BRITISH TRADE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXXIV, Issue 4, 28 October 1924, Page 3

BRITISH TRADE.

FORTNIGHTLY REPORT.

STOCK

EXCHANGE UNAFFECTED.

BY GENERAL ELECTION.

LONDON, Oct. 25.

Contrary to all precedents the electoral campaign has caused no depression or hesitancy on the Stock Exchange, but, on the other hand, appears to have had a stimulating effect and bnyouant conditions prevailed till yesterday, when a slight slackening of activity was noticeable. The values of almost all classes of securities have hardened during the past fortnight. This is regarded as an indication that the investing public considers the election likely to result in the establishment of a really stable Government, it will be remembered tiiat in December last the Stock Exchange took an equally optimistic view, hut the hopes were dashed to the ground.

A feature on the Stock Exchange lias been tile enormous demand for the new German loan,' which has risen to 5 per cent, premium on the issue price. Another loan in which there have been extensive dealings is the last Queensland issue, widen is non* quoted at 50s premium. Apparently the Stocii Exchange has taken Queensland to its heart again, for there was a great rush for the Brisbane tram man, which was subscribed about tout times over and quickly established at a premium of about 17s 6d, after opening at 20s. in ore seems to be plenty of money available for good investment; issues, for, in addition to South Africa £0,00u,000, all new money, underwritten yesterday, several other' large loans by Jtugiisn corporations are imminent. Some financial newspapers hint that \ ictoria is contemplating a new issue. ■ BUTTER BUYERS CAUTIOUS. The butter market has taken a quieter turn. The high prices now ruling having made retailers cautious about buying beyond immediate requirements, in view of the big quantities of Australian f hnd New Zealand which will commence' to' arrive about a month hence. >

The quality of the new season’s Australian butters gives general satisfaction and tlrey wcre-rery-welcoirte as best butters are not plentiful. Australian will be assiduously-pushed this season. One leading firm lias issued, a. most attractive booklet with photographs illustrating dairy farms, herds, factories, and manufacturing processes, with a portrait of the record butter producer Melba loth as a frontispiece. This is being distributed by 20,000 retailers tlirougaout the country. TRADE OUTLOOK GOOD. Regarding trade conditions generally the newspaper Economist says: “Wink business has not shaken off the effectof the summed 'seasonal depression si, quickly as it did q year ago, the out 100 kis rather brighter than last month. The most unfavourable feature is the absence of any sign of improvement in the iron and steel trades ii. which conditions are -in marked contrast with those of the other major i dustries. The sentiment of the coL trade for instance is slightly me:, hopeful, though the. increased dema: u may be mostly due to seasonal cause . The textile industries anticipate cc siderably larger business this win than last. The better outlook in i ,■ Lancashire cotton trade is the outco not merely of the satisfactory crop < -• ■ ditions in America, hut of growing .

quay from important consumers houle and abroad. Among minor • dustries like boots, shoes, pottery, e. the general tone is quite good, v: . the extent of the demand for ship;, tonnage in the last few weeks has (< as a surprise even to those closely » nested with shipping industries.