Know what to expect from major asset classes in 2013 December 16, 2012 UNCERTAINTY has been characteristic of investing in 2012. As headwinds continue to shake global investment markets, this will likely continue into 2013. But knowing what to broadly expect will help you to align your portfolio and identify opportunities so that, this time next year, you will have achieved decent investment returns. HEADWINDS The Eurozone crisis, [...]
Emerging markets appear attractive despite the risks December 16, 2012 EMERGING markets have outperformed developed markets over the last decade, and since the financial crisis, investors have been piling into funds with exposure to these economies. Investment Management Association data shows that UK retail investors pumped £1.1bn into the sector in 2012, compared to only £174m in 2007. Investing in emerging market stocks is not [...]
Making it in the big bag world December 16, 2012 A GOOD quality leather satchel was a rare find four years ago. The schoolbag market was dominated by canvas and velcro record bags that Julie Deane, founder of the hugely successful Cambridge Satchel Company, found “shabby”. So when she considered possible business ventures, satchels were high on the list. Her timing could not have been [...]
The phone call that stopped a business from singing the blues December 16, 2012 MY MATE and I were thrilled when a beautiful young lady, Sarah, sat down between us with a smile. As two Aussies, we immediately battled for her attention with our attempts at cool charm and quick wit. The event was a 25th wedding anniversary dinner for about 60 guests. Sarah was very relaxed and easily [...]
Immigration rules: open for business December 16, 2012 FIGURES from the 2011 census revealed that 27 per cent of London’s population – some 1.9m people – is foreign-born. Hedge funds, banks, professional services firms, so much of London’s economy depends on its ability to attract and retain skilled international talent. Many come from inside the EU. There are now 579,000 Polish-born immigrants in [...]
Coya: the last word in Peruvian cuisine December 16, 2012 RESTAURANT COYA 118 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7NW Tel: 020 7042 7118 FOOD **** VALUE *** ATMOSPHERE *** Cost for two people with wine: £120 COYA WAS easily one of the most talked about openings this autumn. Created by Arun Waney, the man behind La Petite Maison and the uber successful Knightsbridge eatery Zuma, the restaurant [...]
Brindisa’s fourth outlet does tapas in a big way. Literally. December 16, 2012 RESTAURANT TRAMONTANA 152 Curtain Road, EC2A 3AT Tel: 020 7749 9961 FOOD **** VALUE *** ATMOSPHERE *** Cost for two people without wine: £70 THERE WAS a time, believe it or not, when there was not a hip new tapas bar on every street in central London. A time before the roast courgette flowers and [...]
Head to Lapland for a trip that is truly wondrous December 16, 2012 WE ARE due to land in Kittila in 20 minutes. There are light winds and it’s a little bit chilly on the ground with temperatures of minus 38,” the captain says as we descend on Finnish Lapland. Many people know Lapland as the home of Father Christmas, and some might recognize its snowy scenes from [...]
Champagne, food and rolling countryside with Lexus Experiences December 16, 2012 IT TURNS out that weekend breaks don’t have to involve a 6am flight from Stansted to an airport that’s fifty miles from your destination. Nah, eschew the crowded plane for a roomy executive car and 36 hours out of London can involve a decadent journey across two countries that takes in good food, even better [...]
Mind the gap: AVB urges his team not to blow it again December 16, 2012 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1 vs SWANSEA CITY 0 TOTTENHAM boss Andre Villas-Boas has called on his players to cement their position in the top four of the Premier League, after seeing off a stubborn Swansea side at White Hart Lane yesterday. Tottenham blew a 10 point lead over fierce rivals Arsenal last season, and with a [...]
