About the expert

Dan Coatsworth is AJ Bell's Head of Markets. Dan has been with the company since December 2012 and has more than 18 years' experience in the industry, following the markets and all things investing. He has a degree in Corporate Communications from Southampton Solent University.

Dan is involved in a lot of the content published by AJ Bell, which includes; providing market commentary, starring in our educational videos, writing for Shares Magazine and co-presenting our Money and Markets podcast, as well as hosting and presenting at events for customers – both in person and online.

Dan’s passion lies with educating customers all about investing and staying informed about market events. He previously worked for Teletext on the business and personal finance desks which taught him the importance of telling a story in as few words as possible. He has also appeared as a business commentator on Times Radio and LBC News and written investment-related articles for The Telegraph, Evening Standard, Mail on Sunday and The Week.

A fun fact Dan learned about investing early on was to not get caught up on the hype around certain stocks. He found this out himself when the first share he bought was a company trying to recover copper from a shipwreck at the bottom of the ocean… this sounded exciting but sadly didn’t make him any money! Outside of work, Dan enjoys swimming and going to live gigs.

Latest articles from Dan Coatsworth

  • 21 May 2026

    Daily market update: Markets pull back, Nvidia, EasyJet, BT Mitchells & Butlers

    Markets pulled back across Europe as the waiting game to end the Iran war rumbled on.

    A lacklustre response to Nvidia’s results goes to show investor euphoria around AI is fading, and other issues are weighing on their minds such as inflation and interest rates.

    Utilities were the only bright spot on the FTSE 100, suggesting investors were in a...

    4 min read
    people boarding easyjet plane

  • 15 May 2026

    Investors snap up gilts as Westminster drama shakes bond market

    Since the start of this year, there has been a growing sense that Keir Starmer’s leadership of the country and the Labour Party is fading, with last week’s disastrous local election results potentially spelling the end of his premiership.

    This intense speculation has led to uncertainty about the future of the country under a new leader, which has...

    7 min read
    Image of Number 10 Downing Street

  • 15 May 2026

    Daily market update: gilts, Andy Burnham, Centrica, BP, Shell

    The FTSE 100 fell as emerging evidence of inflationary pressures and domestic political uncertainty combined to put investors on edge.

    The decision of a Labour MP to stand down and pave the way for Andy Burnham to return to parliament – likely as a precursor to a leadership challenge – has seen gilt yields move yet higher.

    While there’s no...

    3 min read
    shell office building

  • 14 May 2026

    How to manage your retirement money using the bucket strategy

    After working hard for years and saving money, retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life. This is possible with a good financial plan.

    Even though you might now be sitting on a nice pot of money, it is still important to manage your finances carefully during retirement. Luckily, there are effective ways to manage your money, and one of...

    5 min read
    Shares magazine
    Three buckets

  • 12 May 2026

    Big moves on the bond market - why they matter

    Gilt yields have remained at elevated levels after Labour setbacks in local elections. The results fuelling speculation that Keir Starmer might struggle to cling on as prime minister.

    The 30-year gilt yield is often a better measure of political sentiment than the usual 10-year benchmark rate, as the government typically issues long-term debt. The...

    5 min read
    Government HM Treasury building

  • 8 May 2026

    The top performing UK funds and trusts

    Investing in the UK stock market isn’t just about broadening the pool of people to help fund UK company growth plans, it’s also about building personal wealth. The UK has been a more fruitful place to make money than its unloved reputation would suggest.

    Over the past 10 years, an investment in the broader UK market would have generated nearly...

    5 min read
    London skyline

  • 7 May 2026

    Daily market update: Shell, Centrica, Herald, BAE Systems

    European markets mostly continued yesterday’s strong session, which saw equities rally globally on hopes of a resolution to the Middle East conflict.

    The exception was the FTSE 100 which fell 0.6% as energy stocks weighed on the index amid oil falling back below $100 a barrel.

    Shell reported bumper profits, but the market had fully expected that...

    6 min read
    Shell petrol station

  • 4 May 2026

    Three types of funds for beginner investors

    Investing doesn’t have to be complicated when you use funds, and you’re never too old to get started. There are some easy steps for anyone whose interest has been piqued by the government’s push to get more people investing their money rather than letting it sit in cash.

    A lot of people feel overwhelmed when looking for investments because the...

    6 min read
    Young man on laptop

  • 28 April 2026

    Investing in the British companies you use every day

    We’re often told to invest in what we know – and there’s a surprisingly large number of companies on the UK stock market embedded into everyday life.

    From the moment we wake up, get dressed and have breakfast, go to work and come home again, there are oodles of touch points with companies whose shares can be bought at the click of a button. There’s...

