Will Prudential’s discount to peers narrow?
Prudential (PRU) recently made a significant move by purchasing 740,000 of its shares on the London Stock Exchange as part of its $2bn share buyback program. Share buybacks can indicate that management believes the stock is undervalued, although critics argue it can also artificially inflate earnings per share. Despite the criticism, Prudential’s decision may be […]
Labour’s contradictory approach to growth
The current economic landscape is a complex one, with the government attempting to stimulate growth while also imposing anti-growth measures. The prime minister and chancellor have been vocal about their agenda to boost the economy by removing obstacles such as regulations and planning restrictions. However, recent budget measures have raised concerns about the impact on […]
How to invest in times of stagflation
Stagflation, a combination of inflation and stagnation, is a concerning economic phenomenon that presents challenges for businesses, policymakers, and investors alike. It occurs when prices rise while economic growth remains sluggish, leading to higher unemployment and a difficult decision for central banks on whether to prioritize fighting inflation or stimulating growth. Currently, there are fears […]
US ‘animal spirits’ are spilling over into London
Unraveling the Impact of China’s DeepSeek AI on US Tech Stocks As the dust settles on this week’s events, savvy contrarian investors are turning their attention to the thin line separating flourishing “animal spirits” from irrational exuberance. The launch of China’s low-cost artificial intelligence (AI) alternative DeepSeek has sent shockwaves through the market, particularly affecting […]
What Trump’s first moves mean for investors
After a whirlwind start to his second term, President Donald Trump has wasted no time in implementing a series of executive orders that are poised to have a significant impact on the US economy. While some of these orders, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico and pardoning those involved in the Capitol building attacks, […]
Why shipbrokers Braemar and Clarkson are defying pay norms
The recent controversial statements made by the 47th US president regarding the Panama Canal have caught the attention of key players in the shipping industry, including Braemar (BMS) and Clarkson (CKN), two prominent shipbroking groups quoted on the London market. Geopolitical uncertainties are on the rise, leading to an increase in freight rates. This, in […]
Bearbull Income Portfolio: Finding yield by going back to basics
For decades, Bearbull has been a familiar voice in the world of investing, providing insights and guidance to readers of the Investors’ Chronicle. The column has seen its fair share of changes over the years, with different individuals taking on the mantle of Bearbull. From Harold Wincott to the most recent torchbearer, each has brought […]
When will the US market start to wane?
Donald Trump’s Second Term: What It Means for Investors As Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of America, investors are eagerly awaiting clarity on the issues that have been looming over the market for months. His initial actions, including signing executive orders and threats of taxes and tariffs on […]
Why the end of De La Rue is the end of an era
De La Rue: A Tale of Innovation, Challenges, and Potential Sale De La Rue, a company with roots dating back to the 18th century, has a rich history of innovation and adaptation. Founded by Thomas De La Rue, the company initially focused on producing playing cards before expanding into a wide range of printing services, […]
This isn’t Truss 2.0 – but Labour should learn from her mistakes
The recent turmoil in the gilt market has raised concerns about the UK’s fiscal stability and the government’s ability to manage its debt. While comparisons to past bond crises may not be entirely fair, there are valuable lessons to be learned from previous mistakes. It is important to note that the current situation is not […]