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Simon Watkins

After graduating from Oxford University with BA (Hons) and MA (Hons) degrees, Simon Watkins worked for several years as a Forex trader and salesman, becoming Head of Forex Institutional Sales for Credit Lyonnais, and then Director of Forex at Bank of Montreal. He then became a financial journalist, including positions as Head of Weekly Publications, Managing Editor and Chief Writer of Business Monitor International, Head of Global Fuel Oil Products for Platts, and Global Managing Editor of Research and Vice President of Renaissance Capital investment bank in Moscow. He has written extensively on the oil market and other commodities markets, Forex, equities, bonds, economics and geopolitics for many publications, including The Financial Times, Euromoney, Financial Times Capital Insights, OilPrice, NewsBase, Risk.net, and FTSE Global Markets. In addition, he has worked as an investment and risk consultant for major hedge funds in London, New York, Moscow, and Dubai, and regularly appears as an oil and financial markets expert on various international television networks, including the BBC, and Al Jazeera. Simon has also written eight best-selling books on the global financial markets and financial markets trading, all of which are available from Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Blackwells, among others.

Recent Articles

Hand of person putting wood cube block with word VALUE on wooden table
Investing Articles

Down 9% from its 1-year traded high, this could be a perfect time for investors to consider a FTSE 100 financial star on a rare price dip

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 banking star has soared over the year but dropped dramatically last week on a legal issue. I…

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DIVIDEND YIELD text written on a notebook with chart
Investing Articles

Following forecast-beating H1 results, is it time for me to buy more of this 7.2%-dividend-yielding FTSE 250 star?

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 250 financial sector gem has consistently paid very high dividend yields over the past five years and is…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Following poor H1 results, now might be just the right time for me to buy more HSBC shares

| Simon Watkins

HSBC shares dropped after the release of its H1 results, but earnings are forecast to grow 9.5% a year, so…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Has Diageo’s share price finally turned a corner (for the better this time)?

| Simon Watkins

Diageo’s share price has suffered since 2022 from changing consumer habits and cost-of-living increases. But is this now in the…

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Passive income text with pin graph chart on business table
Investing Articles

Here’s how investors can target a £15,882 yearly passive income from just £5 a day invested in this top FTSE dividend star!

| Simon Watkins

Small but regular investments in this leading FTSE 100 financial stock can generate potentially life-changing passive dividend income over time!

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A graph made of neon tubes in a room
Investing Articles

£10,000 in savings? Here’s a smart way for investors to target £2,853 in yearly passive income from a FTSE 100 dividend star…

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE heavyweight has long paid big dividends, which can produce potentially life-changing passive income, especially with dividend compounding.

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Hand of person putting wood cube block with word VALUE on wooden table
Investing Articles

Down 16% from its year high, GSK’s share price looks 68% undervalued to me now despite strong H1 results!

| Simon Watkins

GSK’s share price is still significantly down on the year, despite very robust H1 results, leaving it looking extremely underpriced…

Read more »

Businessman using pen drawing line for increasing arrow from 2024 to 2025
Investing Articles

After an 11% rise in H1 profits, is it time for investors to consider this FTSE 100 medi-tech giant?

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 medical technology stock posted strong H1 results recently, and announced a big share buyback, so is it…

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Two white male workmen working on site at an oil rig
Investing Articles

Will forecast-beating Q2 profits and a huge new oil find catalyse a major surge in BP’s share price?

| Simon Watkins

BP’s share price risen on strong Q2 2025 results and hopes surrounding a potentially huge new oil find. So, is…

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Front view of aircraft in flight.
Investing Articles

IAG’s share price looks cheap to me anywhere under £8.67

| Simon Watkins

IAG’s share price is trading around a five-year high, but tremendous value could still remain in it. I ran the…

Read more »

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Investing Articles

Should I buy more BAE Systems’ shares on the dip after apparently good H1 results?

| Simon Watkins

BAE Systems’ shares have dipped despite seemingly strong H1 results, which could mean a bargain to be had. I examined…

Read more »

Hydrogen testing at DLR Cologne
Investing Articles

Rolls-Royce’s share price is around a record high, so why am I going to buy more following H1 results?

| Simon Watkins

Rolls-Royce’s share price may be at a record high, but this doesn't mean that there's little value in them, as…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking money coins with virtual percentage icons
Investing Articles

Here’s how investors could target £5,979 in yearly dividend income from 245 shares in this high-yielding FTSE heavyweight…

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 global mining giant has delivered major dividend income for years and continues to do so, and its…

Read more »

Arrow symbol glowing amid black arrow symbols on black background.
Investing Articles

This superb FTSE 100 passive income stock now generates a stellar 8.1% dividend yield!

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 superstar delivers one of the highest dividend yields in any of the major FTSE indices, and this…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Despite its strong H1 results, Barclays’ share price still looks over 50% underpriced to its fair value

| Simon Watkins

Investors may avoid Barclays after a long run-up in its share price, but this is founded on the false premise…

Read more »

Trader on video call from his home office
Investing Articles

Still at a bargain-basement price, is it time for me to buy more of this FTSE 100 banking star?

| Simon Watkins

Despite recent H1 results that beat analysts’ expectations, this FTSE 100 banking giant is still trading at a knockdown valuation,…

Read more »

This way, That way, The other way - pointing in different directions
Investing Articles

What’s going on with Wizz Air’s share price and where might it go from here?

| Simon Watkins

Wizz Air’s share price has seen volatile trading in recent days following its Q1 results and an upgrade from Barclays.…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Investing Articles

Despite solid Q1 results, Vodafone’s share price looks 50% undervalued, with annual earnings growth forecast at 49%!

