Please note:The information below is not investment advice or not intended to be used as investment advice. The information below is being shared for education purposes only.
Following my blog posted on 19 May, 2024, I organised an online meetup to discuss basics of value investing. Below is a short post on index funds.
Investing in an index fund ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) is a cost-effective strategy for individual investors with smaller amounts to invest. Index fund ETFs track a specific market index, such as the S&P 500 or FTSE 100, offering exposure to a broad range of stocks with a single investment. This diversification is believed to reduce the risk of significant losses, as your money is spread across various companies and sectors.
One of the main benefits of index fund ETFs is their low cost. Management fees, or expense ratios, are typically lower compared to actively managed funds, which means more of your money stays invested and is likely to grow over time.
Please note:The information below is not investment advice or not intended to be used as investment advice. The information below is being shared for education purposes only.
On 19 May, 2024, in one of my blogs I mentioned that I was in the process of organising a meetup on “Value investing 101 for individuals”.
The meetup was successfully organised and held virtually.
One of the topics discussed was the long-term strategy of value investing. For example, value investing avoids frequent trading but instead focuses on the company’s long-term prospects.
Photo of some global currencies
If you are an individual investor then value investing is an interesting strategy to learn more about.
Please note: The information below is not investment advice or not intended to be used as investment advice. The information below is being shared for education purposes only.
Investing in equity markets (stock markets) by individual investors experienced immense growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe that as a result of this growth, many people have become interested or more engaged with the equity markets. This has been facilitated by the ease of opening brokerage accounts and being able to trade stocks online.
My view is that individuals are more interested because of the following reasons:
they desire higher returns on their investments (e.g. higher than what most retail banks offer on savings accounts);
investing in equity markets have become easier (e.g. the development and improvement of trading platforms have made brokerage accounts more accessible); and
its rewarding to develop and execute an investment strategy, and be able to participate in the equity markets even with modest savings (e.g. some brokerage accounts can be opened without a deposit or requiring as little as £250/$300).
I am in the process of organising a meetup on “Value investing 101 for individuals”. This meetup will be a 30 minute online event. If you wish to receive an invite then send a request to kean@smithkas.com. The limited spaces will be shared on a first come basis and a second meetup will be organised if demand requires.
Interim Report, Governing AI for Humanity concludes that AI “cries out for governance, not merely to address the challenges and risks, but to ensure we harness its potential in ways that leave no one behind”.
US Supreme Court Chief Justice predicts AI will ‘significantly’ impact legal work – 2 January, 2024
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts predicts AI will “significantly” impact legal work at the trial level while saying AI usage by legal teams requires “caution and humility.”
According to Roberts, AI can “indisputably assist” the current judicial system in pushing forward the goals of implementing rule no. 1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedures to seek the “just, speedy, and inexpensive” resolution of cases.
On Sunday 29 October, 2023, I presented on the benefits and formalities of Wills.
The online Meet Up was organised by Cabbage Hill Development Association for its members.
Ms. Edith Bain, President of the Cabbage Hill Development Association had the following to say about attending the event:
“I was so glad to be a part of that meeting on Sunday evening with Kean Smith. My goodness! The information that was disseminated was just amazing. Mr. Smith didn’t leave one stone unturned when it came to Wills. He was very informative and made the language clear so everyone could understand him. Intense and inquisitive minds were on high alert all evening. Thanks very much Kean for an excellent job …”.
It was truly a pleasure presenting to the members of this organisation and look forward to presenting at additional Meet Ups.
The following photos were taken along Whitehall, Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey.
Whitehall is known as the centre of government in the United Kingdom. Hopefully these photos give you a glimpse of the events around Whitehall and Parliament Square before the Coronation weekend.
