28/02/2019
To the untrained eye – and quite often to the trained eye as well – the stock market can look like one great big casino. You spin the wheel, prices move up and down, and lives and livelihoods are changed beyond belief. Sometimes, apparently great companies with great products see their share prices drop, sometimes bad companies do the opposite. Is there any logic at all in the movement of company shares?
Certainly, anyone who tells you they know for sure that a share price is going to rise or fall can comfortably be ignored. They don’t. However, there are certain things that influence share prices over the longer term, and you can give yourself a fighting chance of picking better investments by knowing what they are.
1. The fundamentals
Shares are just tiny little chunks of a company. Therefore an important part of how share prices behave is the performance of the company itself. Is it selling more of its products? Is it making more profit from those sales? And to what extent is it passing on those profits to its shareholders via dividends?
Investors may also ask themselves whether the company is run by a strong and capable management team; whether there are any big risks looming that might derail the company; and whether it takes care of its employees. All these can help build a picture of whether a company is likely to grow its profits in future.
There are various metrics to measure these ‘fundamental’ aspects of a company’s strength. For example, an investor might look at revenue growth – how much the company has grown its gross income over the past 12 months. The fund manager’s favourite is a calculation called ‘EBITDA’ (or ‘earnings before interest, depreciation and amortisation'). This, alongside earnings per share, is a way of demonstrating how quickly a company is growing.
Revenues shouldn’t be looked at in isolation, as it is possible to sell lots of products and make little profit. Instead, investors should look at revenue alongside profitability and cashflow. Dividends can also be an indication of a strong company – if a company is generating enough cash to pay dividends to shareholders that is generally a positive sign.
2. Perspective on the day
The share price of a company also reflects investor expectations. A company could be selling lots of products and growing its revenues at 50-100%, but if most investors know that, it will be reflected in the share price today. Therefore, continuing to grow earnings at 50-100% won’t push the share price higher tomorrow, as it’s already accounted for.
However, if a company is expected to grow at 50% but suddenly grows at 25%, investors are likely to conclude that it isn’t worth the current share price and sell out. The share price will drop as a result. In contrast, if a company is expected to do badly, and does less badly, then the price may rise. In this way, apparently good companies may do badly in terms of share price, and bad companies may do well.
In judging this, investors often look at the ‘price to earnings’ ratio. This tells an investor how much the market is willing to pay per £1 of company earnings. It’s calculated by taking the share price and dividing it by the earnings per share. If a company is trading on a P/E of 20, it means investors are paying £20 for £1 of profits. If the share price doubles, but earnings stay the same, the P/E would be 40, which doesn’t look quite such good value.
3. Wider world around us
In the long-run, share prices should ebb and flow with the fortunes of individual companies. However, those fortunes are influenced by what is going on in the wider world. If the US economy is deteriorating, that can mean companies will struggle to sell as many goods and services to American consumers. This is being seen in the UK at the moment: the share prices of UK retailers have been under pressure because investors believe Brexit may influence spending habits. This may or may not be true, but no-one wants to take the risk.
The problem is that stock markets are prone to seeing more risks than there are in reality, and this accounts for a lot of the volatility in markets. Investors panic about Chinese manufacturing, or Donald Trump’s access to the nuclear codes, and markets sell off. Often these factors don’t end up affecting the profits of, say, Unilever very much at all and the share price recovers, but it can be painful in the interim.
What should investors conclude from this? Laith Khalaf, senior research analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, says:
“Valuing a share is not an exact science, and investors need to look at financial metrics but also consider the wider prospects for the company and the sector it sits in. If you’re investing in individual shares you’ll inevitably pick some losers as well as winners, which is why you should keep a diversified portfolio so all your eggs aren’t in one basket.”
We couldn’t say it better ourselves.
What's next?
Join the thousands of people who get our weekly musings on money, great products, top tips and a dollop of opinion.
Sign up to Holly's BlogWant to know more?
Holly's top picks: hottest stocks and shares ISAs 2019
Cash ISA interest rates are lower than limbo. To really put your savings to work, it might be time to consider a stocks and shares ISA. Holly picks her favourites for beginners and pros.
