FTSE 100 creeps higher
Over the last few days we have seen a flurry of interest in the UK stock market which has seen the FTSE 100 push ahead to levels not seen since 2008. It seems a mixture of improved economic data, bid speculation and hopes that the worst is over for the business community has seen investors return to the market in significant numbers. But what does 2010 hold for the UK stock market?
While the recent flurry of activity has been welcomed across the board there is no doubt that some investors are still concerned about the fragile nature of the UK economic upturn, problems in mainland Europe and the requirement for the UK authorities to increase the tax burden on businesses and consumers in the short to medium term. As we saw with the Greek crisis, which effectively came out of nowhere, there are many situations around the world which could trigger renewed concern about the worldwide economic upturn and local economic activity.
It is also worthwhile remembering that the increase in share prices is very sporadic and not all areas of the business community have enjoyed share price rises in the recent past. There is also the spectre of inflation behind-the-scenes which could yet return to give more concern to UK investors.
Share this..
Related stories
Failed company accused of financial mismanagement
A 2 kg ruby named the "Gem of Tanzania" is this evening at the centre of a bizarre financial mystery. The gem had been used to underpin the finances of Wrekin Construction before the company went into administration in March 2009 with the loss of 500 jobs. However, while the gem was valued at £11 million in the company's report and accounts, Ernst & Young, the company's administrator, has put the...
Read MoreInvestors choosing premium bonds due to high interest rates
It has been suggested that a growing number of investors have been seeking to put their money into premium bonds in the past few years because of unattractive interest rates.According to Hargreaves Lansdown, premium bonds are likely to have become a popular option with many in recent years because in 2006 interest rates stood at just 4.5 per cent, making savings an unattractive option for some.Mar...
Read MoreRBS chairman admits bank remuneration is astonishingly high
Sir Philip Hampton, the chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland, is this weekend involved in something of a controversial episode after admitting that bank remuneration is astonishingly high. His remark came on the BBC radio four Today program at a time when the UK government is trying to leave the UK banking crisis behind. Despite his admission that banking remuneration is astonishingly high at the...
Read MoreBP chief leaves with £1 million payoff
Tony Hayward, the chief executive of BP, has announced that he will leave the company with a £1 million payoff and a £10 million pension fund. He will receive a pension of around £500,000 a year and has already been earmarked for a position at a joint venture company between BP and TNK in Siberia. After days of rumours it has been confirmed that BP will be installing a new chief executive in th...
Read MoreStock market investors take a step back
Amid signs that all may not be rosy in the garden a number of investors are now sitting on the sidelines as the UK stock market takes a "breather". After a period of relatively upbeat statements and comments, the last few days have been dominated by worse than expected profits and downbeat forecast for the immediate future. Ashtead, the construction equipment hire group, was the latest UK listed c...
Read More