Watson's Daily

Monday 28/02/22

In MACRO NEWS, Putin puts nukes on high alert, China continues with pro-Russia neutrality stance and the prospect of global recovery fades. In NEWS ON SANCTIONS, CONSEQUENCES & RESPONSE, Russian interests in the air, sea and land face challenges while…

Friday 25/02/22

In MACRO NEWS, we look at the consequences of Putin's actions in sanctions and overall impact and Turkey's Erdogan feels the heat. In CONSUMER-RELATED NEWS, American consumers seek out experiences, UK consumer confidence is dented, St James's Place sees slowing…

Thursday 23/02/22

In MACRO NEWS, Russia invades Ukraine and BoE governor makes more stupid comments. In CAR NEWS, Stellantis makes a ton, Mini has to cut production and Aston Martin gets more optimistic. In FINANCIALS NEWS, Barclays coins it in while Peel…

Wednesday 23/02/22

In MACRO NEWS, the Ukraine situation heats up and has big consequences. In CAR-RELATED NEWS, Porsche is being lined up for an IPO and Tesla reverts to old tech. In TECH NEWS, Meta pushes Reels and Chinese edu-tech company New…

Tuesday 22/02/22

In MACRO & OIL NEWS, Putin orders troops into Ukraine, Russian stocks fall, European and UK business activity increase, BoJo lifts Covid legal restrictions, expectations increase for another interest rate rise while oil and petrol prices increase. In TRANSPORT/LOGISTICS-RELATED NEWS,…

Monday 21/02/22

In MACRO & OIL NEWS, Biden and Putin set up a summit, oil prices whipsaw and Big Oil pays. In CONSUMER/REAL ESTATE NEWS, BoJo is to ditch Covid restrictions, high energy prices have unexpected consequences, residential property asking prices rise…

Friday 18/02/22

In MACRO & CRYPTO NEWS, Biden warns of imminent invasion and we look at which Russian companies could suffer while the IMF rues lost growth, the ECB's chief economist shifts position and Sequoia allocates to crypto. In CONSUMER TRENDS/CHALLENGES NEWS,…

Thursday 17/02/22

In MACRO & CRYPTO NEWS, France weighs in on Russia, China thinks about Russia, there's more evidence that US interest rates will rise, the UK's rate of inflation continues to rise and crypto causes more kerfuffles. In PROPERTY & CONSUMERS…

Wednesday 16/02/22

In MACRO & OIL NEWS, Putin continues dialogue so stocks rise and oil eases while shale producers are tempted and US producer prices rise, the Eurozone suffers from rising energy costs and Japan's economy grows. In CAR-RELATED NEWS, average used…

Tuesday 15/02/22

In MARKETS & CRYPTO NEWS, global markets wobble and crypto assets come under focus. In CONSUMER-RELATED NEWS, petrol prices rise, commuting looks cheaper (although London's going to put through big price rises), BNPL players are forced to make changes and…

Monday 14/02/22 ❤

In MACRO, COMMODITIES & NFT NEWS, Scholz is set to warn Putin, a Ukraine airline grounds its fleet, tension pushes the oil price up, Lithuania tests EU resolve vs China, commodity prices rise and HMRC steps in on NFTs. In…

Friday 11/02/22

In MACRO, OIL & GAS NEWS, US inflation hit its highest level for 40 years, global inflation hits hard, Brussels cuts European growth forecasts, the UK aims to reform Solvency II legislation, Total announces a buyback and UK faces gas…

Thursday 10/02/22

In MACRO & ENERGY/OIL-RELATED NEWS, we look at how sanctions against Russia could hurt Europe, BoJo goes brave/stupid, the UK oil regulator is against a windfall tax and there was a major step forward in nuclear fusion. In UK REAL…

Wednesday 09/02/22

In COMMODITIES NEWS, BP rejects windfall tax suggestions, US shale producers face temptation and aluminium prices hit new highs. In TECH NEWS, Arm/Nvidia fails while Apple priorities and announces a new service. In CONSUMER/PRICE TRENDS NEWS, there's more gloom on…

Tuesday 08/02/22

In MACRO NEWS, the US/Germany present an un-united front, Lagarde goes soft and Bitcoin strengthens. In CONSUMER & PRICE TRENDS NEWS, the cost of living hits spending, house prices increase (but at a slower rate), used EVs sell like hot…

Monday 07/02/22

In CONSUMER NEWS, we look at challenges facing UK consumers, the appeal of a four-day week and Chanel handbag trends. In TECH NEWS, AstraZeneca announces record annual revenues and a number of vaccine winners face a more realistic future. In…

Friday 04/02/22

In MACRO & OIL NEWS, the Bank of England increases the interest rate as Sunak attacks fuel bills and markets bet on more rate rises, the ECB expresses concern about inflation but does nothing, Turkey's inflation spins out of control…

Thursday 03/02/22

In MACRO NEWS, Eurozone inflation hits a record high, the Treasury and Bank of England are set to work in concert as lenders pull mortgages, Gove unveils levelling up plan and UK national security legislation limits options. In CONSUMER TRENDS…

