Latest articles by John Stepek
-
What lies behind the returns from ESG investing?
Analysis Today’s mantra is that you don’t have to sacrifice performance if you own only ESG stocks. Yet that’s not logical
Analysis -
Record M&A activity is usually a toppy sign – what does it mean today?
Opinion Merger and acquisitions activity has hit an all-time high. That’s classic bubble behaviour, says John Stepek. But does it mark the top of the market now?
Opinion -
Inflation? A Covid relapse? Markets are trying to work out what’s coming next
Opinion Markets have rebounded on the belief that the post-pandemic recovery is real. But things are still very uncertain. Will we see more lockdowns? Persistent inflation? Everlasting stimulus? John Stepek looks at what might lie ahead.
Opinion -
What will pop the UK's house price bubble?
Analysis UK house prices are rising at their fastest rate since 2004. And there’s just one thing that can burst the bubble. John Stepek explains what it is.
Analysis -
The central bank race for digital currencies is hotting up
Analysis As governments crackdown on bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, central banks are developing their own digital currencies. That has all sorts of implications, says John Stepek – not all of them good.
Analysis -
Inflation is coming, says the Bank of England – but don't expect us to react
Analysis The Bank of England is confident we’ll see inflation, but says it’s going to keep interest rates where they are and carry on printing money. John Stepek explains what that means for you.
Analysis -
How to join the private-equity party
Opinion Private-equity groups are chewing their way through the FTSE. It’s not ideal – but if you can’t beat ’em...
Opinion -
Why oil stocks still look like a good bet
Opinion Oil is at its highest price for more than two years. And with demand recovering while supply remains constrained, it all looks good for oil stocks, says John Stepek.
Opinion -
Morrisons is just the start – get ready for a private equity feeding frenzy
Analysis The bid to buy the Morrisons supermarket chain is the latest example of UK listed companies being snapped up by private equity groups. It won’t be the last, says John Stepek – we could well see a feeding frenzy before this is all over.
Analysis -
Has the pandemic created a wave of “zombie companies”?
Analysis Zombie companies have been an ever-growing problem. The Covid-19 aftermath could see numbers soar
Analysis -
Markets believe that bankruptcy has been abolished – that’s not a good thing
Analysis The gap between corporate and government debt is collapsing, with investors demanding very little extra yield for taking on the risk of bankruptcy. That could pose a problem, says John Stepek. Here’s why.
Analysis -
The Fed springs a surprise on investors – are there more to come?
Analysis The US Federal Reserve has turned more aggressive than expected on inflation, driving fears of an early interest-rate rise. John Stepek looks at what it means for the markets and for you.
Analysis -
Two of the biggest risks to the “Roaring 2020s” scenario
Analysis A lot of people – including us – are expecting an inflationary boom as we all emerge from lockdown to spend, spend, spend. But there are a couple of things that could derail that scenario, says John Stepek.
Analysis -
Will the Federal Reserve give markets a shock this week?
Analysis With US inflation coming in higher than expected, markets are nervously awaiting the Federal Reserve’s response. John Stepek looks at what’s likely to happen.
Analysis -
Why it’s vital to keep an eye on your costs when investing
Advice Costs are one of the few aspects of investing that you have control over. Be sure to use that to your advantage, says John Stepek.
Advice -
US inflation is rising faster than anyone expected – but markets aren’t worried yet
Analysis US inflation is at its highest in nearly 30 years. But markets are unfazed, banking on it being just a temporary blip. John Stepek isn’t so sure. Here’s why, and what it means for you.
Analysis -
Bitcoin is now legal tender in El Salvador. Is this the start of something?
Analysis El Salvador has become the first country in the world to make bitcoin legal tender. John Stepek explains why, and asks if other countries might do the same.
Analysis -
We shouldn’t let digital currencies kill off cash – here’s why
Opinion Central banks are keen on implementing their own digital currencies. But the end of physical cash could give governments total control over how you spend your money. John Stepek explains why.
Opinion -
Why markets don’t really mind weak US employment data
Analysis The latest US employment data was worse than expected. And while the dollar took a knock, the stockmarket rallied. John Stepek explains why markets are so relaxed.
Analysis -
What's driving the surge in food prices and what are the knock-on effects?
Analysis Data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) monthly food price index, shows prices in May were 40% higher compared to last year. John Stepek looks at what is causing higher food inflation.
Analysis -
The biggest threat to crypto comes from stablecoins
Analysis Governments are increasingly getting worried about "stablecoins", cryptocurrencies which have a more "stable value". John Stepek explains what stablecoins are and why they are causing alarm.
Analysis -
What oil majors' climate battles tell us about shareholder democracy
Editor's letter Big oil has faced a tumultuous week with a number of defeats over their environmental practises. John Stepek breaks down what this means for the market.
Editor's letter -
AMC is a wildly overvalued joke – but it's good news for shareholder democracy
Analysis AMC shares have exploded even as the company sold 8.5 million new shares to Mudrick Capital this week. John Stepek explains what's behind the stock's remarkable rally.
Analysis -
The house price boom is looking dangerously like a bubble now
Analysis UK house prices are looking dangerously expensive. John Stepek breaks down why it is rising and how higher inflation can derail the growth.
Analysis
