A Different Perspective
Asking the Right Questions
Wisdom from Warren Buffett
On Saturday Warren Buffett released his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. These letters have become famous over the years, filled with wisdom from one of the most iconoclastic active investment managers ever known. This year marks the 50th anniversary of when Warren Buffett took charge of Berkshire, an arrival that has brought spectacular riches to shareholders. Read More
Liverpool FC: riding a wave of momentum
In the English Premier League, the battle for top four and Champions League football next year continues to heat up. Liverpool FC are riding a wave of momentum that critics failed to grasp, with two well earned victories over Southampton. The type of short-termism that drives financial market behaviour is rife in top tier football, and so the Liverpool hierarchy did well not to panic as some fickle fans called for the sacking of Brendan Rodgers after a dismal first half of the season. The difference to the situation with David Moyes last season is that Brendan Rodgers has a clear philosophy, one that I believe will deliver the premier league title within three years. YNWA!
Weekly Market Recap: 2nd March 2015
Stellar month for equities….
Most of the major equity indices moved higher last week despite mixed economic data and speculation that the US Federal Reserve could move on rate hikes this summer. Last week capped a stellar month for equity markets, with gains of 5-7% across the major indices. The FTSE Eurofirst 300 Index rose 2.71%, bringing the monthly gain to 6.7%. In the US, the S&P 500 gained 5.5% in February, recouping all of the losses sustained in January. Read More
Me & My Money: In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
Interview appeared in the Irish Times Tuesday February 24th 2015 Read More
Germany V Greece: “eureka moment” needed…..
All eyes will be on the meeting of the Euro area finance ministers today and whether some agreement can be reached on the path forward for Greece. Markets will continue to be sensitive to any news flow, in what is really a battle between Germany and Greece. Read More
“Herbalife will go to Zero” – Bill Ackman
In July of last year I wrote a piece on Herbalife – “Is Herbalife (NYSE:HLF) a Pyramid Scheme?” – following the presentation by Bill Ackman, the legendary hedge fund manager and founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, where he exposed Herbalife to be a pyramid scheme. Read More
Weekly Market Recap: 15th February 2015
Market Recap
Global equity markets moved higher last week, despite mixed economic data, buoyed by the ceasefire announcement in the Ukraine and hope increased that a compromise will be reached in Greece. Read More
Pensions can be an employee incentive
Article appeared in the Sunday Business Post February 15th 2015
The worst of the recession appears to be behind us. With the outlook for economic growth improving, SMEs can expect increased competition for talented candidates.
One element of an attractive remuneration package that is often overlooked is the pension, which can be an important tool for attracting and retaining top talent. Here are some important tips for small business owners on how to use their pension offering to their advantage when hiring: Read More
Where I am allocating my football capital
The legendary Bill Shankly once said that “If Everton were playing at the bottom of the garden, I’d pull the curtains.” Well if he was looking down on the weekend’s Merseyside derby he’d have surely pulled the curtains, for what was a disappointing encounter. Still, with 14 games remaining all is to play for in the race for the coveted Champions League places.
Looking at the competition Read More
Irish 30 Year Bond Issue & Record Low Long Term Eurozone Bond Yields
Irish Government get €4bn 30 year interest only loan at 2%
The Irish government came to the market last week with their first ever 30-year bond for sale, maturing in February 2045 and with a coupon payment of 2%. In the lead-up to the auction it was expected they would try and sell €2 billion. The auction attracted €11.2 billion of orders from over 350 investors, allowing the National Treasury Management Agency to raise €3.92 billion at a price of €98.05 and a yield of 2.088%. Read More
