FEATURES:
■ Buy-to-let: bigger and better
Stephen Wilmot assesses the UK private landlord sector to see whether it can provide extra yield for income-starved investors
After a strong start to the year relative to benchmarks, John Baron modestly rebalances both portfolios by increasing their bond exposure. Within equities, he also increases exposure to Japan and the pharma/biotech sector.
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:
■ International banks remain on top
■ Is there a new income focus for BG?
■ US on the brink of recession
■ Brokers warn against student pods
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK:
■ The costs of conservatism: In doing too liitle too late, the European Central Bank is acting as central banks often have, and for reasons that have often made sense in theory.
■ Next week's economics: Next week's figures will officially confirm that the eurozone has been in recession, and clarify whether the US has suffered a genuine slowdown.
COMMENT:
■ Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ The Editor: It pays to shop around - What DIY reveals about buying financial products.
■ Simon Thompson: Simon has written the following articles this week:
- Bargain shares update: Our companies editor updates some of his recommendations from his 2013 Bargain share portfolio.
- Fuelled for growth: Our companies editor has spotted a lowly-rated consultancy and software provider to the global hydrocarbon processing industry.
- Buy the triple top break-out: Our companies editor has noted a potentially lucrative trading opportunity in the shares of a small-cap company.
- A share priced for a sharp re-rating: Simon Thompson sees scope for shares in an Aim-traded oil company to recover strongly in the coming months.
- Awaiting another spark for a re-rating: Simon Thompson sees potential upside in two small-cap companies.
■ Chris Dillow: Seasonal sectors - 'Cyclical' sectors are especially vulnerable to nasty surprises in the summer. Read more articles by Chris on his comment page.
YOUR MONEY:
■ Financial planning, tax and investment wisdom:
■ Portfolio: Long-term investor embraces volatility.
■ Buy-to-let: Eight ways to cut your rental tax income.
■ SmartMoney: There's no need to panic-buy your Isa.
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ This pharmaceutical company has its share of problems but lots going for it too, including a new chief executive. And the shares trade at a discount to their long-term average.
■ Enterprising investors can make worthwhile and low risk profits from this classic bid arbitrage situation.
■ Huge growth potential in Asia awaits this US accessories brand that focuses on affordable luxury. Buy while the shares are still cheap
■ A bumper and steadily increasing dividend yield makes this life assurer a must for income-seeking investors.
FUND TIP OF THE WEEK:
■ When a successful fund manager leaves, it creates a quandary for investors. But the new manager at this growth fund has delivered strong performance elsewhere.
SHARE TIP UPDATES:
■ Betfair
■ G4S
■ Mondi
■ RPS
BROKERS' TIPS:
■ Meggitt
FUNDS:
■ Fund news: Investment trusts with exposure to gold.
■ Shares I love: A number of US companies have announced dividend increases this year, including Wal-Mart Stores which has raised its by 18.2 per cent.
■ The big theme: "Compelling" opportunities in debt-focused trusts.
■ Top 100 funds: Buy healthcare on a discount.
■ Feature: Give your funds some momentum.
■ Interview: Small-cap fund manager Giles Hargreave talks about the secret of small-cap success - includes link to video.
SHARES:
■ Stock screen: Cash magic - Algy Hall combines a focus on cash with the Greenblatt magic formula.
■ Sector focus: Outsourcing offers value for genuine stockpickers - includes video.
■ The lowdown on the latest company results:
■ Avacta
■ Iofina
■ Numis
■ Sage
■ Directors' dealings: Notable transactions at Brady, plus a table of all boardroom share trades.
■ Week ahead: A summary of key company announcements expected in the coming week.
TAKEOVERS:
■ Download this week's takeover tables as a PDF.
TRADING:
■ Trading ideas: Chart-driven calls on BSkyB, CAC 40, Diageo and Eurostoxx.
■ The Trader: Springing higher - The month of May has got off to a flying start in the stock market - and there’s more to come.
The Trader, Dominic Picarda, publishes his outlook for ten major equity, currency and commodity markets on a daily basis. You can view his articles on his comment page, or sign up to The Trader's market outlook emails.
