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James Beard

After studying economics at university, James qualified as a chartered accountant in London. He has since held a number of senior finance positions, both in the UK and overseas.

Recent Articles

Investing Articles

This FTSE insider’s buying after overseeing a 50% dividend cut

| James Beard

The CFO of a FTSE stalwart spent £1.7m on the day its dividend was slashed by 50%. Our writer applauds…

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Investing Articles

Could the Shell share price lift the FTSE 100 to a new high?

| James Beard

The Footsie's close to 8,000 points again. Our writer considers whether the Shell share price will help propel the index…

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Investing Articles

After 2 decades of dividend growth, is it the end of the road for this 9.9%-yielding FTSE 100 hero?

| James Beard

For nearly a quarter of a century, there’s been one FTSE 100 stock that’s increased its dividend each year. But…

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Investing Articles

If I’d invested £5,000 in Rolls-Royce shares 10 years ago, here’s how much I’d have now!

| James Beard

Our writer explains why he thinks Rolls-Royce shares are very expensive compared to 10 years ago, although other investors don’t…

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Investing Articles

The days of a 30% yield may be over, but I’d still buy this FTSE 250 share for dividend income!

| James Beard

This FTSE 250 stock has proven that high-yielding shares must be viewed with caution. But even after slashing its dividend…

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Investing Articles

My target for the Vodafone share price is 100p!

| James Beard

According to my calculations, the Vodafone share price should be over 40% higher. But with a different set of assumptions…

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Investing Articles

How I’d aim to turn a £20,000 ISA into £96,923 with these four dividend shares

| James Beard

Our writer believes dividend shares are a great way of growing a long-term portfolio. He considers what might be possible…

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Investing Articles

My love-hate relationship with Lloyds shares

| James Beard

Despite my tumultuous relationship with the FTSE100 banking stock, Lloyds shares form an important part of my Stocks and Shares…

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Warren Buffett at a Berkshire Hathaway AGM
Investing Articles

Does Warren Buffett think I’m an economic illiterate?

| James Beard

Warren Buffett, who admittedly knows a thing or two about investing, is a big fan of share buybacks. But I…

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Investing Articles

£20,000 in savings? I’d try to turn that into £29,685 of passive income each year

| James Beard

It’s amazing how much passive income can be generated by taking a long-term approach to investing. This is what I’d…

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Investing Articles

Is the writing on the wall for the boohoo share price?

| James Beard

French MPs want the fast fashion industry to pay for polluting the planet. Our writer considers what the consequences might…

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Man putting his card into an ATM machine while his son sits in a stroller beside him.
Investing Articles

Here are the updated 2024-26 dividend forecasts for HSBC shares

| James Beard

Following publication of the bank’s 2023 results on 21 February, our writer’s been looking at the HSBC dividend forecast for…

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Investing Articles

Could I generate an 8.5% yield and earn passive income in every month?

| James Beard

I think it would be great to receive a dividend cheque each month and earn passive income all year round.…

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Portrait of elderly man wearing white denim shirt and glasses looking up with hand on chin. Thoughtful senior entrepreneur, studio shot against grey background.
Investing Articles

The Vodafone share price is up, despite a 50% cut in dividend!

| James Beard

The Vodafone share price has responded well following news that the dividend will be cut. Our writer investigates this apparent…

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Investing Articles

Down 92% since IPO, what’s going on with the THG share price?

| James Beard

Since the company made its stock market debut in September 2020, the THG share price has crashed by over 90%.…

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Investing Articles

The Persimmon share price may be down, but I’m not out!

| James Beard

The Persimmon share price didn’t respond well to the company’s 2023 results. But even though I'm a shareholder, I'm not…

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Investing Articles

Is the BP share price stuck at 486p?

| James Beard

After an impressive post-pandemic bull run, the BP share price has been more muted of late. Our writer’s trying to…

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Warren Buffett at a Berkshire Hathaway AGM
Investing Articles

In 83 years, could I turn $115 into $133bn, like Warren Buffett?

| James Beard

This week marks the 83rd anniversary of Warren Buffett buying his first stock. Our writer considers how difficult it would…

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Investing Articles

My top 10 cheap FTSE 100 stocks

| James Beard

I’ve been crunching some numbers to identify the 10 most undervalued FTSE 100 shares. But the key question is, are…

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Investing Articles

Down 50% in 5 years, does the BT share price reflect the 2024-26 dividend forecast?

