An underappreciated side effect of Brexit talks March 23, 2018 As the Brexit referendum nears its two-year anniversary, Brexit continues dominating economic and political media coverage. We have observed no shortage of angles, including: What is the latest snag in negotiations? Will Brussels and London make their deadlines? Can Prime Minister Theresa May keep her cabinet in order? We believe this nonstop Brexit coverage obscures [...]
China warns of trade war as Donald Trump mulls new tariffs March 22, 2018 Donald Trump could be about to spark another trade war, this time with China, as the US President is poised to announce an estimated $50bn of tariffs over intellectual property violations stemming from the country. Bloomberg reports that the US will target around 100 different products, and the value of the tariffs is based on [...]
New Look’s creditors approve deal to reduce rents and close stores March 21, 2018 New Look’s creditors this afternoon approved a deal to reduce rents and close 60 stores, likely leading to hundreds of job losses at the retailer. The fashion chain has secured a company voluntary agreement (CVA) with landlords, and said up to 980 staff will be made redundant in a raft of store closures. The CVA [...]
Rihanna roils markets as China bags a key element March 21, 2018 Garry White, chief investment commentator, looks at the market moving events that have shaped the UK equity markets this week (March 12 to March 16, 2018). This week, Barbadian singing sensation Rihanna managed to wipe $1bn off the valuation of tech group Snap, the Chinese secured a major cobalt deal to help it produce electric [...]
A sensible way to play the robotics megatrend March 21, 2018 In the next few decades, chief executives of major global corporations could all become redundant. They will be replaced by robots with highly-developed artificial intelligence, because machines are quicker, more rational and do not get bogged down with silly human emotions. That’s according to Jack Ma, the founder of Chinese internet behemoth Alibaba. Of course, [...]
Trade deficits and tariff wars: Rows to get worse before they get better March 20, 2018 In 2016 the US ran a deficit of $505bn on trade in goods and services, according to the World Bank. Germany ran a mighty surplus of $277bn on her trade, whilst China sold $250bn more goods and services than it bought from the rest of the world. Some economists see this as good news for [...]
Here are some last minute ISA options March 19, 2018 By adding to your ISA pot each year you can build up a considerable tax-free shelter around your investment portfolio. Over time, this could mean higher returns. Time is running out for investors wishing to use the 2017/18 tax year’s £20,000 allowance, and it is lost forever if you do not use it. While it [...]
House prices continue to fall in London, with experts predicting muted growth until 2022 March 19, 2018 London house prices continued to fall last month as the capital's housing market cooled, with experts predicting price growth to remain subdued until 2022. Asking prices fell by 0.6 per cent year-on-year this month, according to figures published today by Rightmove. The average price for a property in London was £631,651. Read more: London house [...]
This stock market index rose 289% but could still be good value March 17, 2018 Over time, smaller company shares have outperformed larger ones, research shows. The FTSE Small Cap index has risen 289% since its nadir in February 2009, compared with a 158% rise for the FTSE 100. Because of their size, “small caps” have the potential to grow more quickly. The quicker a company can grow its earnings [...]
Why the younger generation can’t afford to buy their own homes in London March 16, 2018 In my 35 years as a property lawyer, I have seen a sea-change in the balance between ownership and renting. When I first cut my legal teeth, the Rent Act 1977 provided security for tenants and controlled rents below true market rate. As a result, there was little incentive for a prospective landlord to add [...]