    6 min read
    Man eating breakfast

  • 26 April 2026

    Big dividends: The highest yielding stocks on UK stock market

    One of the UK stock market’s key attractions is the rich bounty of dividends on offer. There are companies with a history of returning copious amounts of money to shareholders and that makes the UK a fertile hunting ground for income investors.

    At a headline level, the FTSE 100 yields 3.3% based on forecast payments. While 3.3% is less than you’d...

    4 min read
    Advisor talking to clients

  • 23 April 2026

    Why the UK beats the US on value and dividends

    There has been a pervasive misconception about UK companies when compared to those in the US that they don't have as much to offer in terms of exciting opportunities and, for market participants, returns.

    Comparing the valuation and dividend trends – two of the most crucial factors for investing – on UK and US stocks the former trumps the US.

    The...

    6 min read
    UK and USA flags

  • 23 April 2026

    You don’t need to be rich to invest in an ISA

    It’s wrong to think you need to be rich to invest. While the idea of investing is often associated with someone showing off their collection of fast cars and fancy jewellery, investing is something for the masses. You can start with as little as £25 a month in an ISA and build up a pot that could have a meaningful impact on your life.

    Just because...

    3 min read
    growing-piles-of-coins-with-trees-on-top-to-represent-growth.jpg

  • 17 April 2026

    Retail investors set to get more choice in corporate bonds

    Retail investors could soon have greater choice among corporate bonds. Three bonds from London Stock Exchange Group are now available to the public, and more bonds could follow suit in the coming months by other companies.

    Historically, corporate bonds required minimum investment amounts beyond the reach of individuals. That is now changing. While...

    3 min read
    Lady choosing fruit

  • 16 April 2026

    Corporate bonds

    Corporate bonds are bonds issued by a company. Learn about the different types, what they're used for, and why one may choose to invest in corporate bonds.

    3 min read
    Businessmen shaking hands

  • 16 April 2026

    What are bonds?

    Thinking of investing in bonds? Learn all about the bond market, including the different types of government and corporate bonds, and their benefits and risks.

    6 min read
    Bond certificates

  • 16 April 2026

    Move over FTSE 100: the UK’s dividend throne has a new ruler

    The UK stock market has just hit a striking milestone – and income investors should take note. Mid-cap stocks are now paying more generous dividends than the blue chip giants, marking the longest stretch since 2001 where the FTSE 250 offers a bigger yield than the FTSE 100.

    On average over the past 25 years, the FTSE 100 has yielded 3.6% and the...

    6 min read
    Shares magazine
    Chess pieces

  • 10 April 2026

    Daily market update: European markets steady, peace talks, AO joy

    A strong finish on Wall Street on Thursday and an advance in Asian stocks on Friday set the tone for steady trading in Europe as attention turns to Pakistan-brokered peace talks between the US and Iran.

    The ceasefire agreement announced earlier this week has felt fragile at times, although news that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has...

    3 min read
    American Flag Flying on Wall Street

  • 9 April 2026

    Why investing in an ISA early could have made you £25,000 richer

    With April comes the start of a new ISA season and research by AJ Bell found that those who get started using their renewed £20,000 allowance tend to benefit more than those who delay putting their money to work.

    It's not just about being organised with your life admin, it’s also about giving your ISA more time to work its magic.

    The research by AJ...

    4 min read
    Man with pen using calculator

  • 9 April 2026

    Daily market update: Markets retreat, ME Group, Asda, Uniqlo

    There is an air of renewed nervousness pervading financial markets after the euphoria which was initially prompted by the US-Iran ceasefire.

    This agreement already seems to be fraying at the edges – with continued strikes by Israel on Lebanon a key sticking point. With talks on a lasting deal yet to begin it’s understandable that investors are...

    3 min read
    Uniqlo store front

  • 8 April 2026

    Daily market update: Markets rally on ceasefire, Shell

    Investors’ wish for a ceasefire has been granted, triggering a rally across financial markets and pulling down the oil price.

    The positive market reaction is understandable as a two-week ceasefire raises hope for a complete end to the conflict. Markets have been clouded by multiple kinds of uncertainty, from fears of higher inflation and rising...

    4 min read
    30-04-20-Shell-article-v1.jpg

  • 6 April 2026

    Who can pay into a Junior ISA?

    Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin or just a family friend, it’s easy to transfer money into a Junior ISA. Find out how much you can put into a Junior ISA and how.

    5 min read
    Grandma and granddaughter reading tablet

  • 31 March 2026

    Creating a retirement income strategy: the different routes to consider

    We all work hard during our career to put money away for later in life, with a key focus on growing wealth over time. Hitting retirement often calls for a shift to the investment strategy that might have been in places for decades.

    It’s easy to say you move from growth to income, yet the way you pivot depends on your age, risk appetite, life...

    9 min read
    Mature woman watering plants

  • 26 March 2026

    What is a Cash ISA?

