What to expect from the Spring Statement
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil a ‘Spring Statement’ later this month, with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) releasing new forecasts for the UK economy on 26 March. Unlike the major announcements made during the Autumn Budget last year, this Spring Statement will be a more subdued event. However, it will still provide […]
What investors should make of the Assura bid
Investors were quickly thrown into the first takeover battle of the year, with a focus on larger real estate investment trusts (Reits) this time around. The news of US private equity firm KKR’s bid of 48p per share for Assura (AGR) made headlines on 14 February. Despite the board’s unanimous rejection of the bid, questions […]
Why Asian dividends are on the rise
In a recent turn of events at the White House, a public altercation has reminded us that we are living in a time of great uncertainty and volatility. This unpredictability extends to the financial markets, where geopolitical tensions can have a significant impact on investment decisions. It is no wonder then that there has been […]
The real cost of Donald Trump’s plan
Global trade has faced numerous challenges in recent years, from the impact of the pandemic to issues like piracy and impassable canals. Now, a new obstacle has emerged in the form of a tariff war initiated by Donald Trump as part of his ‘America first’ agenda. The implementation of higher tariffs on imports from countries […]
How water companies could save billions
Water scarcity is a pressing issue that is only expected to worsen with the changing climate. The Environment Agency has identified certain areas in the UK as ‘water-stressed’, meaning they are at risk of facing droughts or floods. To combat these challenges, water and sewerage companies are gearing up for a massive £24bn investment to […]
A slimmed-down market is bad for everyone
The potential exodus of major companies from London’s stock market has raised concerns among investors and industry experts. Last year, Shell’s decision to remain in London was seen as a relief, but the risk of other companies following suit or being taken over has only increased. Shell, under the leadership of CEO Wael Sawan, is […]
Airbnb looks to create a one-stop shop for travellers
Airbnb (US:ABNB) saw a significant boost in its shares following the release of fourth-quarter revenue and profit figures that exceeded market expectations. The company reported a 11% increase in adjusted cash profits in 2024, reaching $4 billion on a 36% margin. This margin is in line with the group’s historical range since March 2022, reflecting […]
Time to test our assumptions
Investors have become accustomed to overlooking negative news in the market. The recent dismantling of parts of US government operations by the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) has been met with indifference, much like the reaction to Donald Trump’s proposed tariff plans. There is a prevailing belief that any consequences will be minimal or short-lived. […]
Donald Trump wants a sovereign wealth fund – but how?
The United States is considering the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, following the example of countries like Norway. Sovereign wealth funds are state-owned investment funds that manage a country’s surpluses, with the aim of safeguarding and building financial wealth for future generations. Norway’s sovereign wealth fund made an impressive 16 per cent return in […]
Is Bloomsbury defying the rise of technology?
In today’s digital age, it’s hard to escape the lure of our smartphones and other digital devices. Whether we’re commuting on the London tube or sitting in a local cafe, it seems like everyone is glued to their screens, disconnected from the world around them. But what are the consequences of this constant digital immersion? […]