The Big Picture28 Mar 2021 21:27
There were 2 very interesting threads this morning which attracted sensible discussion, and they have disappeared since I logged off. Any idea why? Did they degenerate so mods had to remove them? I still have my post on why the SP is at current levels in my history, so I thought I would repost it. (not for ego reasons but because it might encourage more useful debate - no conspiracy theories I'm afraid.
The other thread had a good post from Tymers on why theories NCR might buy out GGP are unlikely. If he reads this, he might like to repost it, or save it until someone raises the issue.
"Morningstar data only shows part of the picture. Some have been buying, some selling, but the top 20 holdings only amount to less than 10% of shares in issue. Ask yourself who was buying from Jan 2020 to drive the SP increase from 2p. There would be many thousands of PIs and traders and many hundreds of trade investors. A small majority would be LTHs. Almost all who bought up till the end of year would be sitting on significant profits. So there are almost 4 billion shares owned by many thousands of holders. Don't you think it not unreasonable that a significant proportion of those would want to realise some or all of their profits? This would particularly apply to trade investors, many of whom are obliged to show cash profits rather than paper ones.
The SP had reached a level where, for big money investors, the risk/reward ratio was less attractive, so the buying pressure dropped off, reaching a level where shares on offer exceeded the demand for them. If a large percentage of holders wanted to realise 50% of their profits (not an unreasonable assumption) this could mean over 2 billion shares seeking new homes. Yes, there are willing buyers, but the question is what are they willing to pay for them? Obviously as cheap as possible.
All we have seen since Jan is massive profit taking, although at diminishing returns recently. As I said, pro traders need to sell to release cash and despite lower SP they are still booking significant profits. The situation will resolve when equilibrium is reached between buyers and sellers. No doubt there are II's and others mopping up shares but their demand is being easily met. Even an II selling off say 100 million shares (if any would) would not lower the SP in this way - a billion or so being offered could do it."