FEATURES:
Banks aren't popular with anyone these days, but investors have suffered more than most. Five years after Northern Rock, the event that signalled the start of the UK's banking crisis, John Adams assesses the threats now facing the industry and how the banks will fare from now on.
The juicy high yields on offer from permanent interestbearing shares are tempting, but new risks have emerged and you need to choose your investments with care.
Leonor du Jeu picks up some tips for successful forex trading.
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:
■ BHP Billiton puts the Olympic Dam expansion on ice and shares in Heritage Oil surge after a buyer is found for its huge Miran gas discovery. Precious metals investors have started buying ahead of important meetings, with the prices of both silver and gold surging this week. Plus, distributing sportsgear is making ChainTek a lot of money and the business is growing fast.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK:
■ Productivity paradox - Chris Dillow says better management – and better-paid management – has not improved UK productivity growth.
COMMENT:
Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ No free lunch - The case for the enduring proxy: an open letter to Vince Cable.
■ Mr Bearbull - Separating cash from profit: Check out how well a company turns profits into cash. It can tell you a lot about whether to buy its shares.
■ Simon Thompson - Bargain small-cap buy: Our companies editor sees significant value in the shares of a small-cap stock he has been closely following.
■ Chris Dillow - Two threats to shares: Low volatility and the approach of September mean there's an unusually big risk of share prices falling.
YOUR MONEY:
Financial planning, tax and investment wisdom:
■ Financial planning - Women getting their retirement income via drawdown could see a substantial rise in income.
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ A few years ago, this retailer's debts scared off investors. Not any more. It's in the middle of an impressive turnaround and we think the shares are well worth snapping up before the price starts to reflect the scale of the opportunity on offer.
■ Record levels of business, a healthy and growing cash flow alongside assured revenues add up to a solid investment case. You wouldn't know it from the company's share rating, though, so now is a good time to buy in.
■ This provider of specialist equipment in two very different global markets has successfully built up enviable market leading positions. It’s well placed to keep growing – and to increase the dividend significantly, too.
■ This new bond issue from a property company pays a decent yield. The coupon is fixed too, so investors know exactly what they'll get.
BROKERS' TIPS:
Analysts' views on easyJet and Pennon
SHARE TIP UPDATES:
Tip updates on:
■ UBS
■ Juridica
■ Vp
■ Mwana
■ Kier
FUNDS:
■ Fund news - Where are emerging market fund managers moving their money?
■ The big theme - Get in the carnival spirit with one of the economies of the future.
SHARES:
The lowdown on the latest company results:
■ Afren
■ Amlin
■ Bovis
■ Clarkson
■ ENRC
■ Ferrexpo
■ Glencore
■ H&T
■ Hikma
■ Kingspan
■ Quarto
■ Rank
■ Soco
■ Sector focus - There are several reasons why the oilfield services sector is looking once more like a solid long-term play. Mark Robinson outlines the opportunities arising over the next two decades and names our favourite companies.
■ Stock screen - Our sectors editor, Algy Hall, has devised a screen to identify the smaller companies that have what it takes to make it big, and uses it to find six potential gems.
■ Directors' dealings - Notable transactions at Brammer, plus a table of all boardroom share trades
■ Week ahead - A summary of key company announcements expected in the coming week.
TAKEOVERS:
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TRADING:
■ Trading news - What does history tell us about the markets in September?
■ Trading ideas - Chart-driven calls on ASX, Barclays & general retailers.
■ The Trader - is sticking to his bullish guns.
