How to win at investing by being mediocre
Investors in the UK have reason to be optimistic about the performance of both stocks and bonds in 2025. Despite a brief sell-off in April, UK stocks have shown resilience with a total return of 7.6% so far this year. This consistent performance has resulted in a three-year annualised return of 8%, making it another […]
What’s going on with UK house prices?
The current house price data is causing quite a stir, with conflicting reports from different sources. According to Rightmove, there was a slight monthly increase of 0.6 per cent in May, resulting in a 1.2 per cent rise compared to last year. However, Nationwide paints a more positive picture, reporting a 3.5 per cent annual […]
Are private equity returns misleading or superhuman?
Last month, a remarkable performance took place at a local Parkrun event that went largely unnoticed by the mainstream media. Ben White, a 90-94 category runner, clocked in with a time of 26:47 for the 5km race, placing 261 out of 569 finishers. Despite not making it to the podium, White’s time was nearly three […]
First tariffs, now taxes – the market remains complacent
After two months since ‘liberation day’, the market is now facing another economic surprise with Donald Trump’s budget bill. The bill, which passed the House of Representatives at the end of last month, aims to extend the administration’s attack on overseas investors. Section 899 of the bill is causing concern as it seeks to impose […]
Why Diploma is locked into a cycle of high pay
Evaluating Johnny Thomson’s Pay Package at Diploma When Johnny Thomson took on the role of chief executive at Diploma in February 2019, eyebrows were raised at the generous pay package he was offered. Despite joining the group halfway through the financial year, Thomson was promised a full year’s bonus and a salary of £670,000, which […]
Why the UK’s ‘global trade reset’ might just work
Brexit may seem like it’s going backwards, according to recent headlines. The agreement made on 19th May has been portrayed as a step towards abandoning Brexit by some, while others see it as a surrender. However, this deal does not mean a return to the way things were before the referendum. The new agreement, known […]
Takeovers are more harmful than we realise
Takeovers have been a dominant force in the London market in recent years, and this trend has only continued into 2025. With 15 bids launched already this year, it is evident that the pace of takeovers is higher in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, as noted by Peel Hunt. Investors […]
Bearbull Income Portfolio: Income or growth, or both?
As we reach the halfway point of the year, it’s been a rollercoaster ride for the Bearbull Income Portfolio. With a modest 3.3% increase, most of the gains have come from accrued dividends rather than capital growth. While the dividend stream has been strong, the lack of underlying growth momentum is starting to become a […]
Will the Bank of England know when to stop?
As we approach the one-year mark of interest rate cuts, the future remains uncertain. The pace of rate cuts in the G20 countries has been unprecedented, with a quarter of monetary policy meetings resulting in a cut in the first three months of the year. However, when compared to the high interest rates and inflation […]
Is there hidden value in cash-rich UK stocks?
Nippon Active Value (NAVF) made waves in February 2020 with its ambitious strategy to unlock the hidden value within Japanese stocks. Managed by Rising Sun Management (RSM), NAVF has capitalized on the shifting landscape in Japan, where companies are increasingly responsive to shareholder pressure. RSM’s success with NAVF over the past five years has been […]