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Simon Watkins

After graduating from Oxford University with BA (Hons) and MA (Hons) degrees, Simon Watkins worked for several years as a Forex trader and salesman, becoming Head of Forex Institutional Sales for Credit Lyonnais, and then Director of Forex at Bank of Montreal. He then became a financial journalist, including positions as Head of Weekly Publications, Managing Editor and Chief Writer of Business Monitor International, Head of Global Fuel Oil Products for Platts, and Global Managing Editor of Research and Vice President of Renaissance Capital investment bank in Moscow. He has written extensively on the oil market and other commodities markets, Forex, equities, bonds, economics and geopolitics for many publications, including The Financial Times, Euromoney, Financial Times Capital Insights, OilPrice, NewsBase, Risk.net, and FTSE Global Markets. In addition, he has worked as an investment and risk consultant for major hedge funds in London, New York, Moscow, and Dubai, and regularly appears as an oil and financial markets expert on various international television networks, including the BBC, and Al Jazeera. Simon has also written eight best-selling books on the global financial markets and financial markets trading, all of which are available from Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and Blackwells, among others.

Recent Articles

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard
Investing Articles

A 6%+ forecast yield and 37% under ‘fair value’! Time for me to buy more of this FTSE 100 gem?

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 heavyweight has been a dividend powerhouse for years, which looks set to continue. But now it looks…

Read more »

Three generation family are playing football together in a field. There are two boys, their father and their grandfather.
Investing Articles

Could this ultra-high-yielding FTSE 100 passive income gem quietly fund my retirement?

| Simon Watkins

With rising payouts, strong cash generation and impressive earnings forecasts, this FTSE 100 dividend gem may be developing into a…

Read more »

Hand of person putting wood cube block with word VALUE on wooden table
Investing Articles

Is there really this much value left in Tesco’s near-£5 share price?

| Simon Watkins

Tesco’s share price has surged to levels not seen in nearly 20 years, yet the retailer’s improving fundamentals suggest the…

Read more »

Close-up of British bank notes
Investing Articles

Can I turn a £20,000 investment into £12,959 a year in dividends with this superb FTSE 100 income share?

| Simon Watkins

This overlooked income share is building major momentum, with rising earnings, strong cash generation and dividend forecasts that could surprise…

Read more »

Rolls-Royce engineer working on an engine
Investing Articles

Rolls-Royce shares are around an all-time high after its full-year results, so why am I buying more?

| Simon Watkins

Rolls-Royce shares keep climbing, but the results point to value the market hasn’t caught up with. That’s exactly why I’m…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking money coins with virtual percentage icons
Investing Articles

An 8.7% forecast dividend yield! 1 of the best FTSE income stocks to buy today?

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 financial sector gem’s soaring payouts make it one of the most overlooked stocks to buy for huge…

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Investing Articles

Here’s why Lloyds shares look 42% undervalued to me right now

| Simon Watkins

Lloyds' shares have cooled lately, yet its earnings momentum and upgraded targets suggest that the real move higher in price…

Read more »

Stacks of coins
Investing Articles

Here’s how I’m aiming for £20,698 in yearly income from £20,000 in this 8.4%-yielding FTSE dividend beast

| Simon Watkins

This ultra-high-yield FTSE stock looks set for strong earnings growth — and its long-term dividend power could be far greater…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

Around £18 now, why does this FTSE 100 banking gem look a bargain to me anywhere below £27.81?

| Simon Watkins

Markets look to be mispricing this FTSE100 international bank, with fresh results hinting at a valuation gap long‑term investors might…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

Here’s why Marks and Spencer’s £4+ share price looks 54% undervalued to me right now

| Simon Watkins

Marks and Spencer’s share price looks strong, yet my valuation work hints at far greater gains as profits normalise and…

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Front view of a young couple walking down terraced Street in Whitley Bay in the north-east of England they are heading into the town centre and deciding which shops to go to they are also holding hands and carrying bags over their shoulders.
Investing Articles

