Exclusive: City fund managers on pandemic volatility, inflation and value vs growth March 24, 2021 It has been a surreal year for fund managers in the City, with unprecedented volatility descending on practically every investment vehicle, asset manager or investor operating out of the Square Mile. The unpredictability of the ongoing pandemic is one of the reasons why the age-old investment-driven debate about ‘cheap’ value stocks versus ‘expensive’ growth equities [...]
Concerns over prolonged restrictions as looming third Covid wave overshadows upbeat PMI data March 24, 2021 Mounting concerns about a third wave of Covid-19 cases across the UK and Europe are adding to expectations that economies may reopen later than initially predicted. The shift in market sentiment is weighing on stocks as they are extending losses with covid concerns even overshadowing today’s upbeat PMI data. “Fears over the impact of tighter [...]
London house prices: First-time buyers now need average deposit of £132,685 March 24, 2021 The average deposit size being put down by people taking their first step on the property ladder in London has increased by more than £20,000 since last year, according to new research published today. Halifax found that, in the 12 months to February 2020, the average deposit put down by first-time buyers in the capital [...]
Government launches search for new UKGI chair March 23, 2021 The Treasury has launched a search to replace the outgoing chair of UK Government Investments (UKGI), the Whitehall agency responsible for taxpayer investments. Headhunting firm Odgers Berndtson has kicked off a search to find Robert Swannell’s successor, Sky News reported, with the current UKGI head set to step down after seven years at the helm. [...]
I believe Bitcoin will get to at least $500,000 in this current bull cycle March 23, 2021 Trading wizard Dr Chris Kacher believes Bitcoin will get to at least $500,000 in this current bull cycle.
Exclusive: Galliard secures £76m loan to fund luxury flats above Tottenham Court Road Crossrail station March 23, 2021 The developers of a luxury residential block above Tottenham Court Road’s Crossrail station have secured £76m in financing from lenders to complete the project. Leumi UK, the London-based subsidiary of the Israeli bank, and Natwest have closed a multi-million-pound deal with Galliard Homes to fund the development of 92 flats in the West End, City [...]
Gut instinct and social media drives young people to risky investment decisions, warns FCA March 23, 2021 The financial watchdog has warned that young people are increasingly engaging with risky investments like foreign exchange and cryptocurrency, despite not having the capacity for loss if the investment goes wrong. The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) research found nearly two-thirds (59%) of young investors claimed that a significant investment loss would have a fundamental impact [...]
Ikea France on trial over illegal spying on employees and customers March 22, 2021 Ikea’s French subsidiary and several of its former executives have gone on trial over accusations that they illegally spied on employees and customers. Trade unions reported the furniture and home goods company to French authorities in 2012, accusing it of collecting personal data by fraudulent means and the illicit disclosure of personal information. The unions [...]
Barclays expands private bank to France and Italy in bid to grow EU business March 22, 2021 Barclays has expanded its private banking division to France and Italy as it looks to grow its European wealth business in the wake of Brexit. The bank said on Monday that it had appointed Bernard Corneau and Carlo Baronio as heads of private bank coverage in France and Italy respectively. The duo will be supported [...]
NatWest £365m money laundering case linked to separate case involving infamous gold dealer James Stunt March 22, 2021 Criminal money laundering charges against NatWest are linked to a separate case against 13 individuals based in cities around the country. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) started a criminal action against NatWest last week, making it the first bank to be charged under a 2007 money laundering law. The FCA accused NatWest of failing to monitor suspect activity by [...]