next year is the EU Mortgage Credit Directive, and it is likely to have a significant impact on many who work in the City. It has a variety of implications, including for buy-to-let mortgages, but least well-understood is how it will affect the provision of mortgages for people who [...]
In the market for disruption: SapientNitro chief executive Nigel Vaz on consumer expectations October 25, 2015 Most disruptive companies have certain characteristics in common. They adapt constantly to stay ahead of the curve, they are dedicated to digital and deliver excellent customer service. Nigel Vaz, global chief strategy officer and European chief executive of SapientNitro, likens such businesses to gryphons – mythical hybrids with the wings of an eagle and the [...]
Lessons from 007: There’s an unlikely relationship between James Bond and business October 25, 2015 As Spectre hits the big screens this week, many will be looking out for the hallmark gadgets of the Bond films – the exploding pen, the hidden microphone or the mini-rocket cigarette that gets 007 out of many a tight corner on his missions. Bond always manages to extricate himself from sticky situations that [...]
George Osborne has backed the wrong Asian emerging market horse October 25, 2015 Give him his due; George Osborne is a clever man. He has rightly seen that a becalmed EU will not provide the UK with exciting new macroeconomic avenues for growth – for that he must look eastwards. This brainwave amounts to a massive macroeconomic and geostrategic shift for Britain, and is entirely in line with [...]
Access to faster broadband is crucial for the City to remain competitive globally October 25, 2015 The word “wayleave” might not necessarily mean very much to most readers. But this legal agreement permits the installation of broadband – an essential for any company – so that it can reach the offices and businesses that need it. As things stand, each connection requires a new agreement, and SME tenants, of which [...]
Support Britain’s Mittelstand to build a truly balanced economy October 25, 2015 If George Osborne has made just one ambition clear during his time as chancellor, it’s his aim to rebalance the UK economy so that we’re not overly-reliant on the South East or the City of London. You’ll all be familiar with the soundbites by now – “The Northern Powerhouse”, “the March of the Makers” [...]
Is Barclays chairman John McFarlane right to say that bonuses encourage people to cut corners? October 25, 2015 Alex Edmans, professor of finance at London Business School, says Yes. High pay is indeed justified if an executive has generated long-term value. However, bonuses are typically paid according to short-term performance. They can encourage executives to “cut corners” by ignoring the long-run consequences of their actions, and focus narrowly on their impact on short-term [...]
Best of the Brokers for 23 October 2015 October 23, 2015 To appear in Best of the Brokers, email your research to notes@cityam.com RECKITT BENCKISER The Dettol and Strepsils producer beat consensus estimates in its sales over the three months to September as they rose seven per cent. Analysts at Canaccord Genuity lifted their target price to 5,825p from 5,470p but maintained their “hold” rating. [...]