Wednesday 02/02/22

In MACRO & OIL NEWS, the market bets on ECB rate rises, UK inflation is powered by snacks and Exxon rides high. In CONSUMER & RETAIL NEWS, the US job market stays tight while consumer confidence wanes and in the…

Tuesday 01/02/22

In MARKETS & MACRO NEWS, the S&P and NASDAQ have a tough month, Eurozone growth falls, German and Spanish inflation stays high, markets expect a UK interest rate rise and the BoJo party debacle continues. In CONSUMER/RETAILER NEWS, food and…

Monday 31/01/22

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, the UK mulls Russia sanctions and we look at how a Swift ban might affect it as Mattarella rides again in Italy and the Bank of England looks likely to raise interest rates again. In CONSUMER/RETAIL NEWS,…

Friday 28/01/22

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, we look at Russia sanctions, China's backing and support from Ukraine (but not Hungary) while the US unveils strong economic growth and an attack on inflation that could have UK consequences. In CONSUMER/RETAIL TRENDS NEWS, consumers are…

Thursday 27/01/22

In MACRO, OIL & CRYPTO NEWS, people gear up for Russia/Ukraine repercussions, the Fed looks to increasing interest rates, oil hits $90 and Facebook admits defeat in crypto. In AUTOMOTIVE-RELATED NEWS, UK car production drops to 65-year low, VW criticises…

Wednesday 26/01/22

In MACRO, OIL & SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS, the IMF states the obvious (as usual), sanctions are discussed for Russia, BoJo awaits, shaler Chesapeake rises from the dead and America runs low on chips. In EV/CHARGING NEWS, GM commits more to…

Tuesday 25/01/22

In MACRO, MARKETS & ENERGY NEWS, the Russia/Ukraine situation escalates, markets wobble and gas prices feel the heat while BoJo faces more allegations. In BUSINESS/CONSUMER TRENDS NEWS, European businesses take an Omicron hit, UK businesses face major inflation woes and…

Monday 24/01/22

In MACRO & CRYPTO NEWS, the Ukraine situation escalates, the Fed edges towards raising interest rates and Bitcoin gets sold off. In ELECTRIC VEHICLE NEWS, a trio of giants pool resources to up their EV game and Britishvolt strikes a…

Friday 21/01/22

In MACRO, ENERGY & CRYPTO-RELATED NEWS, Biden sticks his oar in, Serica does well from gas prices, Russia considers banning crypto while Turkey embraces it and both Facebook and Twitter embrace NFTs. In CONSUMER/RETAIL NEWS, UK consumers lose confidence, pubs…

Thursday 20/01/22

In MACRO & CRYPTO NEWS, Boris Johnson survives another day, businesses like his lifting of restrictions, the tourism industry industry wants more, UK inflation hits a near-30 year high and the FCA continues its crypto-crackdown. In TECH NEWS, Sony craters…

Wednesday 19/01/22

In MACRO, ENERGY & CRYPTO NEWS, pessimism in Germany continues, BoJo is still in the cross-hairs, Together is the latest energy company to go bust, Exxon Mobil commits to net-zero and the Treasury is to crack down on crypto ads.…

Tuesday 18/01/22

In MACRO, ENERGY & CRYPTO NEWS, China cuts its interest rate, Russia splits Germany's coalition, UK inflation continues to soar, China coal production hits new highs, Scottish wind turbine plans makes waves and Spain cracks down on crypto. In CONSUMER/RETAIL…

Monday 17/01/22

In MACRO NEWS, China's GDP growth slows, investors have an Italian wobble and BoJo fights for survival. In BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT TRENDS, road freight costs ramp up, UK construction companies fail and recycled plastic prices boom while UK wage rises…

Friday 14/01/22

In MARKETS-RELATED NEWS, TPG has a good debut and Beyond Meat is the big short. In CONSUMER, RETAIL & HOSPITALITY NEWS, lenders see a mortgage slowdown, Hays rakes it in on placement fees, Tesco relies on its Clubcard, M&S gets…

Thursday 13/01/22

In MACRO, OIL & CRYPTO NEWS, the US faces increasing pressures to raise interest rates, BoJo is on shaky ground and Britcoin gets a dose of scepticism. In CONSUMER, RETAIL & HOSPITALITY NEWS, we look at home delivery challenges, UK…

Wednesday 12/01/22

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, the US, Europe and UK are all looking at ongoing high levels of inflation. In CONSUMER/RETAIL NEWS, wage inflation, home working, rising second hand car prices and house price difficulties hitting Gen Z become the norm while…

Tuesday 11/01/22

In MACRO & MARKETS NEWS, the US and Russia extend talks and tech stocks have a wild ride. In CONSUMER/RETAIL/HIGH STREET NEWS, luxury does well, UK retailers have a solid Christmas, Aldi keeps the pressure on and Lululemon suffers from…

Monday 10/01/22

In MACRO NEWS, we look at NATO vs Russia. In BUSINESS SENTIMENT/TRENDS NEWS, UK companies are optimistic, SMEs struggle with higher energy bills, food import costs are set to rise, manufacturing warns of Brexit/admin impact and companies look to hire…

