Just a quick pole to see how many consultants follow the markets, read the FT, invest in stocks and shares?

I read the Ft and try to follow the markets. Tried to invest in Nintendo in november, but I didnt do it due to bank charges.As a rule of thumb i do not invest in many firms I would have done due to it being illegal.

Yes, I have a similar problem. Firm regulations (and national laws) prohibit investment in clients where insider information is available. Given that's 97% of the FTSE 350 and 98% of Fortune 500, plus investment funds, it turns active trading into a "Fantasy Funds"-only activity.I'm sure investment is viable if you work for a smaller firm.I don't know how other firms operate - we have the option to install Reuters, Bloomberg, Factiva feeds etc. which I generally find quicker to get to the "meat" of the story (also easier to read on the move).

anon, you might want to reinvestigate your independence restrictions. Most of the big four work with most of the FTSE listed companies in some capacity or another; stockholding restrictions generally apply to ALL audit clients and only those non-audit clients where you personally (not the firm) have access to inside information.You can also invest via funds where you have no direct control of the stock portfolio -- or even a simple FTSE tracker.

Simple cheats I have heard...not sure how sound they are though!1. Use your knowledge and get your dad to place your bets, or anyone who is close to you and trustworthy. The liklihood of being found out is so minimal and if you have a mixed portfolio and aren't greedy with your knowledge the element of proof is reduced.2. Better still, if you are married get your wife to do it. It's still illegal as it is insider trading but you are entitled to refuse to give evidence against your spouse under law so any investigation would be blocked by the sound of silence.

Apart from the ethical problems, #2 is not valid. In England and Wales a spouse can bear witness against the other, and in fact can be forced to do so by the defence. Scotland is a slightly different story, but again the defence can compel the other spouse to witness (which would partly exculpate the defendant, and land the witness in big trouble).Use mutual funds.