Street Smart
Inside knowledge on UK financial markets and investing. How the City actually works — and what that means for the private investor.
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.…
How hedge funds use market intelligence and where the line is
Hedge Fund Market Intelligence explained in plain English. The grey area between mosaic theory and insider dealing. How short sellers…
Dark pools, HFT and the trading world private investors never see
A plain English guide to dark pools, high frequency trading, hidden liquidity and what private investors should take from market…
Big Bang: how the City changed for private investors
A plain English guide to the Big Bang reforms, electronic trading, City competition and what changed for private investors.
Mergers and acquisitions: who really wins
A plain English guide to mergers and acquisitions, takeover premiums, advisers, integration risk and what shareholders should watch.