Demand has been tremendous. It's going to be well oversubscribed and I doubt if there will be full allotment. |
For this market to really push on we need to see unemployment trends drop, so that the retail sector can be certain of making a contribution to the recovery of the U.S. economy. |
I think people are being more selective about tech stocks. Last week was a cracking week in the banking sector - and [Germany's] Deutsche Bank had the yellow [leader's] jersey. And I think it's important that people see the telecom sector, which has dropped like a stone ... people will be looking for something there. |
If you're deeply and irrevocably in love with oil, mining and utilities you're having a lovely time. The FTSE at this level without oil, mining and drugs is ridiculous. |
Inflation and interest rates are all the rage. |
Inflation is still a threat, and gold and silver is a great hedge against it and industrial demand from China and India is still strong. |
It has been a long hard August with significant volatility. Twenty-one of the last 30 Septembers have yielded losses on the month. It is difficult to see that this September will buck the trend. |
It is a day of consolidation. |
It is a takeover target as well, to be candid. Someone is going to have a nibble. |
It may be that the energy stocks follow in the wake of the slightly negative performance of oil stocks in Europe this morning. |
It was amazing how much resilience was shown by the U.S. markets after the power cut debacle on Thursday. These markets seem hell-bent on holding their line and investors and analysts alike seem confident that the U.S. economy is coming back on to the bit with a vengeance. |
It's definitely the end of the PC market as an expanding industry. I suspect other companies will be looking at similar mergers. |
ITV posted a good set of numbers despite lower revenues from advertising. 300 million pounds is going back to shareholders, there will be a new channel and the pension deficit has been halved. |
Michigan Sentiment may be the key to activity today. Otherwise it may be a case for waiting for some confessional news next week and the next quarter's results from Morgan Stanley, Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers often a good barometer of economic and business activity. |
NYSE is looking for acquisitions. London seems totally obvious, totally sensible and I expect them to come galloping over the hill to conclude something at around the 950p to 10 pound level in the months to come. |