Down 23%, is this bargain-basement housebuilder one of the best FTSE 100 stocks to buy? 

| Simon Watkins

The market’s cooled on this housebuilder, but numbers suggest a major mispricing. Is it one of the most appealing FTSE…

Read more »

Arrow symbol glowing amid black arrow symbols on black background.
Investing Articles

Around £21 now, is BAE Systems’ share price a bargain after strong 2025 results?

| Simon Watkins

BAE Systems’ share price looks increasingly out of step with the firm’s long-term earnings momentum, following 2025 results and major…

Read more »

Passive income text with pin graph chart on business table
Investing Articles

Investors could target £6,278 a year in passive income from just 607 shares in this under-the-radar FTSE gem!

| Simon Watkins

Passive income seekers might be overlooking a stock whose recent performance points to a resilient and quietly compounding earnings machine.

Read more »

Arrow symbol glowing amid black arrow symbols on black background.
Investing Articles

Around £22 now, GSK’s share price looks 50% undervalued to me after strong 2025 results

| Simon Watkins

With specialty medicines driving growth, cash generation strengthening and the pipeline accelerating, GSK’s fair value looks far above today’s price…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

Should I buy this 9.7% ultra-high-yield FTSE income share right now?

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE income share offers a rare combination: a double‑digit yield and long‑term growth drivers that could deliver serious future…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Around 80p, is this one of the FTSE 250 ’s best dividend opportunities?

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 250 share’s yield is very tempting, and rising earnings growth strengthens the case. Is it a rare dividend…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Down 21%, this underappreciated FTSE gem looks a major long‑term value opportunity

| Simon Watkins

One FTSE retailer’s steady growth, strong cash flows and resilient demand point to a long‑term value opportunity that the market…

Read more »

Arrow symbol glowing amid black arrow symbols on black background.
Investing Articles

Under £5 now, are Barclays shares a screaming bargain following excellent 2025 results?

| Simon Watkins

Barclays shares still look way too low to me, given rising earnings and big capital returns ahead — raising the…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking money coins with virtual percentage icons
Investing Articles

Just a £5,000 holding in BP shares could generate £1,807 in annual income for investors over time!

| Simon Watkins

BP shares are throwing off far more dividend income than most investors realise -- and the latest numbers hint the…

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Investing Articles

Below £151, here’s why AstraZeneca’s share price looks a steal to me under £228.62 after strong 2025 results

| Simon Watkins

AstraZeneca's share price looks anchored to an outdated story — and the latest results suggest the market may be missing…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

My big long-term growth holding may also be turning into a 6%+ yielding passive income powerhouse!

| Simon Watkins

I believe this FTSE 100 giant is set for major price gains and is also developing into a major source…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Under £29 now, is it time for me to take advantage of Shell’s bargain-basement share price?

| Simon Watkins

Rising production volumes, a raft of new projects, and strong forecast earnings growth mean Shell’s share price could be very…

Read more »

Stacks of coins
Investing Articles

Is it time for me to buy this 11%-yielding FTSE dividend gem after a strong 2025 trading update?

| Simon Watkins

This overlooked FTSE dividend income giant offers a rare mix of huge yield and strong earnings growth that could supercharge…

Read more »

Satellite on planet background
Investing Articles

Down 17%, here’s why this FTSE 250 high-tech defence firm looks a bargain to me now

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 250 defence firm's business has changed dramatically in recent years, but its pricing still doesn't reflect this, leaving a…

Read more »

A pastel colored growing graph with rising rocket.
Investing Articles

Here’s how I’m targeting £9,945 a year of income from my £20,000 holding in this FTSE 100 dividend star

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 dividend powerhouse offers hefty income potential today and the chance of major share price gains as its…

Read more »

Emma Raducanu for Vodafone billboard animation at Piccadilly Circus, London
Investing Articles

Here’s why Vodafone’s sub-£1.15 share price looks cheap to me anywhere below £2.02

| Simon Watkins

Vodafone’s share price is at a three-year high, yet the numbers hint at far more value beneath the surface, and…

