As the Conservative conference begins, will the party recapture the political initiative? October 7, 2012 YES Alex Singleton It’s easy to underestimate David Cameron and write him off as wishy-washy. But he’s actually one of the most determined men in politics, who will ruthlessly ditch policies that he deems electorally damaging. His reshuffle last month gave a clear indication that he is listening to critics. Some want to write him [...]
Rapid responses October 7, 2012 Dirty subsidies [Re: We just need the political will to reduce destructive energy prices, Friday] Matthew Sinclair’s long rant against climate change policies showed a remarkable ignorance of the economics of energy. As the energy regulator Ofgem has pointed out, the primary driver of electricity price rises over the past eight years has not been [...]
Turtles can turn into gazelles in a good incubator October 7, 2012 IT IS one of the saddest scenes in nature. On a deserted beach, mother turtle struggles up the sand, and laboriously digs a hole to lay her eggs. Sometime later, hundreds of tiny baby turtles scramble out and start heading down the beach towards the water. The birds, in a frenzy, scoop up such an [...]
British SMEs should export their way to prosperity October 7, 2012 FOR entrepreneurs limited by our shores, now is time to leave Britain on the nearest plane, train or automobile. Not to emigrate to a more business friendly environment (at least, not just yet) – but to embrace what made this country great: international trade. Research commissioned by Barclays reveals some good news for companies weighing [...]
Cautious investors can miss out on stellar equity rallies October 7, 2012 RETAIL investors have become cautious in their asset allocations, and consequently may have missed out on gains in equities. The uncertain investment climate – driven by the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis and concerns about global growth – has pushed investors to seek the safety of fixed-income. FLIGHT TO SAFETY In uncertain times, investors flock to [...]
Investment debate: Fixed-income versus equity funds October 7, 2012 FIXED-INCOME FUNDS IAN SPREADBURY HIGH quality bonds offer a reliable income and low volatility of returns – two important attributes for investors. But they are also priced expensively in this uncertain economic environment. I do not believe gilts are in a bubble. We are still in the grip of a global economic crisis. Weak growth [...]
Visit Malaysia for the birds, the bees and the leeches October 7, 2012 MY HERO swoops down in the nick of time. I’m perched atop a bare rock, too petrified to move when she flies to my rescue. Barely seven inches tall, the blue-winged pitta flits to the ground and within moments, her beak is filled with what look like needle-thin worms. I’ve never been happier to see [...]
Villas-Boas eyes Chelsea as bright start continues October 7, 2012 TOTTENHAM 2 vs ASTON VILLA 0 TOTTENHAM manager Andre Villas-Boas yesterday revealed his pleasure at the continuation of his side’s fine form but insisted he is yet to make a decision on who to make his first-choice goalkeeper. France international Hugo Lloris started his first Premier League match for Spurs on an afternoon when goals [...]
Who is sport’s most influential person? It’s a one-horse race October 7, 2012 A MID all the speculation about who will win the 2012 BBC sports personality and team awards, a major event took place yesterday that highlighted the potential need for another category in the end of year jamboree – the most influential sports star. Bradley Wiggins and the way he’s got us all dressing up in [...]
Victorious West Indies promise more to come October 7, 2012 WEST INDIES captain Darren Sammy and star batsman Marlon Samuels said the team must build on last night’s thrilling victory in the World Twenty20 final. Sammy’s men battled back from a terrible start to beat Sri Lanka by 36 runs in Colombo. Having reached 137-6, West Indies limited the home side to 101 all out. [...]
