Author: Steven Frazer
Steven Frazer has worked in the investment space for nearly 30 years and was Shares magazine's (owned by AJ Bell) technology word basher and analyst for close on 15 years, covering all the major tech developments right back to the dot com boom and bust (AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, robotics, digital commerce and more). He is a Spurs obsessive, ska junkie and loves a good book about physics. Winner of the 2013 UKTech journalist of the year gong and a TytoPR #Tech500 influencer in 2018 & 2019. Find him at LinkedIn: Click Here
IBM (IBM), Lam Research (LRCX) and Texas Instruments (TXN) reported earnings after-hours (22 April) and the overnight tape told a familiar—but increasingly nuanced—story. It is a tale of strong earnings tied to the enormous AI buildout being rewarded, yet not all ‘AI infrastructure’ names were treated equally. The divergence wasn’t about whether companies are exposed to AI—it was about how directly, how visibly, and how credibly that exposure translates into near-term growth. IBM (IBM)Price: $233.76 (-7%)Market cap: $219.71bnLam Research (LRCX)Price: $268.48 (+1%)Market cap: $334.92bnTexas Instruments (TXN)Price: $264.55 (+12%)Market cap: $240.70bn Act I: Clean beats, clear narratives — the market rewards certainty…
In our latest podcast, the team talk rock ‘n’ roll, Primark and change at the top of the Apple (AAPL) tree. Additionally, they discuss incoming Tesla (TSLA) earnings. There’s also vaping, friends ‘with benefits’ [no, not that – ed], plus our new step by step guide on how to ‘Start investing now’. Furthermore, there is more content available. James reveals how Gear4Music (G4M) has been blowing out the speakers and flags the long-mooted ‘Primark’ spin-off from AB Foods (ABF). Will both sides of the group make the FTSE 100, wonders Steve… yes, reckons James. So, a demerger to keep your…
In the third part of our ‘Start investing now’ series, we look at index funds and ETFs and explain how they can help you continue your investment journey (read Part 1 and Part 2). If you’re new to investing in the UK, you might not be familiar with index funds and ETFs, or exchange-traded funds but they are among the most recommended investment options for beginners—and for good reason. Let’s start at the beginning… what exactly is an index fund, and why do so many investors favour them? Let’s break it down in a straightforward way. 🌍What is an index…
You can start investing in the UK with just £100 (or even less), and that £100 can be the foundation of a long-term wealth-building habit. In part 2 of our ‘Start investing now’ series (read part 1 here), we will show you exactly how to turn your first £100 into your first investment—step by step, with no jargon. Investing is often misunderstood as something that requires thousands of pounds to start. The reality in 2026 is very different. 🧭 Step 1: Understand what £100 does for you Let’s be clear: £100 invested won’t make you rich. But it will do…
You can very easily join the millions of Brits who invest for themselves. Investing can feel intimidating when you’re just starting out. You hear words like ‘stocks’, ‘shares’, ‘ETFs’, and ‘ISAs’ and it can quickly feel like something only experts or wealthy people do. The truth is, you can start investing in the UK with as little as £1–£100, and you don’t need any financial background to begin. In this first part of our’Start investing now’ series, we will walk you through everything step-by-step in simple language, so you can go from ‘I don’t know where to start’ → ‘more…
Netflix (NFLX) delivered a strong Q1 2026 performance, yet the market reaction told a different story. Wall Street wasn’t pleased with the streaming giant’s report, its first since it backed out of its bid for Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) streaming and studio assets. The stock dropped more than 10% in after-hours trading largely because of weak Q2 guidance and the surprise announcement that co-founder and chairman Reed Hastings will leave the board in June (read the shareholder’s letter). Netflix (NFLX)Price: $96.90 (-10%)Market cap: $409.60bn Netflix investor fans might argue that this is a harsh response to temporary timing of exclusive content launches. But it does…
TSMC (TSM), or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is entering its upcoming earnings season with renewed momentum. If you are looking for further evidence of the Taiwanese chip firm’s central role in the global AI boom, here it is. The world’s largest contract chipmaker reported a sharp surge in March revenue. This highlights how demand for advanced AI-related chips is reshaping its growth profile. Moreover, it reinforces investor expectations ahead of Q1 earnings report on 16 April. TSMC (TSM) – US ADRsPrice: $365.49Market cap: $1.58tn March revenue jumped 45.2% year-on-year to NT$415.19 billion, while also rising 30.7% from February. That strong…
The incoming IPO of SpaceX has sparked hysteria like never before. Sure, Artemis II has rekindled mass excitement about space and our solar neighbourhood. Millions around the world have tuned in to the Nasa ‘Moon’ odyssey in recent weeks. This mission has taken humans further from earth than ever before. But SpaceX is something altogether different because it will give ordinary people a chance to directly buy their own bit of the new space race. The company plans to raise around $75 billion at a valuation that could top $2 trillion. In addition, if talk is true, it could also…
Yardeni Research argues that equities offer compelling value at current levels, citing a rare combination of meaningfully compressed valuation multiples and resilient earnings momentum. In the firm’s view, the recent market adjustment has improved forward return potential rather than undermined fundamentals. The firm notes that the S&P 500’s forward price‑to‑earnings (PE) ratio peaked near 23x in October and has since declined by 17.8% to 18.9x. Over the same period, forward earnings rose 12.7% to record levels, highlighting that the de‑rating has occurred alongside — rather than because of — weakening profit expectations. Chart 1: Valuation Compression vs Earnings Growth This…
FTSE 250 Gamma Communications (GAMA) jumped more than 14% on Wednesday after the company confirmed it is in early-stage discussions with potential suitors over a possible takeover. The UK telco equipment designer said late on Tuesday it was in preliminary talks with several interested parties to assess whether a proposal could deliver greater value to shareholders than remaining independent. Gamma Communications (GAMA)Price: 835 (+14%)Market cap: £755.29m High class asset It would be fascinating to be a fly on the wall during those conversations. Gamma had been a roaring success following its IPO in 2014 at 187p per share, driving consistent,…