| Simon Watkins

Vodafone’s Q1 results appeared very promising to me, but its share price looks 50% underpriced compared to its ‘fair value’.…

Read more »

Passive income text with pin graph chart on business table
Investing Articles

Here’s how investors can target £23,238 a year in passive income from £10,000 invested in this FTSE energy stock

| Simon Watkins

I want three key facets in my passive income share portfolio, which is designed to provide me with big dividend…

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Hand of person putting wood cube block with word VALUE on wooden table
Investing Articles

Near a 3-year low, is now just the right time for investors to consider this FTSE 100 housebuilding giant?

| Simon Watkins

A FTSE 100 leader in the homebuilding sector is close to levels not seen since 2022, but this may mean…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Trading at a 10-year high after good H1 results, is there any value left in Lloyds share price?

| Simon Watkins

Lloyds' share price is trading near 2015-levels after H1 results beat analysts’ expectations. But there may still be significant value…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

Here’s how investors could target £11,384 of passive income from 1,549 shares in this FTSE 250 dividend gem!

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 250 advanced materials firm delivers a very high dividend yield that could generate a big annual income stream…

Read more »

GSK scientist holding lab syringe
Investing Articles

Down 18% since September, is it time for me to capitalise on GSK’s bargain-basement share price?

| Simon Watkins

GSK’s share price has fallen a lot in 10 months, which means it could be a huge bargain. I ran…

Read more »

Businessman using pen drawing line for increasing arrow from 2024 to 2025
Investing Articles

This FTSE financial services stock looks 51% undervalued and has annual forecast earnings growth of 11%!

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 insurance and asset management giant looks set for very strong earnings growth and is priced at less…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking money coins with virtual percentage icons
Investing Articles

£11,000 in savings? Here’s how to target £13,998 of annual dividend income from Legal & General shares…

| Simon Watkins

Legal & General shares are extremely underpriced compared to their ‘fair value’ and continue to offer one of the highest…

Read more »

Passive income text with pin graph chart on business table
Investing Articles

£10,000 in savings? Here’s how to target £21,475 of annual passive income from this 10.2%-yielding energy high-flier!

| Simon Watkins

This energy firm pays one of the highest dividend yields in any of the FTSE leading indices that can generate…

Read more »

Front view of aircraft in flight.
Investing Articles

What’s happening with IAG’s share price?

| Simon Watkins

IAG’s share price is around a 15-year high following positive comments from a US investment banking giant, and I think…

Read more »

Artillery rocket system aimed to the sky and soldiers at sunset.
Investing Articles

How does this relatively overlooked FTSE 100 defence stock’s valuation line up against Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems?

| Simon Watkins

One FTSE 100 defence giant has largely escaped the recent attention on some other firms in the booming sector, so…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Is it worth me buying more AstraZeneca shares at just over £13?

| Simon Watkins

AstraZeneca shares have dropped substantially from their record-breaking heyday in September, but is this the ideal time for me to…

Read more »

Aerial shot showing an aircraft shadow flying over an idyllic beach
Investing Articles

Just over £5 now, easyJet’s share price looks cheap to me anywhere under £13.84

| Simon Watkins

easyJet’s share price has dropped recently, which could mean the business is worth less than before. Conversely, it could mean…

Read more »

Trader on video call from his home office
Investing Articles

36% under ‘fair value’ and forecast annual earnings growth of 6%, should investors consider this FTSE 250 stock?  

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 250 firm is a leader in a growing sector and has secured several new sites to drive its…

Read more »

Hand of person putting wood cube block with word VALUE on wooden table
Investing Articles

Around a 15-year high, is Barclays’ share price still too cheap to ignore?

| Simon Watkins

Barclays’ share price is at a level not seen since 2010, but price and value aren't the same thing, so…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

47% below fair value and with an 18% earnings growth forecast, should investors consider this FTSE retail institution now?

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 British retail institution lost its way for a while but has bounced back in recent years, and…

Read more »

Passive income text with pin graph chart on business table
Investing Articles

This FTSE 100 passive income gem now has a forecast yield of a stunning 8.5%, so should I buy more?

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 dividend giant already has a very high yield, and is projected to go even higher in the…

Read more »

Young Caucasian girl showing and pointing up with fingers number three against yellow background
Investing Articles

3 key reasons why I think BP’s share price could soar following a 16% fall over the year…

| Simon Watkins

BP’s share price has lost considerable ground over the course of the year, but I think there are three reasons…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

Investors could target £6,531 in annual dividend income from £11,000 in this FTSE 100 financial giant. It looks very undervalued too!

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 firm has delivered very high dividends in recent years, which analysts predict are set to go even…

Read more »

Exterior of BT Group head office - One Braham, London
Investing Articles

Should I add to my BT holding now, with the share price near a 12-month high?

| Simon Watkins

BT’s share price has risen a long way from this year’s traded low, but this doesn't necessarily mean it's overvalued.…

Read more »

DIVIDEND YIELD text written on a notebook with chart
Investing Articles

Investors could target £8,840 of annual dividend income from 5,851 shares in this FTSE 250 high-yield star!

| Simon Watkins

Shares in this FTSE 250 stock generate a much higher dividend yield than the index average and can produce potentially…

Read more »

Arrow symbol glowing amid black arrow symbols on black background.
Investing Articles

HSBC’s share price has dipped 5% to just over £9, so should I buy more right now?

| Simon Watkins

HSBC’s share price has dipped in recently, but this could signal a bargain to be had. I ran the key…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Investing Articles

Down 10% from May, is it time for me to buy more of this high-yielding FTSE heavyweight?

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 giant is forecast to have a 6.3% dividend yield by 2027, and looks substantially undervalued to me,…

Read more »