Ashby: History tells us now is not the time to sell BP

Veteran income fund manager Graham Ashby explains why now may not be the best time to sell BP and how the UK equity market could still deliver positive dividend growth in 2010.

clock

Veteran income fund manager Graham Ashby explains why now may not be the best time to sell BP and how the UK equity market could still deliver positive dividend growth in 2010.

The King is Dead. Long live the King! Despite the protestations of many fund managers and politicians such as Boris Johnson, the fact is that the FTSE 100 futures market is already forecasting that BP will be forced to cut or temporarily suspend its dividend payments. This has prompted howls amongst many commentators that such a move would signal the death of UK pension and equity income funds, as BP accounts for approximately 12% of the UK equity market's dividend income. Instead, investors are being advised to shift their money into more diversified equity markets overseas or to buy ‘sa...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on UK

UK interest rates expected to be cut to 4% today
UK

UK interest rates expected to be cut to 4% today

Comes amid labour market 'weakening'

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 07 August 2025 • 2 min read
Cash ISAs get reform rumours boost
UK

Cash ISAs get reform rumours boost

Deposits up by £2.2bn in Q2

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 29 July 2025 • 1 min read
London Stock Exchange mulls launch of 24-hour trading – reports
UK

London Stock Exchange mulls launch of 24-hour trading – reports

Comes amid growing demand

Cristian Angeloni
clock 21 July 2025 • 1 min read