
Bulls power: what happens when the bulls stampede?
Stock markets are not always rational. Despite warnings to the contrary, of bubbles or over-heated valuation, investors often pile into a sector when it is flying, ever hopeful that the bull run has much further to go.

Bears power – what happens when the bears run wild
In an extreme bear market, investor confidence is positively subterranean. All faith in the market has gone and the human instinct is to bail out. Rational thought is abandoned as panic selling sets in.

How celebrities can impact trading and investment
Whether it is an unfortunate quote on live TV or radio, a stray email or an ill-advised comment on social media, corporate reputations can be knocked down in a matter of seconds.

Absolute return investing – a strategy for all markets?
In simple terms an absolute return fund is designed to make a positive return regardless of the underlying market condition whatever asset class it is invested in - be that equities, bonds or a combination of assets.

Moneysupermarket sees share price slide after growth warning
Moneysupermarket’s share price took a hiding today as the financial comparison site revealed that it expected earnings to be flat in 2018.

BAE shows improved earnings but expects flat 2018
UK defence company has BAE Systems has reported an 8% increase in annual earnings, in line with forecasts. The firm put the improved earnings numbers largely down to growing demand for its advanced precision kill weapon rockets.

BAT boosted by RAI acquisition in challenging market
British American Tobacco reports group revenue up 37.6%, with profit from operations up 39.1%, due to the acquisition of RAI, improved revenue from the NGP portfolio, pricing and a translational foreign exchange tailwind due to the relative weakness of sterling.

21-year old unveils dark pool for large crypto trades
Republic Protocol, a company run by a 21-year-old, has raised $34m worth of ether to build a cryptocurrency dark pool, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

MPs launch inquiry into risks of cryptocurrencies
Westminster’s cross-party Treasury Select Committee of lawmakers is to launch an inquiry into digital currencies.

Merck & Co snaps up Viralytics for $394m
US drug manufacturer Merck & Co has agreed to buy Australian biotech business Viralytics for $394m in order to expand its drug pipeline.

Share price fall as AA revises down earnings forecast
The AA says it is likely to deliver lower-than-expected annual earnings as it prioritises investments in the business that CEO Simon Breakwell insists are vita” to the company’s long-term success.

First Group feels the impact of a harsh winter
Transport operator FirstGroup’s latest trading update since half-year results back in September, reveals reported group revenue up 0.7% year to date.

Temenos seals £1.4bn Fidessa acquisition
As expected, Swiss banking software company Temenos has agreed with the board of Fidessa Group to buy the UK financial software specialist for around £1.4bn.

Accor surprises on the upside with improved profits
AccorHotels, has delivered a 10.1% rise in like-for-like operating profits for 2017, helped by cost controls and strong demand most of its’ key regions. The figures were above company guidance and broker forecasts.

Dunelm share price takes a hit as profits fall
Dunelm Group saw its share price slump over 8% in mid-morning trading to 587.25 following a mixed set of interim results.