Kevin Godbold

Dec 29, 2024 | fool.co.uk | Kevin Godbold

Is 2025 going to bring with it a massive stock market crash? Nobody knows for sure, but I reckon it’s unlikely. One reason for my optimism is the weakness in American stocks through December. US investors tend to be enthusiastic and that often leads to high-looking company valuations. But when the S&P 500, Nasdaq and the Dow Jones Industrial Average all ease, it’s like they’re letting off steam and reducing the over-valuation pressure.

Dec 28, 2024 | fool.co.uk | Kevin Godbold

My Stocks and Shares ISA performed quite well in 2024. But the reality is the general performance of the market’s been a big contributor to its gains. The good news is there’s a lot of optimism out there for 2025. Trading and investing platform eToro recently surveyed 10,000 retail investors from 12 countries. Around 59% believe the bull market will continue next year. Nevertheless, analyst Sam North from eToro said high retail investor sentiment sometimes leads to a market pullback.

Dec 27, 2024 | fool.co.uk | Kevin Godbold

Raspberry Pi Holdings (LSE: RPI) in the FTSE 250 index is causing a bit of excitement. Maybe the home-grown technology stock’s about to offer British investors the chance to participate in eye-popping multi-year investment returns. You know, just like our American cousins enjoy from their many mega-sized technology companies. The signs are encouraging with this one. Although the business has only been listed since June, it’s far from being a profitless start-up.

Dec 25, 2024 | fool.co.uk | Kevin Godbold

Warren Buffett’s first rule for investors is “never lose money”. That sounds like a joke, right? Nobody sets out to lose cash. But many other top money managers agree. The general advice is to focus on risk management above all else. Buffett has five habits that help him do that. One part of managing risk involves doing careful research and analysis before buying shares. Buffett’s known for poring over company reports daily. Maybe such dedication’s beyond the stamina of most.

Dec 22, 2024 | fool.co.uk | Kevin Godbold

Since August, the easyJet (LSE: EZJ) share price has been flying. Near 573p, it’s up by around 35%. However, that good performance masks a weaker trend for the whole of 2024. Since January, the move higher has been about 15%. Just like many cyclical stocks, the airline has been volatile. The beta metric that measures volatility is a high-looking 3.5. A reading of one represents the volatility of the general market, such as the FTSE All-Share index.