BEST OF THE BROKERS February 22, 2012 COOKSON Deutsche Bank has upgraded the materials specialist to “buy” from “hold” and upped its target price from £6 to £8, citing low consensus forecasts and a very inexpensive current price as a catalyst. The broker sees the first half of this year as the low point in the industrial and steel cycles, and expects [...]
US stocks slide on doubts over credit February 22, 2012 BANKS led US stocks lower yesterday as the S&P 500 stalled near a 10-month high after signs of weak European business activity rekindled concerns about a recession overseas. US banks were the S&P 500’s worst performing sector. Investors feared that weak Eurozone growth would hamper countries dealing with heavy debt loads and the banks exposed [...]
FTSE down as investors look again at weak Eurozone data February 22, 2012 BRITAIN’S leading share index edged lower yesterday as investors refocused on fundamentals, specifically weaker-than-expected Eurozone data, with the Greek debt restructuring theatricals out of the way for now. Recession concerns increased after data showed the Eurozone’s service sector unexpectedly shrank in February, with Europe being Britain’s main market for its goods. “The FTSE ends the [...]
Emerging powers are giving us a wake-up call: We must earn our place in the world February 22, 2012 AS MINISTER in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office responsible for Asia and Latin America, my brief includes most of the world’s emerging economies. China, Brazil, and India have had the most column inches devoted to their meteoric rise, however some of the smaller countries have also made incredible leaps in the last few years. South [...]
Why it is time to rename the Bric nations the Bics February 22, 2012 IT HAS been clear for some time that global growth for the foreseeable future will not be driven by Europe and the US, but rather by the so-called Bric countries of Brazil, Russia, India and China. This group of countries, representing around a third of the world’s population, now form a loose but increasingly vocal [...]
The stakes are high in Romney’s home state February 22, 2012 DESPITE the insistence from one of his advisers that Michigan is not a “must-win,” the state is a crucial test of Mitt Romney’s candidacy. The media have already prepared the stinging headlines in the event Rick Santorum springs the surprise of the contest and wins in the Great Lakes. Romney, however, still has time to [...]
RAPID RESPONSES February 22, 2012 Meaningless means Steve Tatton suggests [The pay agenda, yesterday] that coverage of the executive pay debate should be focused on facts rather than personal agendas. We agree, and Manifest and MM&K have focused their commentary on why the presentation of remuneration data using means of percentage changes is practically meaningless. Significant changes in the UK’s [...]
The skills you need for the hottest sectors in the City February 22, 2012 ACCOUNTING & FINANCE COLIN WEBSTER, BRUIN MARKET conditions mean that current opportunities are much more heavily weighted towards asset management firms than investment banks. There is continued demand in financial planning and analysis and in the minority interest arenas for candidates at a range of levels. In general we’re seeing a shift to business partner [...]
JOBS of the WEEK February 22, 2012 C++ developer/architect, Linux, market making organization £100k-£200k pa + c.£300k total compensation for the right person This world beating market maker is looking for a strong and enthusiastic C++ on Unix based technologist. http://www.cityamcareers.com/job/5354 Product development manager in FX and equities £150k-£250k + attractive A job for an experienced and high calibre individual to manage [...]
EMBAs provide real value for employers February 22, 2012 But fewer companies now sponsor their employees’ degree FOR MANY executives, one of the greatest attractions in pursuing an executive MBA (EMBA) degree is the return on investment (ROI) they can guarantee themselves upon graduation. EMBA alumni speak of salary increases, career advancement and promotion even before they have completed the prestigious business school course. [...]