Read more »

Arrow symbol glowing amid black arrow symbols on black background.
Investing Articles

Here’s how investors can target £22,491 a year from £20,000 in this overlooked income share

| Simon Watkins

This under-the-radar income share already has a market-beating dividend yield that's forecast to go much higher, underpinned by steady earnings…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

National Grid’s share price is under £13 now, so is it worth me buying the stock?

| Simon Watkins

Many assume National Grid's share price is a safe bet, but my deep dive found something surprising that income hunters…

Read more »

Three generation family are playing football together in a field. There are two boys, their father and their grandfather.
Investing Articles

An 8.8% yield but down 15%, should I buy more of this FTSE 100 passive income gem now?

| Simon Watkins

Analysts forecast exceptional earnings growth for this FTSE star, which I believe will enable it to keep generating market-beating passive…

Read more »

Exterior of BT Group head office - One Braham, London
Investing Articles

Down 8%, is BT’s share price a serious bargain at around £2?

| Simon Watkins

The BT share price has drifted lower in the past few months, but I believe strong forecast earnings growth should…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here’s how investors can target £12,959 in income a year from 3,106 shares in this top-tier FTSE dividend gem

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE gem offers one of the strongest dividend income profiles in the index, backed by rising profits, solid cash…

Read more »

piggy bank, searching with binoculars
Investing Articles

Under £17 now, here’s why I think Greggs shares are a steal anywhere below £31

| Simon Watkins

Greggs shares have dropped well below last year’s highs, but the company’s growth and earnings strength suggest the market may…

Read more »

Businessman hand stacking money coins with virtual percentage icons
Investing Articles

I’m targeting £18,252 a year in dividend income from my £20,000 in this FTSE 100 high-yield gem!

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE 100 dividend powerhouse could offer one of the market's most overlooked income opportunities, fuelled by supercharged earnings growth…

Read more »

Smiling white woman holding iPhone with Airpods in ear
Investing Articles

My £20,000 in this superb 8.9%-yielding FTSE income share could make me £25,451 a year in dividends over time!

| Simon Watkins

This outstanding FTSE income share offers a huge yield, powerful earnings momentum and deep value, but I think many investors…

Read more »

This way, That way, The other way - pointing in different directions
Investing Articles

Down 26%, where’s Diageo’s share price headed?

| Simon Watkins

Diageo’s share price has fallen sharply, but recent leadership changes raise the question of whether a genuine turnaround may finally…

Read more »

Investing Articles

With 13% annual earnings growth forecast and 45% under ‘fair value’, should I buy more of this FTSE giant now?

| Simon Watkins

This FTSE heavyweight has clear momentum, a deepening pipeline and a valuation gap that’s hard to ignore -- so, is…

Read more »

Stacks of coins
Investing Articles

Here’s how I’m targeting £17,497 in annual passive income from my £20,000 in this top-flight passive income gem

| Simon Watkins

This top-tier FTSE ultra-high-yield dividend stock stands out to me as having all three key elements I want in a…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Just over £1 now, here’s why Lloyds’ share price looks cheap to me anywhere under £1.77

| Simon Watkins

Around a multi-year high, Lloyds’ share price may still be far below its ‘fair value’, with new results hinting the…

Read more »

Array of piggy banks in saturated colours on high colour contrast background
Investing Articles

I’m targeting £10,399 a year in dividends from £20,000 in this FTSE 250 high-yield star

| Simon Watkins

This high-yield FTSE 250 gem keeps generating big dividend income flows for me, and as its reorganisation successfully continues, I…

Read more »

Satellite on planet background
Investing Articles

Here’s why the market may still be seriously undervaluing BAE Systems’ share price at around £19…

| Simon Watkins

BAE Systems’ share price doesn’t reflect multi‑year rising defence spending and strong earnings momentum, leaving it looking very undervalued to…

Read more »