FEATURES:
The world's biggest ever internet IPO takes place this week. But the Facebook float is long on hype and short on value - the shares are astronomically expensive given the lack of clear commercial progress. And if you want exposure to big technology shares, there are much better options than this - we name some of them.
Debt can be a double-edged sword, as Clinton Cards and others have found out. John Ficenec reports on how investors can assess the danger.
■ What next for Plus companies?
Plus Markets, the former Ofex, is set to close its doors. We look at what will happen to those companies with Plus quotes.
SEVEN DAYS:
All you need to know about investing in the past seven days: what's rising, what's falling and what's making the headlines, plus the most traded shares in April.
NEWS:
Cove Energy's directors are re-focusing their attentions on the Irish Sea following a reverse takeover on Aim, new gas discoveries for Ophir Energy and the extortionate cost of Greece leaving the euro. Also, the latest updates from Ricardo and Lamprell.
COMMENT:
Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ No free lunch - Buffett's world.
■ Mr Bearbull - Where to begin when buying shares.
■ Simon Thompson - Two property investments with potential for decent gains in the medium term.
■ Chris Dillow - Targets can create problems as well as solve them.
■ Property Matters - Buy-to-let can't solve the housing crisis.
YOUR MONEY:
Financial planning, tax and investment wisdom:
■ Portfolio - Our experts question a reader's 80 per cent exposure to emerging markets within his Sipp.
■ Family - With annuity rates at historic lows and drawdown expensive, what are the alternatives for those approaching retirement?
■ SmartMoney - Inflation-beating savings products.
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ The pecking order in food retailing is changing, and the company that was for many years an also-ran is now starting to gain ground.
■ A North Sea oil explorer that's got some novel commercial arrangements and a good track record.
■ A clever product, but heavy exposure to a weak European economy is bad news for this specialist manufacturer.
■ This recruitment group enjoys a premium rating over rivals that no longer looks justified.
FUND TIP OF THE WEEK:
■ Timber and woodlands are an attractive niche asset class, but this pricey investment trust is not the best way to get exposure.
BROKERS' TIPS:
Leading analysts give their views on Centamin and Galliford Try.
SHARE TIP UPDATES:
Changes of stance on Chariot and Wincanton. Plus:
■ International Consolidated Airlines
■ Unite
■ Logica
■ Catlin
FUNDS:
■ Fund news - Investment trusts increase US exposure.
■ The big theme - New kids on the emerging markets block. The emerging markets space is dominated by funds that are very big, and managers who are, to put it politely, getting on a bit. We look at newer and smaller funds with younger managers.
■ Interview - James Anderson of Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust talks about why he is unapologetically bullish.
SHARES:
The lowdown on the latest company results:
■ BT
■ Experian
■ Diploma
■ Lonmin
■ Babcock
■ Compass
■ C&C
■ Icap
Trading statements:
Sector focus:
■ Five shares for a stormy summer
Ever since the 2010 election, shares in support services groups have been in the doldrums. But with contracts now coming through, they're looking compelling value.
Stock screen:
■ Dirt-cheap US recovery plays.
Directors' dealings:
■ Notable transactions at Edinburgh Worldwide IT, plus a table of all boardroom share trades.
TRADING:
■ Trading news - Comparing the Dow with the S&P 500
■ Trading ideas - Chart-driven calls on Brent crude, sterling/US dollar, silver and Whitbread.
■ The Trader - Sociopathic tendencies
