How to shake up FTSE boards
Non-executive directors (NEDs) are facing increasing expectations and scrutiny in today’s complex and volatile business world. Traditionally responsible for overseeing strategy, execution, and capital allocation, NEDs are now also expected to handle compliance, risk, remuneration, sustainability, cyber security, and AI issues. This shift in responsibilities has raised concerns among stakeholders, including Swedish investors like Cevian, […]
Can this tiny Aim company really offer exposure to Anthropic?
Investing in artificial intelligence (AI) has become more accessible with the emergence of Shaires Holdings (SHR) as a new player in the market. This investment company, listed on Aim, recently completed a successful fundraising round, raising a substantial $108mn (£79mn) from institutional and retail investors. The company offers exposure to the “AI supercycle” through a […]
A new fund that reflects investor frustrations with IPOs
Bill Ackman, the renowned investor behind Pershing Square (US:PS), is gearing up to launch a new investment vehicle called Pershing Square Ventures Ltd (PSV). This new venture is set to provide investors with access to pre-IPO companies, offering a unique opportunity for those looking to diversify their portfolios. The fund is structured as an evergreen, […]
Why markets are rising in the face of war
The concept of “unsocial sociability” proposed by Immanuel Kant sheds light on the complex nature of human behavior. According to Kant, humans are driven by a constant desire to accumulate honor, power, and wealth, which leads to both conflict and cooperation. This tension between competition and collaboration is essential for the progress of civilization. In […]
What the Fed’s new plan means for investors
Kevin Warsh, the current chair of the US Federal Reserve, has been vocal about his opposition to the concept of ‘forward guidance’. He argues that providing explicit forecasts limits the central bank’s flexibility, as once these forecasts are made public, they tend to be adhered to for longer than necessary. Additionally, Warsh believes that by […]
Why the global economy is defying gravity
The recent surge in oil prices has initially provided a sense of economic resilience, but now economists are faced with a dilemma. The question on everyone’s mind is what exactly is propping up the global economy and how sustainable is it in the long run? Experts believe that the current resilience is more of a […]
Beware of breaching your pension annual allowance
In 2023, then chancellor Jeremy Hunt made a significant change by increasing the pensions annual allowance from £40,000 to £60,000. However, an unexpected trend has emerged since then: despite the increase, the number of savers exceeding the limit has been on the rise. During the 2024-25 tax year, a total of 30,440 savers exceeded their […]
Big Tech has a herding problem
Last August, concerns arose that ‘Big Tech’ companies were following a herd mentality with their investments in AI data centers. While Apple stood out for its cautious approach, others like Meta (formerly Facebook) were pouring billions into infrastructure without clear monetization strategies. Meta justified its spending on the basis of catching up to competitors who […]
Why Intel`s $20bn raise doesn`t change the investment case
Intel (US:INTC) recently made headlines with its issuance of $20 billion (£14.8 billion) worth of new stock, marking its first public sale of shares since 1971. The semiconductor manufacturer seized the opportunity to capitalize on a remarkable 160% surge in its share price this year, using the funds to support its expanding external foundry business. […]
The UK stock market’s unrecognised resilience
The FTSE 100 index has been holding strong despite the recent trend of overseas takeovers of UK companies. While companies like DCC and Segro have succumbed to foreign acquisitions, the FTSE 100 has demonstrated its defensive capabilities in the face of uncertainties surrounding the AI boom in other markets. Contrary to popular belief, UK shares […]