How will Brexit affect investors?
Following vote after vote & countless amendments, how do experts recommend that investors face up to Brexit? How do they think that Brexit will affect the UK stock market?
Learn the Tribal Way
What have other people been doing? Learn from their experiences.
If you know your shares from your SIPPs but could use a few tips, you might be an Intrepid Investor. Take a look at our specialised Learning Path for an ISA MOT and some fund ideas.
Intrepid InvestorsRelated Questions
-
I am self employed (40) with no private pension, earning £50,000 a year. I have savings and can make a lump sum investment. I know nothing about Stocks or Shares. What is the best way forward for pension and tax reduction? Desperate Anna
Anna | London | 25/03/2019 | 0
- Private Pension
- Stocks and Shares ISA
-
We have £100,000 in Premium Bonds to invest. We need it as serious illness has changed our lives completely. We have been advised to invest in a Capital Investment Bond, but fees seem high to me - 0.3% and 1.7% management and on-going advice. I'm considering Wealthify or other online funds. Can you help?
Melanie | London | 25/03/2019 | 0
- Online Investment Platforms
- Other
-
I have had a Hargreaves Lansdown Stocks & Shares ISA for the past 2+ years, divided into their Portfolio Plus Balanced Growth and in a mixture of shares I selected myself. While I am happy to keep the shares element, I don’t feel the managed portfolio is working for me and I could do better elsewhere. Where would you suggest I could invest for a better return? I am happy with balanced and some element of high risk. I’m 47, have two primary school age children, & live in central London. I also have a mortgage and a workplace pension.
Jennifer | London | 20/03/2019 | 0
- Shares
- Online Investment Platforms
-
My Fundsmith accumulation Class 1 investment fund has done well over the last 5 years, and its share price today is just about the highest it's ever been. Should I bank it now in case it goes down, or leave it and diversify by reinvesting monthly elsewhere in another fund?
Peter | Stockport | 18/03/2019 | 0
- Funds
-
For the last 9 months I've drip fed just over £10,000 into a Moneyfarm Investment ISA... it has been a very volatile year as you know. Moneyfarm seem to have done a good job of protecting my capital... however I haven't really made much in the way of gains... If I wanted, would I be able to transfer the whole lot to another platform where the fees are lower? I know you're not allowed to give regulated advice - but I'm uncertain if I should transfer the whole lot in one go, or drip feed.
Robert | UK | 14/03/2019 | 1
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Robo Adviser
-
I am in my mid 20s & earning a regular salary. I have decent savings and am toying with the idea of Wahed Invest (I am looking for shariah compliant funds). I am also dabbling with the idea of property. If I have no financial commitments (living at home for next 2 yrs), is it worth using 90% of my savings for a house deposit for buy-to-let purposes? I am thinking this would reduce my loan to value?
Zara | West Midlands | 12/03/2019 | 0
- Lifetime ISA
- Cash
- Robo Adviser
-
I have about £100 monthly extra I want to invest, but I am not sure if my ISAs represent good value. I thought I could put the money in a higher risk investment, as it is money I can invest over 5-10 years, and had thought Nutmeg might be a good option as I have little investment experience. Am I right in thinking I can only contribute to one Stocks & Shares ISA at a time in my name? I could just put more money into my existing ISAs. What do you think?
Colin | Lothian | 11/03/2019 | 0
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
-
My 60 year old mum is not very financially literate and has has no private pension. She has approximately £900k to invest, from which she will need to draw down c.£40k a year for life. She is not very financially literate and would not be able to proactively manage the money herself. Would you favour an Independent Financial Adviser or a Robo Adviser for someone in her position? Thank you!
Harry | Kent | 11/03/2019 | 1
- Private Pension
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
-
I am 47 and I would now like to open an investment ISA for growth for at least 10 years. I am tempted by the Vanguard LifeStrategy 80 due to the low fees and strong reputation. I would also consider investing in a couple of other Vanguard funds as well. Would this be advisable or relatively unnecessary, if I'm already investing in the LifeStrategy fund? I have also been looking with interest at Nutmeg, Wealthify, IG and AJ Bell Youinvest. Is there any provider that would stand above the others as most suitable in my circumstances?
