James Beddington
James Beddington has spent two decades reporting on the City of London and UK financial markets. He writes about how markets really work, the players behind the prices, and what private investors need to know to level the playing field.

3 Ways to Read a Remuneration Report: True or Cosmetic?
Learn to read a remuneration report and tell true executive pay alignment from cosmetic policy. A practical guide for UK…

When Leverage Unwinds: What the Archegos Collapse Taught the Market
The Archegos collapse showed how hidden leverage, margin pressure and forced selling can spread through markets faster than many investors…

Index reshuffle day: why a FTSE promotion can move a share before anything changes
A FTSE promotion can move a share before anything changes in the business. The reason is index plumbing, not sudden…

The activist short: how a research report becomes a weapon against a.
A plain-English Street Smart guide to activist short research report, with a composite example and practical checks for UK readers.

Prime Brokers: The Hidden Plumbing That Keeps Hedge Funds Running
Prime brokers sit behind hedge fund leverage, custody and securities lending. This guide explains why that plumbing matters when markets…

Pete and the tree shake: a market maker’s day in his own words
A tree shake can flush out nervous holders in thin shares. Learn what the screen may hide, what changed since…

The house broker: whose side is the company’s own broker on?
A house broker can shape placings, research flow and market expectations. Learn what that role means, where conflicts sit, and…

Chinese walls and unbundled research: what MiFID changed about the notes you read
Chinese walls and MiFID research rules affect how broker notes are produced and read. Here is what private investors should…

Results-day theatre: the statement, the call, and what is staged for whom
Results day theatre is not just the numbers. This guide explains the statement, the call, the staged language and what…

The tipster effect: why a share you read about has usually already moved
The tipster effect shows how thin shares can move before retail readers react. Learn what the pattern means and how…