Are the trade deals damp squibs or growth drivers?
Will the UK’s Recent Trade Deals Boost the Economy or Leave a Bitter Taste? Trade deals are often hailed as game-changers, promising untold economic growth and prosperity. The UK government’s recent flurry of agreements with the US, India, and the EU is no different. But as the details emerge, questions arise about whether these deals […]
Should AGMs go fully remote?
The debate around whether annual general meetings (AGMs) should be held in person or solely online has been a topic of discussion among directors since the onset of lockdowns. While many AGMs have been held in person with a simultaneous broadcast, some are questioning the necessity of this dual approach. Smaller companies argue that in-person […]
Is this the end of the dollar’s dominance?
The US dollar has been facing challenges since President Donald Trump’s “liberation day” announcements back in April. Traditionally, in times of uncertainty, investors flock to the US currency for safety. However, the dollar has not seen the usual boost in value that it typically experiences during uncertain times. This raises the question of whether Trump’s […]
Why we’re being cautious about interest rates
The ongoing unpredictability of the US administration under President Donald Trump’s second presidency has created a challenging environment for policymakers, forecasters, and businesses. The constant stream of policy shifts and reversals, such as the recent decision to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods for a temporary period of 90 days, has made it difficult for companies […]
Would immigration curbs hit the UK’s grocers?
The UK government has recently unveiled a new plan to reduce levels of immigration in the country, following a seismic voting swing to the Reform party in local elections. The measures announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer include changes to settled status applications, phasing out the social care visa scheme, cracking down on employers’ […]
Can Zotefoams bounce back? – Investors’ Chronicle
New Beginnings at Zotefoams: A Fresh Start for CEO Ronan Cox It’s often said that new brooms sweep clean, and this adage certainly seems to ring true for Ronan Cox, the new chief executive of Zotefoams (ZTF). Taking over in May 2024 from the long-standing David Stirling, Cox didn’t opt for the typical “kitchen-sinking” approach […]
How to get the UK economy growing again
The latest YouGov poll reveals that voters are most concerned about the state of the economy, with over half of all adults ranking economic performance as one of their top three issues. This places economic concerns above immigration, housing, and health on the list of priorities. Following a challenging local election outcome, it is crucial […]
Why UK gilt yields are rising
In the world of UK politics, bond markets hold significant power. Just as James Carville once expressed a desire to be reincarnated as the bond market to intimidate everyone, UK politicians understand the influence and fear that bond markets can instill. Back in 2022, Liz Truss’s government faced a downfall due to poorly executed fiscal […]
Are bonds more volatile than stocks?
Stocks and bonds have always been considered two of the most popular asset classes for investors to choose from. But which one is more volatile? The general consensus has always been that stocks are more volatile due to their higher risks and rewards. This is because stock prices are determined not only by market sentiment […]
Private sector workers should worry about their pensions
Recent research papers and policies are touting pension funds as the potential saviors of the UK economy, the London stock market, struggling businesses, and companies in need of capital. This narrative paints pension funds as a superhero investment vehicle that could revolutionize the financial landscape. However, for those saving into private sector pension schemes, this […]