Matt | South Yorkshire | 11/03/2019 | 0
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
-
My son has a work-based pension which he contributes 3% to, matched by 3% from his employer. He has nearly 10k with Nutmeg, 4K + in a Lifetime ISA, the rest in an ISA. If he increases his pension contribution, I have read it may affect the amount he can borrow on a mortgage. Is this correct? Should he take a SIPP out as well? Is there any advantage in maxing out his managed Nutmeg Lifetime ISA in the next financial year?
Richard | Hertfordshire | 06/03/2019 | 3
- Private Pension
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Lifetime ISA
- Pension
-
I’m 36 years old, earn £85k, and have about £40k savings in the bank, mainly in an old ISA that I’ve done nothing with. I have a five year old daughter and would like to put my savings somewhere clever so they start to do something useful by the time she starts at an independent secondary school and fees go through the roof. Any bright ideas please?
Milly | Berkshire | 22/02/2019 | 2
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Junior ISA
- Shares
- Online Investment Platforms
-
Trying to get a bit more pro-active with my pension. If my money had been in an online managed fund like Nutmeg for example, is it reasonable to assume that as the markets fell last year the funds would have been managed in real(ish) time to limit the damage? If so, is it therefore a no-brainer to transfer my pension to an online managed pension or is it not quite as simple as that?
David | London | 08/02/2019 | 2
- Private Pension
- Robo Adviser
- Pension
-
I recently came across your blog and it has been a great introduction to learning about my personal finances. I was wondering if you could recommend any additional resources (websites, books, online help) for beginners and that are tailored to the UK market. I am in my early 20's and I'm looking to further my knowledge of money, and foster a greater relationship with it. In addition to that, I'd like to know your opinions on how the possible outcomes of Brexit will affect the market and potential personal finance investments.
Rita | London | 23/01/2019 | 0
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
-
With a SIPP in drawdown would a company like Netwealth whose investment management fees are of the order of .66% of the value of the portfolio, be a better option compared to companies like Hargreaves Lansdown or Investec? What are the relative benefits of Netwealth over the more traditional wealth managers?
Steve | Lancashire | 22/01/2019 | 6
- Private Pension
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
-
Is there a Robo Investor who provides both income and growth for those who are retired? (There must be a large market for this?) It seems to me that at the moment all the Robos focus on long term growth and reinvesting dividends - which is fine if you are younger.
David | 18/01/2019 | 1
- Robo Adviser
-
I've been reading recently about how investment trusts are much the same as funds, but are cheaper to own. A: Is this true? and B: Do you have an article on Investment trusts on your site?
Nick | Surrey | 16/01/2019 | 2
- Funds
- Other
-
Hello, I really enjoy your website and find it useful and concise. My question is, what is meant by long term savings? I am 54, so what should I consider to be an appropriate time frame for any investment I make, that could supply the best results?
Jennifer | Essex | 16/01/2019 | 9
- Online Investment Platforms
- Funds
- Pension
-
I’m new to investing and in my late 30's. I'm actually stuck in a dilemma whether to invest using DIY platforms like Interactive Investor, A J Bell or Hargreaves Lansdown OR invest using robo advisors like Nutmeg, Moneyfarm or Pensionbee. I have compared the fees and they are not significantly different. Do robo advisers have a better return rate? I can dedicate some time to DIY investing but not a significant amount of time. Please advise. Thank you.
Victor | Kent | 14/01/2019 | 1
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
-
I’m a 20 something year old woman who’d like to learn more about investing. Do you have any books or reading material that gives a complete beginner a better understanding of how investing works?
Precious | Surrey | 03/01/2019 | 0
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Online Investment Platforms
-
From my retirement I received a lump sum of money and a monthly pension. I have £100,000 that I do not need for the foreseeable future... One of my main concerns with Financial Advisers are their costs... All I want is simply to see this money grow to its potential, sensibly and above inflation... Therefore my next thoughts are Stocks and Shares ISAs... My only concerns here are the current Brexit problems - I saw the FTSE drop this past week. I cannot find any information out there to assist with my decision making if this is certainly a good time to invest... I am aware that I can place £20,000 for this year. Come April 2019 I place another £20,000 and so on until the £100,000 has been utilised. Do I have to place it into the same fund or can I choose another different fund with a different company?... Please can you help to ease some of this burden, which has proved an awful part of my retirement and made me frightened to spend any money.
