Christopher Johnson

Jan 30, 2024 | morningstar.ca | Christopher Johnson

The US is famous for its love of big vehicles, but it's the pickup truck that holds a peculiar place in the hearts of millions of its citizens.  According to data from advertising agency Hedges & Company, in 2022 and 2023, respectively, manufacturers registered a whopping 2.7 million and 2.8 million pickup trucks in the country. The Ford (F) F-Series claimed the top spot as the best-selling truck for the 48th year running.

Jan 29, 2024 | morningstar.co.uk | Christopher Johnson

But there's one brand attempting to dislodge Ford's dominance with a green alternative. Founded by chief executive Robert Joseph Scaringe, Rivian is the electric vehicle manufacturer focused on revolutionising what Scaringe says is "the least efficient vehicle on the road". Referencing the "gorpcore" clothing brand beloved of urban millennials, he describes Rivian as the Patagonia of pick-up trucks: luxury adventure vehicle; good for the environment. This is a compelling story.

Jan 17, 2024 | morningstar.co.uk | Christopher Johnson

From the December 17 to the present day, only three Morningstar UK equity categories have achieved a positive return rate. But they barely scraped over zero.  The Morningstar UK Large Cap, UK Large Mid-Cap, and UK Sustainable categories returned 0.54%, 0.04% and 0.71%, respectively.  Small Cap Stocks Under PressureHowever, small to medium-sized businesses have fared worse with the Morningstar UK Small Cap category reporting a loss of -0.77% and the Morningstar Mid Cap category losing 1.81%.

Dec 19, 2023 | citywire.com | Christopher Johnson |Olivia Bybel |Algy Hall |David Stevenson

Hit by ballooning interest rates and cost reforms , investment trusts are now trading at discounts not seen since the global financial crisis, with the average investment company discount sitting at 16.3%. Mike Neumann, head of investment management at EQ Investors, believes this is because investors are shunning trusts in favour of safer income opportunities elsewhere – such as in gilts.

Dec 10, 2023 | citywire.com | Dylan Lobo |Christopher Johnson |Caroline Hug |Michelle McGagh

Sarasin & Partners has bolstered its team with the addition of two investment professionals. Edward Lloyd joins the firm as a senior investment manager from Quilter Cheviot where he spent six years managing investments for clients ranging from trusts and charities.   Lloyd will work alongside Ben Gilbert, senior associate partner, to build the firm’s model portfolio service (MPS).