Summer Blues

This article recently appeared in the Irish News

We are all aware of the old adage that begins “sell in May and go away…” which is a reflection of the summer doldrums in the market.  It is, without doubt, one of the most difficult times for trading in the market: with holidays being taken and low trading volumes generally, there can be some disproportionate movements and markets sometimes seem to make less sense. 

Surviving a shaky recovery

This article recently appeared in the Belfast Telegraph

The last few months have been traumatic for the stock market.  Here investors have had to contend with the General Election and the reality of a hung parliament resulting in a coalition government, which, although part of everyday life for many European countries, is a distant memory for the UK.

Taking Stock

This article recently appeared in the Irish News

Away from the furore of BP and the on-going vilification of Tony Hayward, there is plenty of news in the investment world.  It can hardly have escaped anyone’s notice that the “emergency” budget is out this week and equally it will come as little surprise that it is likely to unveil tough measures, with phrases such as “the age of austerity” being bandied about.

The Emergency Budget 2010 comment: A macro perspective – tough medicine

“The imperative for the budget was to convince both the credit ratings agencies and the bond market that this is a credible fiscal deficit reduction programme that stands up to global comparison. It has fulfilled this requirement."

Furnished Holiday Lettings - further window of opportunity plus use of investment allowance

"The current government appears to believe that a supply of Furnished Holiday Lets is important for a thriving tourist industry and that the previous government's proposed changes would have damaged the industry.

Budget comment for the property industry

“The Chancellor has announced that Capital allowances are going down from April 2012. Writing down allowances will be reduced, from 20% to 18% for general plant and machinery and from 10% to 8% for special rate expenditure which includes integral features.

Budget predictions: VAT could reach 19% to bring in a further £7billion a year

Government must focus on VAT, NICs and income tax to reduce the budget deficit, warn accountants, Smith & Williamson.

Wayne Nickels taking sabbatical to serve in Afghanistan

Cunningham Coates is proud to announce that Wayne Nickels, one of our Investment Advisors and a Captain in the TA, will be leading his men in an upcoming tour of duty in Afghanistan. Wayne is taking a year’s sabbatical having been called up for training followed by a six-month spell on active service.

Oil Shock

The last few months have been rather traumatic for the stock market.  In the UK we have had to contend with the General Election and the reality of a hung parliament resulting in a coalition government – something of an unknown quantity here.

The rollercoaster ride

The last few weeks have been traumatic for any investor; with extreme movements in the markets within a matter of days.  The FTSE 100, for example has seen a short term high of over 5800 on 16 April lurch downwards to 5045 on 7 May, a swing of almost 13.5%.  Nor is the FTSE alone: both the Dow Jones and the Hang Seng have seen swings of over 12% over the course of a couple of weeks.