Katherine | Derbyshire | 02/01/2019 | 0
- Private Pension
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Cash
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
- Workplace Pension
-
I often find that my monthly salary is spent on things I don't need or just saved up; without accumulating much. So what can I do with my money to make money? I am not expecting you to tell me where and when to invest but simply what to read, and I guess I really would like to know how you became an expert, where did you start? I feel like investment is something so big I can barely even touch it, and I would greatly appreciate any words of advice you could share with me.
Beth | London | 07/12/2018 | 4
- Stocks and Shares ISA
-
I'm the sole carer for my chronically ill and elderly mum, as well as a full-time police officer. I have no other family apart from her. Due to mum's condition, and the fact that I'm exhausted performing both roles, the only option is to go part-time, as mum won't accept help from anyone else. To allow me to go part-time, I will need about £25,000 until March 2020 when I will be retiring. I’m confident of getting another job shortly thereafter. In January 2021, I will receive a commutation lump sum of about £50,000. I have a sizeable fund portfolio under an ISA wrapper with Hargreaves Lansdown. That is doing very well, so I don't really want to sell any of these funds and 'lend myself money' from that. My ideal funding solution would be a bond-type IOU agreement, where 'someone' lends me the money. Are you aware of a peer-to-peer site that could assist? Thanks
Dave | Hertfordshire | 27/11/2018 | 1
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Online Investment Platforms
- Other
-
I’ve been investing in Nutmeg’s Risk 10 profile for three years which helped my deposit for my house. I am now wondering whether to use Nutmeg again, or should I use LifeStrategy for my £1000 per month? Is there a difference between Vanguard's LifeStrategy option and let’s say a well known robo adviser like Nutmeg? I am still a beginner and would like to keep things simple, but happy to take risk and prepared to leave my investments for a long time.
Jordan | Surrey | 26/11/2018 | 6
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
- Funds
-
Do you have any recommendations for books that I can buy my 18 year old daughter for Xmas on the subject of pensions and investments so she can start to understand the subjects? She's young I know but I would like to get her started. Many thanks!
Nicki | Devon | 15/11/2018 | 2
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
- Other
-
I was lucky enough to inherit a significant sum from my father... currently in Alliance trust platform in 10 investment trusts. They have delivered well in the last 20 years. But they are UK equity based. And highly risky. Do you offer a sanity check service for confused individuals like myself? I don’t know what to do...
Paul | Berkshire | 12/11/2018 | 2
- Private Pension
- Online Investment Platforms
- Funds
-
I am 35 and working part time on a reasonable salary. I've recently taken out a Stocks & Shares ISA with Wealthify (from reading the recommendations on Boring Money) where I pay in £40 per month. However, I'm wondering if I should be doing more? Should I be diversifying and using more than just Wealthify? Or is it better to increase the amount into Wealthify?
Holly | Sussex | 17/10/2018 | 1
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Online Investment Platforms
-
I am 25 and starting to seriously financially plan out my future. I would really welcome a 'sense check' on my thinking as well as some help on which investment choices to make. My goals are: To invest for 15 years - my risk appetite is very high (i.e. I could afford to lose all my money). Goal 1 - More Important: To have an investment pot of £1,500,000. Goal 2 - Less Important: To be mortgage free. My plan is: 1) Open an annual Stocks and Shares ISA each of the next 15 years. 2) Open Share trading/dealing account. 3) Reduce my mortgage term to 6 years by 2025. I appreciate the above is a lot to go though, but I'd welcome any help and guidance.
Mo | London | 15/10/2018 | 3
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Shares
- Online Investment Platforms
- Funds
- Other
-
I shall have £10k to invest shortly, and I want to use an actively managed portfolio in a quality company. How would you rate - Investec Click & Invest/True Potential Investor/Nutmeg on the basis of ROI/customer relationship/quality/risk factors etc? I would class myself as a mid-grade risk-taker/reasonably adventurous if appropriate, with a high quality company. I presently use Hargreaves Lansdown and Wealthify but feel the need to diversify. What do you recommend?
