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

  • 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
  • 29 April 2026

    Daily market update: FTSE retreats, Lloyds, AstraZeneca and GSK bullish, Adidas

    Despite a decent showing from Asian markets, Europe was on the back foot as yesterday’s dip in oil prices reversed, reminding investors that inflation risks are still elevated.

    UAE’s exit from oil producers’ cartel Opec might eventually lead to greater oil supplies from the region which could bring down oil prices, but it won’t happen overnight.

    T...

    6 min read
    denim trouser leg and blue adidas trainer
  • 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
  • 28 April 2026

    Daily market update: FTSE up, oil above $110, BP, Card Factory, Travis Perkins

    A matter of weeks ago oil moving through $110 per barrel would be enough to give markets the willies but they seem to be in wait-and-see mode right now .

    Energy prices are reacting to stalled talks between the US and Iran and a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz which has now extended to the best part of two months – with just a few fleeting moments...

    8 min read
    cardfactory store front
  • 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