The Women of World War II Memorial, WhitehallApproaching the The Cenotaph Along Whitehall traveling towards ParliamentDowning StreetMain gate to 10 Downing StreetThe U.K. ParliamentBig BenPreparing ParliamentSquareParliament Square being prepared for the Coronation (Westminster Abbey in the background)Supreme Court and Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (adjacent to Westminster Abbey)Press Booths facing Westminster AbbeyPreparations at Westminster Abbey with Big Ben in the background
The photos below were taken in St. James’ Park on the way to Admiralty Arch and the Horse Guards Parade Ground. You should be able to see that security and preparations for the Coronation event was well on the way.
For those who missed it, the procession will leave Buckingham Palace, travel along the Mall through Admiralty Arch, along Whitehall, pass Parliament Square and then onto Westminster Abbey.
So here are about 12 photos.
Using my first lesson in navigation! (Photo by K. Smith)
The map below gave the layout of the area and was very useful. The Mall and Horse Guard Parade is clearly marked.
Map of St. James’ Park and surrounding area including Buckingham Palace, The Mall and Horse Guards Parade Ground (Photo by K. Smith)
The Mall runs east to west from Buckingham Palace to Admiralty Arch. Security allowed the general public to cross at this point along the Mall but this will not happen on the day of the Coronation.
The Mall facing Buckingham Palace (Photo by K. Smith)The Mall facing Admiralty Arch lined with flags (K.Smith)
The Horse Guards Parade – there is a museum of the Horse Guards on the other side of this parade. The entrance is on Whitehall. Whitehall connects Admiralty Arch to Parliament Square. By the way, the main entrance to 10 Downing Street is on Whitehall.
Admiralty ArchWalking from the Mall to the Horse Guards Parade Ground … the London Eye seems to be keeping watch in the background (Photo by K. Smith)Horse Guards Parade Ground with additional seating area (Photo by K. Smith)Law Enforcement in position between St. James’ Park and Horse Guards Parade Ground (Photo by K.Smith)Entrance to Admiralty Arch facing Trafalgar SquareLeaving the junction of Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square heading towards Horse Guards Museum and Whitehall with Big Ben in the backgroundMain entrance to the Horse Guards MuseumSoldiers of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment
The next post will comprise photos of Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey.
On the weekend I decided to go to Central London for a quiet walk and take some photos of Buckingham Palace and the route that King Charles III will take on Saturday 6 May.
Below are some photos of the Buckingham Palace area. You will also see that my idea was not a novel one.
Buckingham Palace – Main Gate (Photo by K. A. Smith)Buckingham Palace – Green Park side (Photo by K. A. Smith) Queen Victoria Memorial (boarded up and protected) with Buckingham Palace in the background (Photo by K. A. Smith)Press Booths on the ready (Photo by K. A. Smith)Yes, more Press Booths facing Buckingham Palace (Photo by K. A. Smith)Buckingham Palace -front view (Photo by K. A. Smith)View from between Buckingham Palace and Queen Victoria Memorial. Seating area can be seen to the right in the background. Photo taken facing the direction of the Mall (Photo by K. A. Smith)Seating area facing Queen Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace (Photo by K. A. Smith)
Tomorrow I will post photos of St. James Park, The Mall and Admiralty Arch.
On Sunday 18 April, my travels took me to Stratford in East London. It had a dramatic facelift since it hosted the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and is now a bustling hub for shoppers and tourists.
As. part of my visit to Stratford, I visited the Westfields Mall to buy an item. To my surprise, I saw this display of biscuits tins (see below).
Biscuit tins
While I did not buy the biscuits (not yet), I decided to buy the item below. I believe it will go well with a lunch sandwich.
CrispsStratford Train Station with Westfield Mall in the backgroundStratford Bus Depot located in front of the train
It is now official that Prince Harry will be attending the Coronation and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
As Prince Harry is no longer a working member of the Royal Family, it is unclear what role if any he will play during the Coronation.
You may also be aware that the date of the Coronation is also the fourth birthday of Prince Harry and Meghan’s son, Prince Archie.
The Coronation Concert
It was announced today that Lionel Ritchie, American singer, songwriter, global superstar and Chair for the Global Ambassador Group for the Prince’s Trust will be performing at the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.
Children’s activity
Below are templates published by the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace specifically for children.
