FTAdviser.com

Obsessives with too little data to analyse

Story by: Philip Coggan, Investment Adviser

Forecasting economic cycles over years or decades is as popular as it is unpredictable

• Time published: 00:01
• Date published: 25.08.2008
• Published in: Investments

Investors applaud 'Off Broadway' brokers

Big brokerages under pressure as independents top popularity stakes

• Date published: 25.08.2008

Alas, poor Chardonnay, I knew it as wine of most infinite zest

Alas, indeed, I knew it way back when it was considered a slinky, stylish grape variety – but look at it now.

• Date published: 25.08.2008

Sovereign wealth funds defy peconceptions

To many, SWFs display a lack of transparency, but it is accountability that is the real issue

• Date published: 25.08.2008

Political risk eludes market mechanisms

Russian stockmarket underperformance shows importance - and difficulty - of politics to fund managers

• Date published: 25.08.2008

Meanwhile, back at Legg Mason HQ

IA Diary is not one for nepotism but, if the returns are right, then go right ahead. With that in mind, perhaps Legg Mason would like to employ the boyfriend of its communications exec, Lucy Davidson.

• Date published: 25.08.2008

Diary finds the best work place bar none

Any comparisons between a fluff US sitcom involving lawyers and the London-based investment boutique Thames River Capital would appear limited.

• Date published: 25.08.2008

Watch out, Lewis

As an icebreaker one rainy August evening, Legg Mason decided to invite some journos and commentators go-karting. But some competitors thought this quest to be Lewis Hamilton was for real.

• Date published: 25.08.2008

Truck dealership coins it in any way it can

When money is tight, money is tight. And right now in the US, money seems to be very tight indeed.

• Date published: 25.08.2008

Growth mismatch prompts reflection

With some markets lagging, greater coodination among exchanges and capital markets is required

• Date published: 25.08.2008

Lost in numbers

A glance at any of the national or trade papers, or a few minutes watching a news bulletin highlights that we are a nation drowning in statistics.

• Date published: 25.08.2008

US spillovers threaten

Emerging markets have shown considerable resilience to the credit turmoil that engulfed mature markets.

• Date published: 25.08.2008

Dual approach gives best returns

As investors, most of us seek the highest available return while assuming the lowest possible level of risk. Diversification of asset type – be it cash, bonds, equities or property – is the principal expression of risk management within investor portfolios.

• Date published: 25.08.2008