Down with the KIDs

The AIC has published further research demonstrating why consumers are being misled by Key Information Documents (KIDs) and why the FCA needs to act now to protect consumers. The research looked at 56 investment company…

The UK before Brexit

Two years after the EU Referendum, investor sentiment towards the UK is subdued despite the recent stock market highs. Concerns about Brexit and a UK economic slowdown are always present, but is this investor uncertainty…

Alternative routes to income

Income-seeking investors struggling with low interest rates on bonds and deposits plus high share prices, should consider investment companies holding alternative assets. Infrastructure - such as public buildings funded through the private finance initiative (PFI)…

Some Charts That Are Catching Our Eye

We thought we would have a look at a few charts this week that are catching our eye or have piqued our interest. So, less words this week and more pictures; which should make it…

From little acorns

Venture Capital Trusts or VCTs are becoming increasingly popular, with demand boosted by valuable incentives for investors in these tax shelters and tighter restrictions elsewhere. However, smaller companies and start-ups held within this type of…

Small is mighty

Europe became the flavour du jour As global economies emerged from a searing financial crisis at the turn of the decade, the US and UK seemed to pull ahead of their European cousins. Earnings there…

Thoughts Ahead of the ECB

By this time next week, we will know the outcome of the deliberations of the European Central Bank. The majority of forecasters expect an announcement on their QE programme, with a EUR20 billion or EUR30…

European Equities: Back to School

September in the Northern Hemisphere tends to be the beginning of the new school year. This year there seems to be a large amount on the ‘curriculum’. Starting with Brexit, the temperature is rising as…

The Euro is at a Very Interesting Juncture

The bond markets are having a bit of a hissy fit, and as noted last week, this seems to be primarily driven by a position adjustment as speculation rises about the ECB’s normalisation path. We…

Europe: As the Politics Subside

Might Europe be the place to be? I think European equities tick a lot of the right boxes right now. Economies are recovering – indeed the first quarter of 2017 saw Europe once more grow…

The Centre Holds

Alex Scott, Deputy Chief Investment Officer. 11 May 2017. Investor attention has been dominated by political risk for the best part of a year. Now, however we see signs that we might be passing the…