John Lewis launching investment products (Stocks and Shares ISAs, JISAs and General Investment)

Billycock

tacpot12 said:

I prefer companies that have one product or service that they provide.

The problem with diversification in businesses is that the board don't know about a different business other than their own. The directors at JLP have been selected for their knowledge of retail, not directing an investment company. If you want to run an investment house, run an investment house, don't run a retail business. 

You only have to look at the complete mess that the Co-op made when its retail board merged with the bank board and started to try to direct the bank. Peter Marks the CEO of the retail board at the time promised it would be a great success, but he was a retailer and not a banker, and the whole thing had to be unravelled at great expense to the two businesses. Unfortunately, the Co-op doesn't have shareholders to give him the good kicking he deserved.  

Tesco is another example. "We're a supermarket, but today we have decided we also want to be a bank". A few years later, "Today, we have changed our mind and don't want to be a bank." 

M&S is another example "We're a food and clothing retailer, but today we have decided we also want to be a bank". A few years later, "Today, we have decided we don't want to be a bank". 

You just don't have these problems if you pick a company that only provides the service you want to buy. 

Your statement is altogether incorrect, you'd do well to get your facts right before posting random thoughts on forum.

Albermarle

I had an e mail for the John Lewis investments , quickly followed by one for home and contents insurance. Having just moved to LV= , I checked out of interest. It was double the price.