BP is returning to type with its latest plans
The recent events in the Middle East have caused some turbulence in the global energy markets, with concerns rising about the potential impact on crude oil volumes passing through the vital Strait of Hormuz. This has led to an increase in valuations for major oil companies like BP and Shell, despite the latter recently announcing […]
Is there value bottled up in this whisky maker?
Artisanal Spirits (ART) made its debut in June 2021 with high hopes, riding on the wave of two major market trends. The first trend was the growing popularity of subscription-based business models, which suited Artisanal well as the sole owner of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), a members-only club for single malt enthusiasts. The […]
When performance-related pay works against investors
The Evolution of Executive Pay at Sanderson Design Group Performance-related pay has long been a controversial topic in the world of corporate governance. The idea behind it is simple: tie executive compensation to shareholder returns. Sanderson Design Group (SDG), a luxury interior furnishings company known for its iconic William Morris wallpapers, is no stranger to […]
A new strike shows AI’s true social problem
The recent threat of a strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding automation and its impact on jobs. The dockworkers are concerned about the potential loss of their jobs to automation due to recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and inflation. They are demanding pay raises and […]
The benefits of letting consumers decide what’s best
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, made headlines last week with the announcement of their new augmented reality glasses. While not yet available for purchase, Meta distributed these glasses to journalists and technology analysts for review, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The company’s shift towards virtual and augmented reality technology, reflected in their rebranding […]
Bearbull Income Portfolio: A new way to measure success
Investors are constantly seeking the best strategies to build wealth, often approaching the challenge with an engineer’s mindset. Last week, this column explored the limitations of an over-optimised worldview, highlighting the importance of embracing randomness and uncertain exploration for unexpected benefits. Reflecting on this, it becomes apparent that the investing industry frequently adopts a systematic […]
Why this mental health provider is on my watchlist
The world is currently facing unprecedented levels of volatility, with events such as the upcoming US election and Israel’s military actions in Lebanon causing uncertainty and instability. This is a stark contrast to the years of 2015-2019, when everything seemed relatively normal and volatility was low. The year 2020 was dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, […]
Are Reits’ external managers holding back takeovers in the sector?
In the current challenging times in the listed property sector, shareholders are becoming more vocal about their opinions, especially when it comes to external managers. The recent activist battle at PRS Reit has brought this issue to the forefront, with concerns raised about the renewal of an external investment management contract potentially hindering a takeover […]
China’s bounce may be short-lived
China’s recent announcement of new support measures to boost domestic growth amid a property downturn has had a significant impact on investment trusts like Baillie Gifford China Growth (BGCG), Fidelity China Special Situations (FCSS), and JPMorgan China Growth & Income (JCGI). These trusts saw an average share price increase of 17 percent over five trading […]
Bees, caribou bones and Mike Ashley
Bees may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about investing, but their behavior holds valuable lessons for DIY investors. While bees may seem to operate in a Soviet or feudalist manner, their ability to balance exploitation and exploration is key to their survival. The waggle dance, a form of communication […]