Richard | Shropshire | 03/10/2018 | 1
- Online Investment Platforms
-
The recent Metro article which Holly participated in has really inspired me and made me think that investing in shares is something which I would like to do. Unfortunately I am completely thrown about where to start. I would be grateful for any advice you could pass my way. Realistically, I would only have about 2k to invest, so any tips would be gratefully received.
Sarah-Jane | London | 12/09/2018 | 3
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Cash
- Online Investment Platforms
-
Is there a reason you don’t list Saga in your Best Buys? Additionally, I have purchased a few investment trust shares but can’t work out how the dividends are paid. Scottish Mortgage is an example. I wasn't given an option to choose how to receive the dividends. It would be useful if you could provide some clarity on how investment trusts pay their dividends.
Carl | Buckinghamshire | 07/09/2018 | 1
- Shares
- Online Investment Platforms
-
Any advice for two young people trying to get themselves a home? My girlfriend and I are saving for a house together. Currently house prices in our area are a ridiculous £300k. The max we can get from banks is about £220k, meaning somehow saving up a whopping £80k deposit. This would take us about 8 years (and house prices are increasing faster than we're saving!) That's not to mention solicitors fees, stamp duty, the cost of moving, furnishing the house, white goods, and any repairs or renovations. It all just seems impossible!!
Joe | Buckinghamshire | 23/08/2018 | 0
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Lifetime ISA
- Cash
-
Can you advise me on the best approach when looking to invest in a product that offers compound interest? I’m thinking about funds rather than bank accounts. I also have 4 different pensions on the go. Should I keep them separate to diversify the risk? Or consolidate them? How will these pensions be treated when I retire? Will they be considered in aggregate by the tax man?
Craig | Clackmannanshire | 16/08/2018 | 1
- Private Pension
- Online Investment Platforms
- Funds
-
I have about two thirds of my ISA in funds with Charles Stanley Direct and about one third left with St James's Place. I was planning to transfer the remaining one third to Charles Stanley Direct. However the recent platform price increases seem to put me in the worst position possible. I also have a private St James's Place pension. Would I be correct in thinking the fees are also high on this, and I could do better elsewhere? Can I transfer into an SIPP for example?
Gerry | Bedfordshire | 15/08/2018 | 5
- Private Pension
- Online Investment Platforms
- Funds
-
I invested my money in a St James's Place managed fund, split into ISAs and bonds, after advice from an adviser who was a St James's Place partner. My investments have done reasonably well, but I've read disturbing reports about St James's Place. Should I have concerns? Should I have found an independent financial adviser?
Glyn | Essex | 09/08/2018 | 6
- Funds
-
I wanted an investment trust with an income, so I put £10,000 into The Investment Company. It delivers a reliable quarterly dividend but the capital value has dropped by 10% since I invested 2 years ago. What are your favourite investment trusts?
Fran | Greater London | 08/08/2018 | 4
- Shares
- Funds
-
Is there an average number of funds that one should ideally hold? I have in excess of 20. I am happy with my portfolio and coverage, but wonder if I have too many funds. The second part to the question is how long should you leave an underperforming fund?
Richard | Hertfordshire | 06/08/2018 | 3
- Funds
-
I'm 24 and would like to begin investing. Am I better off using a robo advisor such as Wealthify/Wealthsimple or a fund such as Vanguard LifeStrategy?
Amanda | Greater London | 06/08/2018 | 6
- Shares
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
-
I have cash saved in ISAs and savings accounts - probably a 30% deposit on a property - first time buyer. I am at least 12 months away from getting a permanent job, so at least 12 months away from buying a property. What can I do with the cash in the meantime? Best just to leave it in cash for now, or invest a portion in stocks and shares ISAs?
Malti | London | 25/07/2018 | 2
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Lifetime ISA
- Cash
-
I am 73 and cautious. There are two areas that your advice would be helpful..what if you just spend thousands on buying the gold standard footsie companies like shell and the rest and keep them for five years and then cash them in ?
