FEATURES:
The oil giant has said it may sell its stake in the lucrative but controversial TNK-BP venture - a move that will rip a hole in its earnings and balance sheet. We examine whether a Russian divorce would be good or bad for investors, and what it might do with any settlement.
Pressure is building for a resumption of money printing. It's morally dubious, its economic effects are uncertain - but there's no doubting that it will boost asset markets. We look at which sectors stand to gain once the presses start to roll.
■ Why I'm swapping hassle for income
Peter Temple explains how he replaced an income stream from a holiday home that was becoming a burden.
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.
NEWS:
The impact of further quantitative easing on investor sentiment, ExxonMobil's decision to stop exploring shale gas in Poland and Hammerson's sale of its City portfolio.
COMMENT:
Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ No free lunch - Don't get too excited about Cable's plans for binding votes
■ Mr Bearbull - A new reserve currency
■ Simon Thompson - Our companies editor sees scope for shares in a profitable gold miner to double.
■ Property Matters - Should British Land and Land Securities merge?
YOUR MONEY:
Financial planning, tax and investment wisdom:
■ Reader Portfolio - John Locke thinks he has put together a "boring collection" of shares. Our experts like his strategy
■ Family - Is your workplace pension satisfactory?
■ SmartMoney - Make your cash Isa work harder
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ This composite insurer is less exposed to big catastrophe claims than peers and its shares offer a bumper dividend yield.
■ The shares are tightly held, but it's the best performing property stock on the market and may well continue to be.
■ Shares in this quality restaurants group often outperform ahead of its half-year results, so buy now for a quick-fire gain.
■ This company's production costs are low enough for it to be able to weather any downside in copper prices and its shares are cheap.
BROKERS' TIPS:
■ Leading analysts give their views on an industrial materials supplier and an aerospace giant.
SHARE TIP UPDATES:
Calling time on Albemarle & Bond, but sticking with our advice on Nokia.
FUNDS:
■ Fund news - High-yielding investment trusts
■ The big theme - The contrarian philosophy can be particularly effective in times of uncertainty
■ Fund profiles - Two contrarian funds: Fidelity Special Situations and Investec UK Special Situations A Acc Net
SHARES:
The lowdown on the latest company results:
■ Mulberry
■ Halma
■ Redhall
■ Caretech
■ Chemring
■ Trifast
■ Castings
■ Kesa
Trading statements:
■ Sector focus - A bid for WSP highlights how lowly rated UK consultant engineers are. This could be rich hunting ground for investors
■ Stock screen - Three cheap crisis stocks
■ Directors' dealings - Notable transactions at Personal Group, plus a table of all boardroom share trades.
TRADING:
■ Trading news - Moving averages
■ Trading ideas - Chart-driven calls on euro/sterling, FTSE, sugar and Xstrata
■ The Trader - The Trader is waiting for confirmation of central bank assistance before joining the new rally.