    The Cash ISA is a type of individual savings account with tax-free interest and withdrawals. Learn more about what it is and if it’s right for you.

    5 min read
    Putting money into a jar

  • 26 March 2026

    Daily market update: Next, Currys, Ceres Power, Centrica, OECD

    Investors have eagerly awaited a ceasefire in the Middle East this week but once again there are mixed messages from the US and Iran, leaving markets confused. Momentum has been lost across the main European stock indices and oil has edged higher, meaning it’s still a waiting game.

    The FTSE 100 dipped 0.7% to 10,036, dragged down by several big...

    5 min read
    Next store front

  • 24 March 2026

    Daily market update: Stocks higher, Kingfisher, Vets, Estee Lauder

    Investors will be relieved to see further gains for European stocks after recent market turmoil.

    It implies some faith on the part of markets that an off-ramp can be found for all parties in the Iran conflict before the economic damage becomes too acute.

    Asian indices were higher, taking their lead from yesterday’s bounce back in the US and Europe...

    5 min read
    Pets-at-Home-picture.jpg

  • 18 March 2026

    Are you focusing on the wrong number when picking an income fund?

    Investors searching for income opportunities often gravitate towards funds with the highest yields. If you had the choice of either 4p or 8p in every pound in dividends, you might choose the bigger reward.

    What people often neglect to consider is the importance of looking at total return. This is the money you make from dividends and the increase...

    5 min read
    Shares magazine
    Arrow going up stairs

  • 13 March 2026

    Daily market update: Markets, oil up and gold down, Berkeley

    Financial markets showed signs of frustration that the Iran conflict continues to rage on.

    European and Asian equities were in the red and the US looked set to follow in the same path when Wall Street opens for trading later.

    Oil held firm at high prices, while gold lost its shine as investors offloaded liquid assets and the metal suffered from a...

    4 min read
    Gold bullion

  • 13 March 2026

    How defensive investments are holding up in the Middle East crisis

    Investors might have been surprised at how supposed lower-risk investments haven’t provided complete protection as the Iran conflict unfolded. But they aren’t meant to, and it’s an important reminder that diversification is vital when investing.

    Research by AJ Bell found that only money market funds and shares in non-life insurance companies have...

    8 min read
    Umbrella and cloud

  • 11 March 2026

    Three investment goals to unlock with your ISA

    Working towards a specific goal can be a great incentive to put money away. Rather than a random ‘something for a rainy day’ motive to set aside money, having a clear purpose and a target amount keeps you focused.

    It’s like putting a postcard of a dream holiday destination on the fridge – every time you walk past, you see the picture and feel even...

    9 min read
    Young woman student carrying book and headphones

  • 9 March 2026

    Daily market update: Oil, gold, Clarkson, Farage, Bitcoin

    The Iran conflict intensified over the weekend and oil briefly going above $115 a barrel has caused another bout of selling on financial markets.

    Tipping over the $100 a barrel level has major implications from a psychological and economical perspective. It significantly raises the chances of a sharp jump in inflation and interest rates shifting to...

    5 min read
    Rolls Royce Eros figure

  • 5 March 2026

    What have investors been buying in their ISAs so far in 2026?

    The two big themes for AJ Bell’s ISA investors in January and February were looking beyond the US for opportunities and buying on the dip.

    With only a month left to use up any remaining ISA allowance, it’s possible that individuals are thinking more seriously about making the most of the tax benefit. The idea of putting money into the wrapper and...

    6 min read
    Happy businessman

  • 5 March 2026

    Unlock more income: Four tips to make your ISA work harder

    ISAs can be a powerful part of your toolkit if you are looking to generate an income from your investments. You can use these accounts on their own, or in tandem with a pension or other assets.

    Here are four ways for income investors to get the most from an ISA.

    1. Maximise your tax breaks

    Whether you are new to investing or you have been doing it...

    7 min read
    Man looking out window

  • 5 March 2026

    Daily market update: ITV, Primark, Reckitt, Rentokil, Taylor Wimpey

    A decent showing on Wall Street last night and a solid performance from Asia on Thursday helped to spur part of Europe into a higher gear.

    The FTSE 100 advanced 0.4% to 10,612 amid a higher oil price and a plethora of corporate news flow.

    Brent Crude continued to move higher, nudging above $83 per barrel and stoking fears that energy bills will go...

    6 min read
    people walking past primark on the high street

  • 3 March 2026

    Daily market update: FTSE 100, Fresnillo, Greggs, BrewDog

    Despite an initial sanguine response to the Iran conflict seen on Wall Street on Monday, UK stocks recorded a meaningful drop on Tuesday morning.

    Asian markets were weak as concern grows about rising energy prices, and US futures suggest investors across the Atlantic are also starting to become more alarmed about the situation in the Middle East...

    6 min read
    brewdog sign