DB | UK | 24/07/2018 | 6
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
- Funds
- Pension
-
I'm nearly 30 and looking to open a private ready made pension, and also an investment ISA for retirement funds or towards a property, but very unsure what risk level to choose (low to medium, or medium to high)? Any comments or advice welcome.
Susan | WMD | 24/07/2018 | 1
- Private Pension
- Stocks and Shares ISA
-
Nutmeg require a minimum investment of £5,000. As I have less than £5,000 per annum income I am a bit confused about how much I can put into a pension. I know the government will only gross up a maximum of £2,880 per year but can I put more than this in and forgo the gross up?
Barbara | HRT | 10/07/2018 | 1
- Robo Adviser
-
I hope you can help. I recently consolidated two modest pensions into a SIPP in readiness to start UPFLS drawdown in May (2018). Whilst I was hoping for growth in my investments I wasn’t expecting it to rocket and now find I could well be looking at exceeding the lifetime allowance, possibly even before my first annual drawdown in May, and I’m unsure what, if anything, I should do.
John | LDN | 03/07/2018 | 1
- Private Pension
- Funds
-
What are the differences between income and accumulation income funds? How do you declare income reinvested in a fund on your tax return?
C | 05/06/2018 | 0
- Funds
-
We have a portfolio of ISAs/ PEPs worth around £250k, currently invested via Cofunds, managed by Chelsea and Bestinvest. I'm told this is quite an expensive option regarding platform charges. Are there better options?
John | BRK | 08/05/2018 | 6
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
-
I would like to open a Junior shares ISA for my Grandson for about £50/month. How do I go about it and can you recommend some reliable companies?
Roger | Surrey | 26/04/2018 | 2
- Junior ISA
- Shares
-
Can you recommend some very basic books for a 69-year-old widow who is now having to manage her money? Thanks
Martha | 12/04/2018 | 0
- Shares
- Funds
-
I just found your web site (recommended in Andy Bell's book on Do It Yourself investing). Could you say why you do not review Halifax Share Dealing in your list of ISA providers? Is there anything wrong with this ISA provider for you not to include it?
Gerald | 11/04/2018 | 0
- Shares
-
Hi, I've got an old D.B. pension, approximate value £12k. I would like to invest & top up each month. Who would you recommend? Also I would like to make an investment, & don't know where to start? Thanks
Eve | 04/04/2018 | 5
- Funds
- Pension
-
I am post-divorce with a good settlement which I have only partially invested. Are there any courses you can recommend? I have sat in a number of meetings with accountants and financial advisers feeling somewhat patronised! I am sure that there are plenty of women in a similar position to me (aged 55!).
Ellie | 14/03/2018 | 3
- Shares
- Funds
- GIA
-
How can I find a good financial adviser?
Byron | Greater London | 01/03/2018 | 0
- Shares
- Funds
-
I am in the very lucky position of just having received a gift of £800k which I want to invest for our retirement. My husband and I are in our late 40s and aim to retire in around five years. We have 11 more years of school fees to fund, then hopefully university fees for two after that. I've put together a plan for us - can you have a look and see if it makes sense?
Fiona | UK | 18/01/2018 | 6
- Private Pension
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Junior ISA
- Shares
- Cash
- Online Investment Platforms
-
We have four grandchildren (2 English living in UK, and 2 Irish living in Eire). We have decided to start savings plans for their futures. Their ages are 18yrs, 11yrs, 8yrs and 4yrs respectively. My age is 75yrs, and my wife is a little older. What should we do, please?
John | BKM | 01/01/2018 | 1
- Junior ISA
- Lifetime ISA
- Shares
- Funds
-
Given the recent poor performance in Woodford Equity Income, do you think I should sell it or wait for the fund to recover?
Jenna | Cornwall | 17/12/2017 | 3
- Funds
-
I am already receiving a pension from a final salary scheme and I am retired. I have a sum of money I want to invest. Can I start another pension as a saver and, if so, how much can I put in every year?
Collette | Greater London | 25/11/2017 | 0
- Private Pension
- Online Investment Platforms
-
How do I start investing, buy stocks, bitcoins, etc with £100.00?
