Why the going is about to get tougher for investing in climate change April 23, 2021 2020 was an extraordinary year for climate change action. Public opinion, governments, businesses and financial markets all had major shifts in their appreciation of the urgent need to address the climate crisis. More investment, research and development, and international collaboration will now come together to enable a faster transition to a net zero economy. While [...]
UK inflation climbs to 0.7 per cent in March April 21, 2021 The UK’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose to 0.7 per cent in March, from 0.4 per cent in February, official ONS figures showed this morning. CPI was boosted by rising fuel costs and clothing but was partially offset by falls in the price of food. The ONS said prices charged by manufacturers rose by 1.9 [...]
McLaren 620R review: road racer serves up raw driving thrills April 6, 2021 The McLaren 620R is a genuine race car for the road – and the ultimate iteration of the Sports Series before the new Artura arrives.
Which equity sectors can combat higher inflation? March 31, 2021 Some investors are worried that inflation is set to rise. We look at which equity sectors could prove to be the most resilient. The sharp rise in bond yields over recent weeks has rattled equity markets amid fears that fiscal stimulus and a post-pandemic spending splurge could stoke higher inflation. Five-year inflation expectations, as measured [...]
GFG Alliance asks ministers for £170m bailout to avoid collapse March 26, 2021 Sanjev Gupta’s steel empire has asked the government for an emergency bailout of as much as £170 to avert collapse. GFG Alliance wrote to the government this week to request emergency funding as it grapples with financing following Greensill’s collapse, according to Sky News. Greensill, which specialises in supply chain finance, was among GFG’s biggest [...]
Uncovering Japan’s hidden gems March 25, 2021 Chern-Yeh Kwok, manager of the Aberdeen Japan Investment Trust, says there is real value in Japanese markets, but it is often overlooked by investors. Japanese companies are used to dealing with a tough backdrop and their natural caution served them well in 2020 The Japanese market thrived amid widespread volatility last year, rising 16% Japanese [...]
UK CPI: Inflation rate falls back in February as discounted clothes offset rising petrol prices March 24, 2021 The UK’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) slipped in February compared to the previous month as rising petrol costs failed to offset discount clothing and footwear. UK CPI rose 0.4 per cent in the 12 months to February, down from a 0.7 per cent rise in January. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.1 per [...]
What investors can learn from Bill Gates’ climate warning March 19, 2021 When one of the world’s wealthiest individuals writes a book on avoiding climate disaster – and suggests changes we all need to make to our lifestyles – it is easy to be cynical. But the high-profile intervention of Microsoft founder Bill Gates in the climate change debate should be welcomed. This is not just a [...]
Ministers slash electric car grant by £500 despite upcoming petrol ban March 18, 2021 The government has today cut the electric car grant from £3,000 to £2,500, prompting cries of disbelief from the auto and energy industries. From today, customers buying cars which cost less than £35,000 will be eligible for the grant. Those buying cars above this price will receive no subsidies. Ministers said that this was because [...]
Before the Bell: The Fed will give its latest policy verdict today March 17, 2021 There have been growing concerns that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is linked to blood clots, which is why several European countries have halted distributing the vaccination. Multiple governments have taken the decision to suspend the rolling out of the vaccine but at the same time, the WHO and the European Medicines Agency support the vaccine. European [...]