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 […]
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’ […]