In recent decades globalisation has transformed economies, societies, and capital markets. More and more companies started operating on an international scale, enabling them to look beyond their homeland for manufacturing, supplies and labour.This period was accompanied by a marked decline in inflation and lower central bank interest rates. By participating in the global economy millions of people

With its signature green and yellow branding, Deere may be the most recognisable tractor maker in the world, but it does a lot more besides selling farm equipment.With the war in Ukraine highlighting the importance of food production and food security as well as efficient farming practices, Deere's cutting edge agricultural equipment could be in strong demand.Many of its products use up-to-the-min

The world is on the cusp of the most consequential disruption in food and agricultural production since domestication of plants and animals began thousands of years ago.As highlighted in Baillie Gifford's 2020 'Positive Change Impact Report', in 2050, the global population is expected to reach 10 billion, up from around 8 billion today.This explosive population growth will require global food prod

London's FTSE 100 was down sharply by close of play on Friday, the blue chip benchmark shedding 1.7% to 7,029.92 points as oil prices slumped, hurting the shares price of index heavyweights BP (BP.) and Royal Dutch Shell (RDSB).Investors have been in 'risk off' mode in the latter half of the week, unsettled by guidance from the US Federal Reserve suggesting rate hikes will come in 2023 and with UK

London's FTSE 100 was down 0.9% to 7,092.26 points by noon on Friday with some index heavyweights under pressure, investors factoring in guidance from the US Federal Reserve suggesting rate hikes will come in 2023 and with UK retail sales figures for May coming in below expectations.Retail sales fell by 1.4% between April and May as people chose to visit reopened bars and restaurants instead of bu

Leading UK shares were marked lower in early trading on Friday as retail sales figures for May came in below expectations.Retail sales fell by 1.4% between April and May as people chose to visit reopened bars and restaurants instead of buying food at supermarkets. The Office for National Statistics said sales fell most significantly at food stores as consumers took advantage of Covid restrictions

London's blue chip benchmark ended Wednesday's session in positive territory despite the result of the US election hanging in the balance, with postal ballots still being counted.A change at the White House is still on the cards, despite Donald Trump's victory claim, but not before a possible wave of recounts and legal spats.Today's gains also reflected the fact that a Joe Biden Presidency, withou

With the result of the US election still in doubt as postal ballots continue to be counted the FTSE 100 shrugged off the uncertainty to move higher by midday on Wednesday.The blue chip benchmark joined other European markets amid signs challenger Joe Biden could be pulling ahead in the race despite Donald Trump's victory claim.By lunchtime, the FTSE 100 was up 5,846.87, while the FTSE 250 had edge

Irish food company Kerry (KYGA) is forecasting a return to growth in the fourth quarter after signs of recovery emerged in its foodservice business. The company behind brands like Richmond sausages and Dairygold spreads, also reinstated earnings guidance after a much-improved third quarter to September helped to improve visibility.Investors took this as an encouraging sign, bidding shares in the i

London's FTSE 100 began the day in a cautious mode as the US presidential election goes to the wire with both sides claiming victory.The election race remains tight, with Republican candidate Donald Trump declaring a 'big win' having held onto the vote in Florida, seen as a must-win state for his re-election bid.But Democrat Joe Biden has also declared himself 'on track' to claim victory, and has

Asian markets were lower on Tuesday with tech stocks hit by Apple's warning that it would miss its sales guidance this quarter due to lower production and sales in China owing to the impact of the coronavirus.Although the UK market doesn't have a big weighting in tech stocks, the FTSE 100 index reflected the weak mood in Asia losing 0.9% to 7,363 led by financial and commodity stocks.Europe's larg

Although vegan diets have existed for thousands of years, practiced by many societies for religious and health reasons, veganism is now one of the fastest growing trends in the food industry.Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK are taking part in this month's 'Veganuary' challenge in a bid to benefit health and wellbeing while simultaneously combating climate change.Veganism's meteoric rise i

UK stocks trod water on Wednesday with the FTSE 100 index of leading stocks drifting back 12 points or 0.2% to 7.372.High-street stalwart Marks & Spencer (MKS) was the star of the show after it unwrapped half-year results which showed the Food business beating the market with 0.9% like-for-like growth against forecasts of a 0.3% increase.While Clothing & Home posted lower sales, as expected, Octob

Shares in Irish food producer Kerry (KYGA) rose 3.5% to €107.10 on Thursday after the ingredients-to-packaged foods supplier tightened up its full year guidance.Giving it that extra confidence is solid second quarter volume growth. The first half dividend was increased by almost 12%.Chief executive officer (CEO) Edmond Scanlon said his charge continued to deliver volume growth ahead of the ma

A recent demand from campaign group Action on Sugar to ban milkshakes with chocolate, sweets, cake, cream and sauce known as freakshakes, has reignited the debate on how to tackle the obesity epidemic.With some freakshakes containing over 1,000 calories, campaigners are right to be concerned, but what do rising obesity rates mean for investors?Berenberg analyst Asad Farid argues the diabetes epide

UK and European stocks are holding their ground in early trading on Thursday after falls in stock markets in Asia. China's benchmark Shanghai Composite index earlier hit a 4-year low as fears of a damaging trade war linger.After their best day in six months on Tuesday, US stocks finished modestly lower last night following minutes from the Federal Reserve which confirmed market expectations of mor

Asian powerhouse India's macroeconomic health is the strongest it has been in a decade. The nation could be both a fantastic top down and bottom up investment story. Growth is accelerating driven by demographics and urbanisation, while corporate quality is high with many world class management teams treating minority shareholders properly. Furthermore, inflation is falling and the government remai

Ireland-based ingredients-to-packaged foods play Kerry (KYGA) is nourishing investors' portfolios today. News of a forecast-busting fourth quarter combined with a solid outlook statement sends the shares 4.7% higher to €72.58.A global manufacturer of ingredients and flavours for the food and beverage industry and supplier of branded and private-label packaged foods, Kerry is in demand after s

Investors are pouring in money in the hope that smart beta and factor-based ETFs will outperform 'vanilla' ETFs which just track broad stock market indices. They also attracted to smart beta and factor-based ETFs because they can add some extra diversification to an investment portfolio.In last week's feature we explained the ins and outs of three commonly-used factors: quality, size and value. In

The FTSE 100 is down 0.4% to 6,887.01, taking its cue from weak Asian and US markets, as wildcard presidential candidate Donald Trump's chances of winning appear to have increased.High street retailer Next (NXT) slips 0.7% to £47.75 as it trims full year guidance for sales growth from -2.5% to 2.5% to -1.75% to +1.25%.Housebuilder Persimmon (PSN) gains 0.8% to £17.51 as it reports private sales