Leading economist accuses investors of harmful short-termism
A government-sponsored research report has criticised investor short-termism, arguing that the push to realise quick profits is “hurting Britain’s economy”.
in News.
“The Kay review of UK equity markets and long-term decision-making”, commissioned by the secretary of state for business, Vince Cable, calls for a return to the more simplified and less prescriptive approach to regulation that prevailed before the 1980s. This encouraged the development long-term relationships among company executives, fund managers and individual savers.
The review, which is aimed at key players in UK equity markets, as well as the government and regulators, recommends improving the incentives and quality of engagement by measures including the establishment of an “investor forum” to improve relations between investors with companies.
Kay also wants to “restore trust and confidence in the investment chain” by changing the culture of market participants. His recommended measures include the adoption of “good-practice statements” by company directors, asset managers and shareholders to promote a more expansive form of stewardship and long-term decision-making.
He said: “We need to broaden the concept of stewardship through more and better co-operation between investors and companies. We don’t want more regulation; we need to ensure that the regulation of market structures and incentives work properly for the real end-users.”
Kay’s report can be downloaded from www.bis.gov.uk/kayreview
