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Side Notes – Good governance

UK, London, low angle view of modern office buildings in the city including the Cheesegrater, Aviva tower, Scalpel, Gherkin and Lloyds of London

Simon Gergel discusses standards of governance in the UK stock market, compared to peers around the globe. Also, voting is not just for underlying companies that investors hold – as a shareholder in an investment trust like Merchants it’s also possible to exercise your right to vote, something being highlighted by industry body the AICs “My share, my vote” campaign which you can see more about at http://www.theaic.co.uk/my-share-my-vote.

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Videos, Podcasts & Reading

When markets get vicious: why long-term investors can profit from short-term markets

Markets are noisier, faster and more reactive than ever. But does short-term thinking create long-term opportunity?

In this episode of A Value View from The Merchant’s Trust, lead manager Simon Gergel explores how modern markets have largely shifted away from individual stock picking towards momentum, passive flows and broad market positioning.

Simon discusses how short-term behaviour, driven by hedge funds, basket trades and factor investing, can lead to sharp and sometimes ‘vicious’ price movements, with shares rising or falling regardless of their underlying long-term value.

He explains why this environment can be uncomfortable for investors, but also why it creates opportunity. As markets focus more on short-term news and sentiment, long-term value can be overlooked, opening the door for disciplined investors to identify mispriced companies.

Listen to discover how experienced value investors navigate market noise, stay focused on fundamentals and turn short-term disruption into long-term returns.

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2 days ago

Videos, Podcasts & Reading

Side Notes – the opportunity in UK mid caps

Simon Gergel discusses the current undervaluation of UK mid-caps, particularly when compared to their larger peers.

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19/12/2025

Videos, Podcasts & Reading

A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity in UK Mid-Caps?

The UK stock market presents a polarised picture, with a narrow band of large-cap stocks leading the way. But is the real story in the overlooked and undervalued mid-cap sector? In this episode of "A Value View," Portfolio Manager Simon Gergel joins host Jon Cronin to discuss what he feels could be a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” in UK mid-caps.

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19/12/2025

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