Claudette | BDF | 18/11/2017 | 1
- Shares
- Other
-
I am a 59 yr old retired lady with no income but I have reasonable equity..is it worth starting a pension or is it too late?
LL | NFK | 10/11/2017 | 2
- Private Pension
- Shares
- Pension
-
I am getting long in the tooth at 79, a little forgetful and I am going through a painful divorce. This has shattered my confidence and I need help.
Richard | Kent | 05/11/2017 | 3
- Private Pension
- Funds
-
Have you a review on Halifax stocks and shares isa
Moira | LDN | 21/10/2017 | 3
- Stocks and Shares ISA
-
My mother is 84 and has around £35,000 in cash, realised when she moved to a smaller house. She would like to invest it and draw income that would be slightly higher than the natural yield - say around £2,000. What is the best vehicle for that please?
Ed | SXE | 18/09/2017 | 4
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Cash
-
I have just sold my house and have a significant sum of money I want to invest. I may want to draw some income but also want to achieve capital growth. Are there funds that aim to achieve both or should I just invest for growth and draw money as I need to for income?
Jon | SRY | 13/09/2017 | 1
- Funds
-
I have a delightful 12 year old daughter and she has just opened her first bank account. I am dreadful with money but I would like to know what I should teach her so that she does not pick up my bad financial habits. Do you have some top tips of things to teach our children so they are wise and responsible with money please?
Louise | Greater London | 11/09/2017 | 1
- Junior ISA
- Shares
- Cash
-
I am interested in the Fund piece that Holly refers to in today's Money Supplement in the ST’s with 'Lindsell Train Global Equity'. I am looking for a fund for myself (54 yrs old) but also my son (19 yrs old). Is this fund suitable for either of us with an investment strategy of 10 years +.
Richard | 22/01/2017 | 0
- Funds
-
I am confused about index funds, e.g. Vanguard Equity fund. Do they track an index or include the yield? In the case of Vanguard, their low cost is attractive but their portfolio is made up of other Vanguard funds. I assume these probably each carry a fee structure - is this correct?
Robin | Gloucestershire | 03/09/2018 | 0
- Online Investment Platforms
- Funds
-
Is it worth using a financial adviser when it comes to switching pensions funds, or should I do the research and pick the funds myself? I am no expert in stocks and shares.
Helen | Dorset | 10/08/2018 | 4
- Private Pension
- Shares
- Funds
-
I've got £20,000 from an endowment policy (astonishing, I know), and I'm looking into how best to invest to get a reasonable return without excessive risk. Any thoughts much appreciated!!
Penny | Peterborough | 09/08/2018 | 1
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Cash
- Online Investment Platforms
- Life Insurance
-
I am looking for a fund for myself (54 yrs old) but also my son (19 yrs old). Is this fund suitable for either of us with an investment strategy of 10 years +.
| 29/05/2018 | 3
- Robo Adviser
- Funds
-
I use H&L and although they are a bit 'plumy' on the phone I quite like their website and the costs are OK. So I was thinking of H&L for [my son]. I would be telling him to open these two funds and regularly invest and forget about them for 10 years!
R | Greater London | 29/05/2018 | 1
- Lifetime ISA
- Robo Adviser
- Online Investment Platforms
- Funds
-
Given the recent poor performance in Woodford Equity Income, do you think I should sell it or wait for the fund to recover?
| 29/05/2018 | 0
- Funds
-
I have a bit of excess money to play around with and I have been looking at Investment funds. What is the typical % growth rate of an investment fund?
David | Greater London | 07/09/2017 | 7
- Online Investment Platforms
- Funds
-
How risky is a Stocks and Shares ISA?
Alexandra | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 2
- Stocks and Shares ISA
-
Should I be even thinking about the stock market?
Lysa | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 0
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Shares
-
Pensions vs ISA - which one is best?
Roderick | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 0
- Stocks and Shares ISA
- Junior ISA
- Lifetime ISA
- Pension
-
What funds could my millennial children invest in?
Anthony | Greater London | 06/09/2017 | 2
- Funds