About Bill Blain

ill Blain is a published author on financial markets, contributor and editor of the Morning Porridge. He is a well-known market commentor, and a practicing investment banker in the alternative private debt and equity sector. His day job combines his role as Strategist for Shard Capital, the leading investment management firm, and heading the firm’s Alternatives Group – financing Private debt and equity deals, and direct lending transactions. His clients include sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, insurance and pension managers, credit funds and family offices.

The Russia and Chinese Crises facing markets are of different magnitudes

Ultimately the economic history books will record Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a speedbump, and perhaps a triumph for a United Europe. The consequences of an Economic War with China could be much, much more significant!

The Russia and Chinese Crises facing markets are of different magnitudes2023-11-01T15:29:26+00:00

Wind, Carbon Life-Cycle Costs, and Why we need Other Renewables..

Wind power is the not the renewable energy panacea we are told it is. It is part of the climate change solution, but we need to understand it’s limitations, and not allow it to distort energy transition. More should be spent on alternatives like tide, hydro and thermal.

Wind, Carbon Life-Cycle Costs, and Why we need Other Renewables..2023-11-01T15:29:26+00:00

Inflation, FAANGs and Airplanes – where the real world and finance collide!

Markets are being whipsawed by rate hike threats from Central Banks, China lockdowns, the Ukraine war, while being stalked by inflation and stagflation. The big risk remains policy mistakes – trying to solve these with the wrong monetary and fiscal policies.

Inflation, FAANGs and Airplanes – where the real world and finance collide!2023-11-01T15:29:26+00:00

Populism averted, but only for a short-while

Macron’s victory has been hailed as a market plus, a win for Europe and common purpose, but it’s likely just a crisis averted, perhaps, for a few more years. Around the globe populism will likely be fanned by inflation, food and energy insecurity and become an increasingly destabilising force on markets.

Populism averted, but only for a short-while2023-11-01T15:29:26+00:00

Strip British Airways of Flag Carrier Status – a Social and Corporate Governance Failure!

The often missed point about ESG is directing investment to encourage corporate social responsibility and good corporate governance. British Airways is a screaming failure on both aspects – time to take away the flag logo, the name and flag carrier status. Sell!

Strip British Airways of Flag Carrier Status – a Social and Corporate Governance Failure!2023-11-01T15:29:26+00:00

We worry about the wrong things – its Energy, Food and Commodities that matter!

Why do we worry so much about debt, the dollar, inflation and growth, when the only really, really important things are Energy, Food and Commodities and how we pay for and get them?

We worry about the wrong things – its Energy, Food and Commodities that matter!2023-11-01T15:29:26+00:00

The Political Threat Board Flashes Red

Populism is a massive threat to markets. Inflation, tax-hikes, petrol costs, poverty, political mismanagement and a host of other failings could further destabilise the West, while markets seem determined to stay euphoric whatever the evidence to the contrary.  

The Political Threat Board Flashes Red2023-11-01T15:29:26+00:00
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