John Templeton: Investment Wisdom

Investing legend John Templeton recently passed away at the beginning of July. In 2007 Time magazine made him one of their 100 Most Influential People.

During his long life, he made one very pertinent remark on investing.

“When people are desperately trying to sell, help them and buy. When people are enthusiastically trying to buy, help them & sell”

Thanks to Lawrence Gosling of Investment Week for the quote.

Banking chiefs should be sacked says fund manager

Fund manager James Foster of Artemis says heads of failing banks such as Fred Godwin of Royal Bank of Scotland & Andy Hornby of Halifax Bank of Scotland, "should be shown the door".

He continues, "they had forgotten the basic tenets of banking".

He was referring to their current problems, the way in which these had arisen & how the management of the banks are tackling them.

From Professional Adviser p5 24 July 2008

Northern Rock re-emerge

For the first time in many months, I have received marketing material for Northern Rock mortgages.

They are the most financially secure company to buy a mortgage or a savings product from at the moment because of government backing.

How do the mortgages compare?

The rates are fine but they still maintain a traditional feature of Northern Rock products...high arrangement fees.

Who is Warren Buffet?

Warren Buffet is probably the most famous investor in the world and may or may not be the richest man in the world.

He lives & works not in New York, Tokyo or London but Omaha, Nebraska

His investment style is basically buy good quality, profitable companies (Coca Cola, Gillette, Wal Mart) at low prices during market turbulence.

It sounds very simple like going to the supermarket and stocking up when your favourite beer or brand of beans is on discount....but it requires a lot of discipline, nerve and a long term view.

Currently markets have dipped in the last year and will continue to be low for the foreseeable future, people are scared to invest. Markets will recover the question is when. However by the time the amateur investor hears about an upturn it will be too late.

Equity Release: What is it?

Equity Release is a way of people over 55 to release money from their property to give them more money in retirement.

There are 2 main types

1. Lifetime mortgages
   
2. Home Reversion

It is heavily regulated these days and has a trade body (SHIP)

Equity release is available through specially qualified Financial Advisers. My company AP Financial Services & I have the necessary permissions.