
Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 14/5/2025 | SPA, ELCO, OCN | Trump’s Trade Truce
Markets have reacted well to the trade truce between the US and China, yet there may still be problems ahead. Companies covered SPA, ELCO, and
Financial Analyst, former management consultant, equity research analyst Bruce Packard started his career at Credit Suisse followed by various banks and stockbroking firms before quitting The City to work in financial PR, Litigation finance and finally financial education. In 2008 he predicted the nationalisation of the UK banking industry.
I’m a self-invested, low frequency, buy and hold investor focused on quality. As well as writing for ShareScope I like to capture my financial analysis and non-conformist thoughts on my own blog brucepackard.com. I also used to own a craft beer bar in Berlin and for fun play beach volleyball (unlikely to turn professional though).

Markets have reacted well to the trade truce between the US and China, yet there may still be problems ahead. Companies covered SPA, ELCO, and

A look at what has gone wrong at AGFX, including management’s voluntary disclosure around liquidity risk versus the reality of zero-zero margins. Other companies covered

A look at why bull markets climb a “wall of worry”, but crashes are fast and brutal. Companies covered VLX, BOOM and CNC. It’s

A look at Larry Fink’s letter to BlackRock shareholders. The US asset manager has $11.6 trillion of AuM, and saw $281bn of inflows in Q4

Indicators in the government bond, corporate credit and commodity markets, suggest little contagion from the sell-off in US equities. Companies covered: JUST, SOM and SRC.

A look at Buffett’s rudimentary textual analysis of management discussion of mistakes and errors. Companies covered: QTX, IPF, WATR. The FTSE 100 was up +2%

A look at some of Cathie Wood’s “Big Ideas” and ARKK ETF portfolio. Companies covered PRV, PZC and BATS. The FTSE 100 ended the week

A look at Rory Sutherland’s idea of “slow intelligence”, and if it makes sense to make processes less efficient. Companies covered: RNWH, BBSN, FEVR.

A look at a couple of stocks that are off 80-90% from their highs, but which may have formed a bottom with a +20% bounce

A review of investing ideas for 2025, including AVAP and AT. plus financials WISE and FCH. Also covered TMG’s disposal of its US operations.

A look at how the Nasdaq’s 2021 vintage of IPOs has compared to the same vintage on AIM. Companies covered: FTC, IPX, GDWN. The FTSE

A look at the capex boom from Artificial Intelligence and data centres, and who the winner(s) might be. Companies covered: W7L’s bid for BAR, EAH