Could ‘free capital’ indirectly boost your portfolio?
Just because a company has a built-in advantage, there is no guarantee it will fully exploit it. Warren Buffett’s most consequential deal was the 1967 acquisition of National Indemnity Company (NIC) by Berkshire Hathaway (US:BRK.B). Buffett saw the potential in NIC’s ‘float’ – the money accumulated from premiums before claims are paid. However, he also […]
Five ways to grow Britain’s economy
In his first statement to Parliament as prime minister, Andy Burnham outlines his vision for economic growth Andy Burnham, in his first speech to Parliament as prime minister, emphasized the need for a clear, coherent, and credible approach to driving economic growth in the UK. While Brexit and privatisations were highlighted as key challenges, Burnham’s […]
Gold is losing its shine – so is it time to buy?
Gold has experienced a rollercoaster of price movements this year, as illustrated in the chart below. From reaching a peak of over $5,500 an ounce in January to currently sitting almost 18% below that high point, the precious metal has seen significant fluctuations in value. The initial price dip earlier in the year was attributed […]
Trading is now ‘Big Oil’s’ big advantage
Arbitrage opportunities in the trading world are a lucrative way to make profits by exploiting price differentials in various markets. This is especially true for products that are traded across different geographies or have different grades. In the case of widely traded commodities, such as oil, there are even opportunities to capitalize on price variations […]
Can we fix Britain’s ever-creaking housing ladder?
The concept of the housing ladder has long been ingrained in the minds of British homeowners, with the idea of starting small and gradually moving up to larger properties over time. However, recent trends show a shift away from this traditional model. According to property group Connells, homeowners are now staying in their properties for […]
Scotland’s state bank losses are a warning to investors
When visitors land on the Scottish National Investment Bank’s website, they are welcomed by a picturesque image of the Highlands. However, behind this facade lies a less attractive financial situation for the state-owned development bank. While not as disastrous as Scotland’s historic Darien venture, where the country lost a significant portion of its wealth in […]
Can AI solve Britain’s productivity puzzle?
The United Kingdom has been facing a persistent productivity challenge for quite some time now. Following the global financial crisis, the growth in output rates has been sluggish and below par compared to similar economies. Before 2008, output per hour was increasing at a rate of approximately 2 percent annually, but this figure has dropped […]
How to shake up FTSE boards
Non-executive directors (NEDs) are facing increasing expectations and scrutiny in today’s complex and volatile business world. Traditionally responsible for overseeing strategy, execution, and capital allocation, NEDs are now also expected to handle compliance, risk, remuneration, sustainability, cyber security, and AI issues. This shift in responsibilities has raised concerns among stakeholders, including Swedish investors like Cevian, […]
Can this tiny Aim company really offer exposure to Anthropic?
Investing in artificial intelligence (AI) has become more accessible with the emergence of Shaires Holdings (SHR) as a new player in the market. This investment company, listed on Aim, recently completed a successful fundraising round, raising a substantial $108mn (£79mn) from institutional and retail investors. The company offers exposure to the “AI supercycle” through a […]
A new fund that reflects investor frustrations with IPOs
Bill Ackman, the renowned investor behind Pershing Square (US:PS), is gearing up to launch a new investment vehicle called Pershing Square Ventures Ltd (PSV). This new venture is set to provide investors with access to pre-IPO companies, offering a unique opportunity for those looking to diversify their portfolios. The fund is structured as an evergreen, […]