
Picture supply: Getty Photographs
World markets shifted once more this week because the US Federal Reserve minimize rates of interest by 25 foundation factors. The transfer wasn’t precisely sudden, however it nonetheless despatched ripples throughout the FTSE 100. Whereas the Fed selected to ease, the Financial institution of England has made the choice to maintain charges regular, making a contrasting backdrop for UK-listed firms.
The impact was already seen in early morning buying and selling on Thursday, 18 September. Trend retailers Subsequent and JD Sports activities had been among the many largest casualties, sliding 5% and a pair of% respectively. With borrowing prices nonetheless comparatively excessive within the UK, discretionary spending seems below strain, which doesn’t assist retailers counting on client confidence.
Fresnillo additionally dipped after a run of robust positive aspects, exhibiting how delicate commodities will be to rate of interest expectations.
But it surely wasn’t all gloom. Among the extra defensive names surged forward. RELX gained 3.5% in a single session, with Halma and Experian each climbing round 2%. These kind of corporations typically appeal to buyers on the lookout for constant income streams when markets really feel unsure.
That brings me to 1 inventory I feel is value weighing up within the context of shifting rates of interest: Intermediate Capital Group (LSE: ICG).
A concentrate on personal markets
ICG is a specialist asset supervisor that focuses on personal markets. It gives each debt and fairness capital, appearing as an alternative choice to conventional banks. In easy phrases, it helps firms elevate cash in methods they may not be capable to by typical lending. This enterprise mannequin advantages when world borrowing prices turn out to be extra beneficial, as capital can movement extra freely into personal markets.
The group has been having fun with robust fundraising ranges and belongings below administration (AUM) progress. Income and earnings have constantly overwhelmed expectations in current quarters, which has helped assist a share worth already up 11.5% this 12 months.
Regardless of that rise, the inventory doesn’t look costly in comparison with friends. With a ahead price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of round 14, it’s broadly in step with the business common.
One of many group’s most interesting traits for income-focused buyers is its dividend report. The present yield sits at 3.7% and the payout ratio is a modest 52.7%. Funds are properly coated by earnings and the agency has delivered greater than twenty years of uninterrupted dividends.
That’s the type of observe report many FTSE 100 buyers like to take a look at when fascinated about regular earnings streams.
My verdict
Intermediate Capital Group is the kind of globally numerous enterprise that’s usually well-positioned to profit from beneficial fee adjustments.
Nonetheless, there are dangers value contemplating. As a result of ICG’s enterprise revolves round personal markets, it’s inherently uncovered to cycles in investor sentiment and credit score availability. If circumstances tighten or fundraising slows, progress may stall. There’s additionally the chance that rising defaults or underperforming investments may strain profitability.
Even with robust margins right this moment, buyers ought to weigh up the truth that previous resilience doesn’t assure future stability.
Nonetheless, I feel it’s an fascinating inventory to think about within the FTSE 100, notably because it combines constant dividends with the potential to profit from looser world monetary circumstances.
With the Fed easing and the Financial institution of England holding regular, the tug of conflict in rates of interest may simply play into the fingers of other asset managers.

Picture supply: Getty Photographs
World markets shifted once more this week because the US Federal Reserve minimize rates of interest by 25 foundation factors. The transfer wasn’t precisely sudden, however it nonetheless despatched ripples throughout the FTSE 100. Whereas the Fed selected to ease, the Financial institution of England has made the choice to maintain charges regular, making a contrasting backdrop for UK-listed firms.
The impact was already seen in early morning buying and selling on Thursday, 18 September. Trend retailers Subsequent and JD Sports activities had been among the many largest casualties, sliding 5% and a pair of% respectively. With borrowing prices nonetheless comparatively excessive within the UK, discretionary spending seems below strain, which doesn’t assist retailers counting on client confidence.
Fresnillo additionally dipped after a run of robust positive aspects, exhibiting how delicate commodities will be to rate of interest expectations.
But it surely wasn’t all gloom. Among the extra defensive names surged forward. RELX gained 3.5% in a single session, with Halma and Experian each climbing round 2%. These kind of corporations typically appeal to buyers on the lookout for constant income streams when markets really feel unsure.
That brings me to 1 inventory I feel is value weighing up within the context of shifting rates of interest: Intermediate Capital Group (LSE: ICG).
A concentrate on personal markets
ICG is a specialist asset supervisor that focuses on personal markets. It gives each debt and fairness capital, appearing as an alternative choice to conventional banks. In easy phrases, it helps firms elevate cash in methods they may not be capable to by typical lending. This enterprise mannequin advantages when world borrowing prices turn out to be extra beneficial, as capital can movement extra freely into personal markets.
The group has been having fun with robust fundraising ranges and belongings below administration (AUM) progress. Income and earnings have constantly overwhelmed expectations in current quarters, which has helped assist a share worth already up 11.5% this 12 months.
Regardless of that rise, the inventory doesn’t look costly in comparison with friends. With a ahead price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of round 14, it’s broadly in step with the business common.
One of many group’s most interesting traits for income-focused buyers is its dividend report. The present yield sits at 3.7% and the payout ratio is a modest 52.7%. Funds are properly coated by earnings and the agency has delivered greater than twenty years of uninterrupted dividends.
That’s the type of observe report many FTSE 100 buyers like to take a look at when fascinated about regular earnings streams.
My verdict
Intermediate Capital Group is the kind of globally numerous enterprise that’s usually well-positioned to profit from beneficial fee adjustments.
Nonetheless, there are dangers value contemplating. As a result of ICG’s enterprise revolves round personal markets, it’s inherently uncovered to cycles in investor sentiment and credit score availability. If circumstances tighten or fundraising slows, progress may stall. There’s additionally the chance that rising defaults or underperforming investments may strain profitability.
Even with robust margins right this moment, buyers ought to weigh up the truth that previous resilience doesn’t assure future stability.
Nonetheless, I feel it’s an fascinating inventory to think about within the FTSE 100, notably because it combines constant dividends with the potential to profit from looser world monetary circumstances.
With the Fed easing and the Financial institution of England holding regular, the tug of conflict in rates of interest may simply play into the fingers of other asset managers.