FEATURES:
Kurdistan isn't a country - it's an autonomous region. And, in the past, that's been the problem. But detente with both Iraq and Turkey, plus proposals for new pipelines, could see one of the world's last unexploited hydrocarbon areas really start to open up - and several UK companies are in on the action.
■ Reliable shares for volatile times
A stock screen that seeks to identify big, high-quality companies with the financial strength to ride out economic volatility picks seven key shares.
Historically, tobacco shares have been great safe havens thanks to the inherently addictive nature of the product. But onerous regulation and steadily rising valuations have led some to question whether this can continue.
■ Sell Nasdaq, buy Europe?
Our unique variant of the Coppock moving-average indicator has suggested it's time to sell the Nasdaq technology index. Meanwhile, John Baron thinks sentiment and fundamentals have parted company sufficiently to justify buying in Europe.
SEVEN DAYS:
■ All you need to know about investing in the past seven days.
NEWS:
The companies that stand to lose if Spain is forced to seek a bail-out, the euro crisis and the UK economy, plus the latest on Glenstrata
COMMENT:
Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ No free lunch - Death in Europe: How doomed MF Global took its customers with it
■ Chris Dillow - Defensive shares outperform others around the world over the long term.
■ Property Matters - Over to you: Readers' comments
YOUR MONEY:
Financial planning, tax and investment wisdom:
■ Portfolio - John Baron says it's time to buy into Europe.
■ Retirement planning - A new survey reveals that around a third of people are still leaving it too late.
■ SmartMoney - Generation x-pensive: If you'd like your children to go to university, you'd better start saving sooner rather than later
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ In credit quality, in growth prospects, in capital strength - this bank stands head and shoulders above its UK peers.
■ This online retailer's business case didn't stack up when it floated - and it doesn't stack up now.
■ A forced sale process is likely to highlight the value on offer at this packaging specialist.
■ Doorstep lending has got a rotten reputation, but its practitioners could teach banks a thing or too about risk management.
FUND TIP OF THE WEEK:
■ An investment trust that uses bonds, property and shares to generate income.
BROKERS' TIPS:
Leading analysts give their views on a chemicals producer and a plumbers' merchant
SHARE TIP UPDATE:
■ Time to take profits on NCC after 42 per cent gain.
FUNDS:
■ Fund news - Get better returns and lower risk thanks to proposed VCT and EIS changes.
■ The big theme - With markets in turmoil, don't assume all bonds are 'safe' - diversify and spread your fixed-income risk.
■ Fund profiles - Fixed-income funds Kames Strategic Bond and Royal London Corporate Bond.
■ Interview - Ed Beal on why it makes sense to invest in small caps for income – but not at the expense of growth.
SHARES:
■ Stock screen - Seven stalwart shares
■ Sector focus - Is it a good time to cash in your tobacco shares?
The lowdown on the latest company results:
■ Halfords
Directors' dealings
■ Notable transactions at BG and Conygar, plus a table of all boardroom share trades
TRADING:
■ Coppock - what our unique set of market indicators is saying now.
■ The Trader - A new clutch of sell signals mean further falls in the US markets are likely
