About

In terms of financial markets, I am a layman.  I studied law and finance at university, worked at a City accounting firm then started my own enterprise in the property and hospitality sectors.

My first foray into the markets was soon after I finished my postgraduate.  Although not specifically schooled in markets, I was armed with degree level accounting knowledge and the enthusiasm that comes with that age.  So I read a few books, follow Warren Buffet, watch Bloomberg and hey presto, I am ready to conquer the world.  If only it was that simple.

Needless to say I experienced mixed fortunes in my investments in those days, with a net negative return in the beginning.  Many of my picks performed well, but at times impatience meant I offloaded too early and at other times overoptimism (and lack of understanding) would lead me to hold for too long.  I found myself taken in by broker ratings while at other moments I would be frustrated by false information peddled by rampers.

Over a bit of time I have developed my own strategy to filter out the noise and anticipate market news while also growing my knowledge of financial instruments and data analysis.  I found myself gathering an immense amount of information and even compiling reports when researching certain equities.  Rather than sit on this information, I decided to share it.

The companies I choose to profile on here are not necessarily ones I am investing in.  It could be that I am interested in that specific equity or its sector.  It could be a particular stock I was shallow researching piqued my interest enough for deep research and publication.  Please do not take that to mean that I am advising you to buy or sell.  While I might suggest share price trends,  I am not on here to offer share price forecasts or targets.  I am though, encouraging you to keep informed so you can make those calls for your own subjective investment strategy. 

Much of the information here can be found with a few keyboard strokes if you know what you are looking for. It is collating that information together in a format that aids informed investment decision making that can be testing.  So I have tried to simplify the investment decision making process by compiling this information and publishing my own reports.

At a point in the near future I hope to launch a "Commentary" blog on topics of general discussion.  I have not yet decided what path to take, but if you are interested, please watch this space.

For new investors who read my posts, please understand that I am not a professional.  For veteran investors and professionals who are reading, I likely do not have access to the resources you have so feel free enlighten us all with any insights.  

While I am neither a journalist nor a broker, I work hard to gather accurate information and interpret with diligence.  Where it is appropriate, I lean on practical knowledge I have gained from my own business experience.  Please use my posts as guidance and reference for your own research - never make an investment you don't fully comprehend yourself.

And if there is one rule of market investment I would share with a new investor:  only invest funds which you can afford to lose.

Isaac Hastings