Spencer Winfield at stockbroker Charles Stanley replies: When providing performance comparisons for a portfolio, a stockbroker or fund manager will normally compare the rise or fall of the portfolio they manage against a particular index or indices. The index will generally be chosen at the portfolio's creation and used as a benchmark against [...]
The Bank of England was urged to reduce rates on Thursday by at least one percentage point from 3% to 2%, with some experts arguing the case for an even bigger move.
It followed shocking figures from the construction sector and ongoing concerns that the low level of bank lending is starving the economy and [...]
Beleaguered fund management group New Star Asset Management is locked in talks with its lenders over the group's £230m of debt after its shares fell back to an all-time low.
The situation has raised fears that investors may look for a quick exit from New Star funds. Already assets under management at [...]
Managing director Phil Bentley has written to all customers highlighted last week and said he was 'happy to allay' their concerns.
And the energy company, Britain's largest, has called in 300 staff to address problems with energy payments.
HELPLINE NUMBER: 0800 048 0101
The Mail on Sunday has been contacted by 1,500 readers worried that they are [...]
Just weeks before Christmas, Aston Martin, Unilever and Halfords announced cuts to their workforces.
The losses will add to a growing tally as firms struggle in the worst economic downturn since the First World War.
Unemployment is at 1.8m, its highest level for 11 years. It is expected to rise to 3.3m by 2010.
Every day, about [...]
A 'significant and sustained' downturn in the economy has prompted the call from manufacturers, while struggling small businesses say that Chancellor Alistair Darling's Pre-Budget stimulus package does not go far enough.
The market is already anticipating another significant reduction in borrowing costs after last month's surprise 1.5 percentage point drop in the base rate.
City opinion [...]
Staff at some of Woolworths' 815 stores were in tears, fearing they will have no money to buy food and presents or pay their bills.
The iconic firm, famous in the past for its pick and mix sweets and sales of music, has a proud history which dates back almost 100 years in the UK.
Administrators [...]
Struggling MFI has been hit by falling demand for 'big ticket' goods as the housing market slumps and consumer confidence falls and despite a management buyout in September has gone into administration.
Administrators MCR have said they will be contacting customers who have outstanding orders as soon as they are able [...]
More than 20 years have passed since Sid was invented to persuade ordinary people to buy shares in British Gas. The group has been transformed beyond recognition since then through a number of demergers and mergers.
One of the resultant companies, Centrica, still owns the British Gas brand, but the company has expanded into lots [...]
Yesterday, the Financial Services Authority unveiled the latest stage of its Retail Distribution Review, designed to clamp down on mis-selling by changing the way that we pay for advice and raising standards among financial advisers.
The City watchdog also wants to draw a clear distinction between independent advisers and salesmen to end confusion for investors.
Insurance [...]
© 2008 Daily Financial News