John Butler

Taylor Swift joins the inflation bogeyman party

Inflation takes many forms. Indeed, there are inflation ‘bogeymen’ hiding just about everywhere, ready to spring on us unaware. But are they acting alone, or in concert, directed by their handlers?

Chariots of Fire

The first Olympics that I recall properly are those of 1976, held in Montreal, Canada. This year, they’re also being hosted in a French-speaking city, albeit one a bit closer to home….

Will lower rates prevent a recession?

Interest rates may now be on the way down but is that going to be enough to prevent a recession? To support the stock market? Perhaps not, as we have already observed this past week.

Machiavelli grades Labour

My mother taught me that honesty is the best policy. My father taught me that consistency is key. Machiavelli taught me that might makes right. Well, sort of…

Pro-business? Or just pro-tax?

Labour laid out its initial plans in the King’s Speech from last week. While the government has been talking about “pro-business” policies, so far they are little more than “pro-tax”.

Another shot across another bow

Heavily indebted countries have little room for manoeuvre. There have been several recent examples. Those of us who live in heavily indebted democracies like to believe that “the people” remain in charge. But are they – we – really?

A history of conspiracy

Did you know that some previous Fleet Street Letter editors, advisers and members of its Global Intelligence Network have included members of the UK Parliament? The European Parliament? Retired military officers? Former spies? Defectors even?

The Dominatrix of Threadneedle Street

The UK has a banking “oligarchy” The Bank of England supposedly regulates it But does the “oligarchy” also control the government? If you’d like to…

Another election perspective

While most of us no doubt have an opinion or two regarding the upcoming election, and what it might mean for the country and for financial markets, we should all seek out other perspectives. Southbank’s Global Intelligence Network (GIN) is a good place to start.

Horse vs ox: Who “wins” in the energy stakes?

Since the dawn of civilisation, economies have been reliant on multiple sources of energy. From draft animals to water wheels to windmills, each source had certain advantages. This remains true today. As the energy mix evolves through technological advancement, investors can profit by remaining one step ahead.

EU election fallout

The EU elections confirm Euroscepticism remains in the ascendant. With the EU economy in the doldrums, this is perhaps not surprising. In sharp contrast, Argentina is setting a potential example for both the UK and EU to follow should they seek to reform their economies in future.

EU election fallout

The EU elections confirm Euroscepticism remains in the ascendant. With the EU economy in the doldrums, this is perhaps not surprising. In sharp contrast, Argentina is setting a potential example for both the UK and EU to follow should they seek to reform their economies in future.

What lies beneath?

Stock markets have been rising and financial markets may appear calm on the surface but there is trouble brewing underneath. Interest rates may soon begin to rise again, which could possibly trigger a debt and currency crisis.

What lies beneath?

Stock markets have been rising and financial markets may appear calm on the surface but there is trouble brewing underneath. Interest rates may soon begin to rise again, which could possibly trigger a debt and currency crisis.

The poisoned chalice

As the electioneering begins it’s worth considering why Sunak called a snap election in the first place. Has something spooked him into action? Indeed, there are several prominent possibilities…

Don’t take the grid for granted

Its entirely normal to take certain things for granted. Few of these come closer in our everyday experience than flicking on a light or other electrical switch. Successful investors know better. Nothing should be taken for granted, including our electrical grid.

The answer to global monetary mayhem

As the Ukraine war tilts in Russia’s favour, the US is becoming ever more aggressive in its use of sanctions, asset seizures and other measures to isolate Russia. Beyond a certain point, these measures could destabilise the international monetary system.

The prize of Zaporizhzhia

Russia seized Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia during the first days of the Ukraine war. Energy infrastructure has played an important role throughout and, regardless of how the war plays out, energy, including nuclear, remains an absolute “must-invest” sector…

Born to run

Investing may not be a race per se but, if it were, it would most closely resemble a marathon rather than a sprint. As it happens, distance running was central to human evolution, including the development of our brains. Yet we retain certain primitive biases that can interfere with investing. Fortunately there are ways to compensate.

Another look behind the headlines

Inside this issue: The US economy appears strong on the surface Beneath, it appears weak The private sector may already be in recession Back in…