The ‘75%’ chance that the Santa Rally exists December 2, 2016 Stock markets are more likely to rise in December than any other month, according to analysis of nearly three decades of data. The analysis conducted by Schroders, which covers the world’s largest markets, adds to the debate over the existence of the “Santa Rally”, an alleged effect often dismissed by seasoned investors. Our analysis [...]
The ‘75%’ chance that the Santa Rally exists December 2, 2016 Stock markets are more likely to rise in December than any other month, according to analysis of nearly three decades of data. The analysis conducted by Schroders, which covers the world’s largest markets, adds to the debate over the existence of the “Santa Rally”, an alleged effect often dismissed by seasoned investors. Our analysis measured two [...]
Investment trust winners of 2016 November 29, 2016 Investment trusts focused on Asia are on course to deliver some of the best returns in 2016, according to data for trust sectors. Investment trusts are an alternative to more commonly held open-ended funds or unit trusts, offering some advantages. This is explained here: investment trust v open-ended funds Here, we look at the [...]
Countryside shrugs off Brexit concerns with soaring revenue and profits November 29, 2016 Housebuilder Countryside has laid solid foundations for 2017 after making a return to the London Stock Exchange earlier this year. The figures Adjusted revenue was up 26 per cent from £615.8m in 2015 to £777m, while adjusted operating profit rose 34 per cent to £122.5m from £91.2m. Basic earnings per share were up 209 per cent from [...]
Paul Nuttall has been elected as Ukip leader, replacing interim chief Nigel Farage November 28, 2016 Paul Nuttall has been appointed as Ukip leader, putting an end to one of the more dramatic party leadership election processes the UK has seen in recent years. Nuttall is MEP for the north west of England, and previously served as Ukip's party chairman, deputy leader and leader of the Ukip MEPs. Technically, Nuttall replaces [...]
Forget the crushing consensus of trigger warnings and safe spaces: Our world needs more contrarians November 28, 2016 The news that the London nightclub Fabric is to potentially reopen is welcome. The progressive house music played there provided an antidote to the chart-toppers heard in the more salubrious salons of the West End. Similarly, those who speak out and stand up for what they believe in provide a contrarian view to mainstream thinking. This [...]
Claudio Silvestrin, architect to Kanye West and Calvin Klein, unveils his newest project in Hampstead, north London November 23, 2016 This brand new, ultra-contemporary mansion looks like it belongs in the sunny peaks of the Hollywood Hills. In fact, it’s nestled away in a quiet, exclusive corner of Hampstead, but its starry aesthetic is the creation of an award-winning architect who’s used to bringing the lavish home-stylings of the rich and famous to life. Claudio [...]
Chancellor Hammond must focus on the quality of infrastructure spending, not its quantity November 22, 2016 Keynes is back, or so it seems. Both left and right wing movements across the West are calling for greater government borrowing to finance infrastructure projects. In the US, Donald Trump is proposing to invest $500bn. In the UK, Labour’s John McDonnell wants an even more lavish £500bn programme, equivalent to around a quarter of [...]
Property transactions fell eight per cent in October November 22, 2016 Property transactions fell eight per cent year-on-year in October, according to figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Read more: London's house prices won't rebound until 2020, according to JLL When accounting for seasonal changes in property sales, the number of residential property transactions in October came to 97,640, as compared to 106,120 in the [...]
JD Sports is opening another megastore on Oxford Street November 21, 2016 JD Sports is opening another megastore on Oxford Street just in time for the busy Christmas period. The 16,000 sq ft store will open at the West One shopping centre on 10 December and is the brand's second shop on Oxford Street. JD Sports said the new store will create 125 jobs. The sports retailer is [...]