Street Smart
Inside knowledge on UK financial markets and investing. How the City actually works — and what that means for the private investor.
Why most fund managers can’t beat the market — and what that means for you
The data is clear: most active UK fund managers fail to beat the index over ten years. Here is what…
Proprietary trading and the rise of casino banking: what private investors should know
Proprietary trading explained in plain English: how casino banking grew, what rules changed, and what private investors should watch.
How to read an analyst note without being misled by it
Analyst notes can move share prices and look authoritative. But reading them without understanding who wrote them and why is…
A bloke called Blodget: what the analyst scandal still teaches investors today
The Blodget scandal still teaches UK investors how to read analyst research, spot conflicts and treat buy ratings with proper…
Speaking in tongues: what City phrases really mean when you read them in the news
City speak rarely lies. It softens, smooths and burnishes. Learn the dialect and you can read between the lines of…
The Friday night drop and other tricks of the City news cycle
Friday Night Drop Tricks explained in plain English. How companies time bad news for the Friday afternoon RNS slot, bank…
Two questions to ask before you trade on any piece of market news
Two Questions Before You explained in plain English. Before you act on any market tip or rumour, Ian Lyall's two-question…
Why the City was never built for the private investor , and what to do about it
City Was Never Built explained in plain English. The City of London was built for professionals. Understanding the structural disadvantages…
The coffee houses that built London finance
London Finance Coffee Houses explained in plain English. Before the Square Mile's towers, London's financial markets lived in chaotic coffee…
How to trade around takeover announcements
Takeover Announcements explained in plain English. Takeover bids are announced to the public, but the smart money is already positioned.…