Blog

ShareSoc Blog

This blog gives you the latest topical news plus some informal comments on them from ShareSoc’s directors and other contributors. These are the personal comments of the authors and not necessarily the considered views of ShareSoc. The writers may hold shares in the companies mentioned. You can add your own comments on the blog posts, but note that ShareSoc reserves the right to remove or edit comments where they are inappropriate or defamatory.

There is more news given in the News page of our web site and more analysis of news is provided in our monthly newsletter for members – see the Newsletters page.

If you would like to be notified about new posts to our blog you can opt-in to our Weekly Wrap-Up Email service. If you are a member of ShareSoc select the “Weekly Wrap-Up Email” option here. If you are not a member select the “Information and Education Services” option here.


Lord Lee Podcasts

  We thought you might be interested to know that ShareSoc Patron Lord Lee has teamed up with the Investors Chronicle to produce a monthly podcast - "Lee and the IC".  The first episode, which has just gone live, focuses upon dividends - particularly M&G, Aviva, Legal & General etc., and also touches on a number of Small Caps including Concurrent Technologies and Goodwin. You can find it on the IC's website here, (free to listen) but here are a few other ways to listen: Apple podcasts link here  ...

Burford and Woodford compared

This article reflects the opinions of its author and not necessarily those of ShareSoc. Different approaches from SEC and FCA The Burford and Woodford cases highlight different US and UK practices. In the US, the Judge explains the role of the litigation funder, justifies its role and why it should not affect his judgement. In the UK, the FCA, in the case of Woodford and Link, is attempting to work with Link to allow the plaintiff to settle all its compensation claims for what has ...

ShareSoc Rings the Bell for Financial Literacy

  On Tuesday 3rd October at the London Stock Exchange in Paternoster Square, ShareSoc Director Mark Northway signs the visitor book to record his visit to the Stock Exchange ceremony to Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy, and mark World Investor Week. ShareSoc was represented by director Mark Northway, who is also Chair of the World Federation of Investors, and former director Cliff Weight. We were invited because of ShareSoc’s contributions to financial education such as our Investor Academy and our recent series of 10 succinct free ...

Musings on Audits

This article reflects the opinions of its author and not necessarily those of ShareSoc. This is the first post from a new contributor to ShareSoc’s blog: “The Secret Auditor”. We hope that we can coax them to contribute more of their wisdom in the future. Why Problems With Audits Arise Repeatedly The fundamental problem of audit quality remains, the work is carried out by bright individuals fresh from university, they haven't been in industry for decades and seen what goes on, they haven't had ...

RBS/NatWest: Has the leopard changed its spots?

This article reflects the opinions of its author and not necessarily those of ShareSoc. Farage Fiasco forces CEO’s resignation; governance concerns at NatWest Dame Alison Rose stood down in July over the closure of Nigel Farage’s account by Coutts & Co, and more specifically over her indiscrete communications with the BBC on the matter. Alison Rose clearly made a huge blunder in chatting to Simon Jack, the BBC news editor, about a customer’s personal financial information. I’m sure she will kick herself until the ...

With Gratitude to Steve Holdsworth and his Family

  Just over a year ago, the ShareSoc team was saddened to learn of the passing of our staunch supporter, Steve Holdsworth. We were recently overwhelmed to learn that Steve’s support continued after his passing and want to express our immense gratitude to Steve’s family for the generous legacy that ShareSoc received. It will help us to develop ShareSoc and move forward with our campaigns and services for our members. Our members’ financial support is essential for ShareSoc to be able to fulfil its ...

FCA Consultation GC23/2 Financial Promotions on Social Media

  ShareSoc and UKSA have responded to the FCA’s consultation on financial promotions via social media. We express concern that less experienced investors are vulnerable to simplistic and potentially misleading messages published via social media, which may tempt them into unsuitable, high-risk, investments. We therefore propose stricter regulation of social media messaging that may encourage inappropriate investment. Mark Bentley, Director, ShareSoc

SIGnet Investors Network Launches New Beginners’ Group 

  SIGnet is excited to announce the launch of a new Beginners’ Group, for those in the early stages of their investing career. The Conveners for the Beginners’ Group will be Paul Fisher and John Calvert, of the Signet Leeds Originals and Leeds Veritas Groups. Both have been SIGnet members and keen investors for many years. Bill Fawkner-Corbett, Head of SIGnet and a member of the Central London, Leeds Originals and US Groups, who has been investing (on and off) for 50 years, ...

ShareSoc and UKSA Response to Digitisation Task Force Interim report

  In this article we highlighted the significance of the interim report issued by Sir Douglas Flint on behalf of the Digitisation Taskforce (DT) and our concerns about it.  After careful deliberation, ShareSoc and UKSA have now submitted this response to Sir Douglas. Special thanks are due to Mohammed Amin, who co-ordinated our joint response.  We express concern that the proposals in the interim report do not fulfil the DT’s terms of reference. In particular, they do not ensure that the rights of current ...

Diageo plc Information and Vote Guidance 2023

AGM:  28 September 2023 Proxy deadline:  26 September 2023 ShareSoc provide this added value voting information service for Full Members only, providing background information on leading companies and AGM vote guidance. Below are links to the: 1. Stockopedia summary report. 2. Minerva Vote recommendations for the 28 September 2023 AGM based on their standard template. 3. Minerva detailed research report for the AGM. Summary of voting issues at this year’s AGM  The Minerva report highlights various issues and recommends voting against two of the resolutions. Readers should make their own ...
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