| James Beard

The BT share price has halved over the past five years. Our writer looks at the three-year dividend forecast and…

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Investing Articles

At 388p, is the Rolls-Royce share price at the level of a meme stock?

| James Beard

It might be flippant to suggest that the Rolls-Royce share price is similar to that of a meme stock, but…

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Investing Articles

Is it time to get defensive and buy these 3 FTSE shares?

| James Beard

Our writer’s found three FTSE shares with exposure to the defence sector. But would they make a great investment in…

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Red briefcase with the words Budget HM Treasury embossed in gold
Investing Articles

The government’s selling some of its NatWest shares. Should I buy for passive income?

| James Beard

Jeremy Hunt has announced the government plans to dispose of its stake in NatWest. Could this be a great passive…

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Investing Articles

Here’s why I think the Vodafone share price should be 110% higher

| James Beard

Reflecting on speculation, our writer believes there’s a case to be made for the Vodafone share price being more than…

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Investing Articles

2 FTSE 100 stocks. One sublime, the other ridiculous

| James Beard

Our writer doesn’t understand the appeal of Ocado. But looking at the grocer’s latest results makes him see the attraction…

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Investing Articles

Down 18% in a year, what’s next for the Greatland Gold (GGP) share price?

| James Beard

The Greatland Gold share price has disappointed over the past 12 months. Our writer asks whether the company’s latest update…

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Investing Articles

Is it time to look again at the Apple of Warren Buffett’s eye?

| James Beard

So far I’ve resisted investing in Warren Buffett’s favourite stock. But have I left it too late to follow the…

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Investing Articles

Will the Lloyds share price climb above 60p before the end of 2024?

| James Beard

The Lloyds share price jumped higher after the bank released its 2023 results. Could the 60p-barrier be smashed before the…

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Investing Articles

For me, this FTSE 250 stock is a no-brainer buy!

| James Beard

After doing some number crunching and looking at the charts, our writer is convinced that this FTSE 250 stock is…

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Investing Articles

Here’s the Barclays dividend forecast through until 2026

| James Beard

Volatile earnings makes it difficult to prepare a dividend forecast for a bank. But our writer’s been looking at Barclays…

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Man putting his card into an ATM machine while his son sits in a stroller beside him.
Investing Articles

HSBC share price down despite record-breaking 2023 profits

| James Beard

The HSBC share price underwhelmed after the bank released its results for its latest financial year. Our writer looks at…

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Young Black woman looking concerned while in front of her laptop
Investing Articles

Here’s the 2024 and 2025 Vodafone dividend forecast

| James Beard

Vodafone's falling share price has put a dent in my ISA. That's why I'm taking an interest in the two-year…

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Smart young brown businesswoman working from home on a laptop
Investing Articles

What next for the Vodafone share price?

| James Beard

For the Vodafone share price to return to previous levels, I think the telecoms giant needs to solve its two…

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Tabletop model of a bear sat on desk in front of monitors showing stock charts
Investing Articles

Up over 700% in a month! Here’s why I’m steering clear of this penny stock

| James Beard

Our writer explains why he doesn't want to buy this penny stock, despite its recent meteoric rise. And its lack…

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Investing Articles

How I’d invest £10,000 to target £1,010 a year of passive income

| James Beard

Our writer explains how he'd seek to generate over £1,000 of passive income each year (and some capital growth) by…

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Investing Articles

The best (and worst) performers on the FTSE 250 last week

| James Beard

Our writer looks at the biggest movers on the FTSE 250 during the week ended 9 February. Overall, the index…

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Investing Articles

Which is my number-one FTSE 100 housebuilder?

| James Beard

After a shock announcement, Barratt Developments will overtake Taylor Wimpey as the FTSE 100's largest builder. But should I buy…

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Investing Articles

At 64p, I think the Vodafone share price could be 85% undervalued!

| James Beard

With the Vodafone share price continuing to disappoint, our writer's trying to work out what the telecoms giant will be…

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Investing Articles

2 no-brainer FTSE ‘beginner’ stocks I’d buy

| James Beard

Here are two FTSE stocks I think could help newbie investors -- looking to buy shares for the first time…

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Investing Articles

Is this exciting growth stock a no-brainer buy for 2024?

| James Beard

Our writer thinks he's found a growth stock that's likely to continue to benefit from the artificial intelligence revolution.

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