FEATURES:
Todd Wenning examines the huge US small-cap market to find 10 companies with competitive advantages that should be able to generate returns above their cost of capital.
Jesse Livermore was the most successful speculator of the first half of the 20th century. His techniques and insights still have relevance today, says Philip Ryland.
Frazer Fearnhead offers nine top tips for buying property at auction.
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:
■ Is Ireland's Porcupine basin the next oil frontier?
■ Severn Trent bid talk leads utilities higher
■ Unite Group looks to the regions
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK:
■ The deleveraging puzzle: Chris Dillow says households have not yet paid down their debts. It's impossible to say if they ever will.
■ Next week's economics: Next week's numbers could show that the UK is growing, that the eurozone is still in recession, and shed some light on how serious the US's soft patch is.
COMMENT:
Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ The Editor: The path less travelled - Investors still think investing overseas is too risky - but it's the unadventurous who face the greater danger.
■ Simon Thompson: has written the following articles this week:
- A sweet investment: Simon Thompson has noted substantial share buying by the chairman of a small-cap retailer, a lead worth following.
- A real treat: Our companies editor sees upside potential in the shares of a small-cap manufacturer of essential oils that has been around for over 125 years.
- Uncovering hidden value: Simon Thompson sees scope for shares in an investment company to run up around 10 per cent in the coming weeks.
- Target price smashed: Following massive earnings upgrades Simon Thompson's target price on a small cap investment company is raised again.
■ Chris Dillow: End of a golden age?: Recent years have seen a golden age, in which the benefits of asset diversification have been large. This could change. Read more articles by Chris on his comment page.
■ Property Matters: Morality tales in bricks and mortar: The guaranteed high yields available on 'student pod' investments offer a case study in risk.
■ Mr Bearbull: Looking for LBOW room: From packaging to mezzanine finance - who can tell where the search for yield will lead
YOUR MONEY:
Financial planning, tax and investment wisdom:
■ Reader portfolio: Value investor has sound strategy.
■ Financial planning: Health woes that make you richer in retirement. And family estates to pay for tax errors.
■ SmartMoney: Calling CTF market "vibrant" is absurd.
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ Make a killing on this solid Danish pharmaceuticals company as it shows signs of getting to grips with the onset of generic competition.
■ We see the share price of this oil producer steadily moving north after a bout of weakness, as the underlying merits of a recent tie-up emerge.
■ This insurer usually trades at a discount thanks to its track record of lower-than-average returns. But those returns have been rapidly improving and a rerating is on the cards.
■ The recovery potential and cheap valuation at this wealth manager add up to a compelling investment case.
FUND TIP OF THE WEEK:
■ If you think the government's Help to Buy scheme could start a bull run for property companies and housebuilders, this fund, a first-quartile performer over one, three and five years, offers an easy way to tap into that potential.
SHARE TIP UPDATES:
■ Centrica
■ Dignity
■ Mucklow
BROKERS' TIPS:
■ Devro
FUNDS:
■ Fund news: "High-quality companies have everything to play for."
■ Isa funds: Half of private investors pile into equities.
■ Top 100 funds: FS Global Emerging Markets Leaders to soft close.
■ The big theme: Why investment trusts beat open-ended funds.
SHARES:
■ Stock screen: US Piotroski plays deliver.
■ Sector focus: Chemical companies still worth buying - includes video.
■ The lowdown on the latest company results:
■ Blinkx
■ BT
■ C&C
■ Compass
■ Diploma
■ EasyJet
■ Experian
■ Hasgrove
■ ICAP
■ Directors' dealings: Notable transactions at London Capital, 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 Australian dollar/US dollar, easyJet, silver and US 10-year Treasuries.
■ The Trader: Empathy exercise - The Trader feels for the bears right now - but he doesn't get their arguments.
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.