Thursday 06/01/22

In MACRO & CRYPTO NEWS, US markets move on interest rate hints, Macron wants to "p!ss off" unvaccinated, the UK economy is held back, Goldman puts a price on Bitcoin and we look at the value of NFTs. In CAR-RELATED…

Wednesday 05/01/22

In MACRO, OIL & CURRENCY NEWS, the EU wants in on NATO/US talks, BoJo sticks with Plan B, Italy starts the search for a president, OPEC and chums agree to production rises and sterling hits a new high vs the…

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In HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR KNOWLEDGE, I show you how to improve your business and financial markets knowledge and how I managed to develop mine when I first started in the City. In HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF…

Friday 17/12/21

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, the Bank of England raises the interest rate - but the ECB stands firm/chickens out - while Turkey and Brazil do weird things. In OMICRON NEWS, the UK economy takes a hit, Harrods brings its sale forward,…

Thursday 16/12/21

In MACRO & CRYPTO NEWS, US signals rate rises in 2022, UK inflation hits new highs and crypto hits a bump. In M&A NEWS, Fortress buys Punch Pubs but Cineworld is dealt a near-fatal blow. In RETAIL NEWS, US retailers…

Wednesday 15/12/21

In MACRO & CRYPTO NEWS, the IMF pressures the BoE, UK employment rises, BoJo is hit by rebellion and the BoE bangs on again about crypto. In M&A AND IPO NEWS, RTO buys Terminix, National Express buys Stagecoach, KKR buys…

Tuesday 14/12/21

In MACRO, MARKETS & VACCINE NEWS, the Fed sees more inflation, Turkey's lira tumbles further, BoJo feels a business backlash, but Amazon rides to the rescue with PCR tests and foreign investors pour money into Chinese stocks. In ENERGY-RELATED NEWS,…

Monday 13/12/21

In BUSINESS TREND NEWS, companies are raising prices, small firms are looking to make job cuts and streaming boosts the UK film industry. In PROPERTY NEWS, the number of new homes for sale hits a new low, inner London rents…

Friday 10/12/21

In BIG PICTURE & CRYPTO NEWS, Economists reckon new Covid curbs should have minimal impact overall, businesses get no support, gig workers in the EU get more rights, Starbucks gets unionised and Bitcoin mining flourishes. In RETAIL NEWS, Frasers targets…

Thursday 09/12/21

In OMICRON IMPACT NEWS, BoJo announces Plan B, sterling slides, businesses complain and Tui cuts capacity. In M&A AND IPO NEWS, the Big Four and Aussie dealmakers rake in the fees, Nestlé offloads a massive stake in L'Oréal, CMA CGM…

Wednesday 08/12/21

In MACRO, MARKETS & SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS, the US makes a Nord Stream threat, global stocks bounce and Ashtead outperforms. In REAL ESTATE-RELATED NEWS, Evergrande faces a slow death while UK property prices and demand for paint rise. In TECH…

Tuesday 07/12/21

In CONSUMER TRENDS & RETAIL NEWS, EV sales boom, Franco Manca exceeds targets, Black Friday prompts shoppers and Tesco workers vote to strike. In REAL ESTATE NEWS, Evergrande nears default and Germany's property bubble expands. In GIG ECONOMY NEWS, an…

Monday 06/12/21

In MACRO & CRYPTO NEWS, the Bank of England could waver, the CBI downgrades growth forecasts, Bitcoin has a wild weekend and Singapore suspends a crypto exchange. In CAR NEWS, British car buyers take VW to court, EVs make up…

Friday 03/12/21

In MACRO, OIL & CRYPTO NEWS, Turkey's Erdogan tightens his grip, OPEC+ sticks with agreed oil supply increase, Shell walks away from Cambo and India considers banning crypto. In M&A AND IPO NEWS, Nvidia/Arm looks shaky, Grab slips on its…

Thursday 02/12/21

In MACRO, MARKETS & ENERGY NEWS, the OECD gets downbeat on Omicron but upbeat on the UK and we see the world's first floating nuclear power plant, nuclear fusion (not fission), Drax moving to biomass and Nissan's solar farm. In…

Wednesday 01/12/21

In MARKETS, MACRO & OMICRON NEWS, Powell's words and Omicron impact markets and the travel industry while Eurozone inflation hits new heights and a Bank of England policymaker says Omicron could mean higher-for-longer inflation. In FINANCIALS NEWS, Nubank reins in…

Tuesday 30/11/21

In MACRO & OIL NEWS, German inflation hits new highs and Gazprom coins it in. In OMICRON NEWS, airlines suffer, offices adapt, consumer spending could get iffy but vaccines may not take too long. In CONSUMER/TRENDS NEWS, cyber Monday ain't…

Monday 29/11/21

In CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS, Omicron hits travel, markets and meat supplies. In M&A AND IPO NEWS, Meta's takeover of Giphy looks iffy, the Inmarsat acquisition gets conditions and it seems like a lot of IPOs are underwater. In CONSUMER/TRENDS NEWS, Black…