FEATURES:
A new wave of privatisations is about to hit the UK, starting with Royal Mail. Should investors pile in from the start? Julian Hofmann reports.
Backing Maggie's privatisations would have served shareholders well if they'd picked the right ones. Robert Ansted reports.
■ Affordable classics in demand
Classic car prices are accelerating faster than a Bugatti Veyron on steroids, but there are still plenty of great cars to choose from that won't break the bank and could make money, too, says Lee Wild.
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 Fed might keep monetary policy loose for a long time - this might not be
good for equities.
■ Compass steers a steady course.
■ Abenomics lesson for UK investors.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK:
■ Talking the economy down - New research shows that it is possible to talk the economy down, says Chris Dillow.
■ Next week's economics - Savers hoping for signs of rising interest rates might be disappointed next week.
COMMENT:
Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ The Editor: A right royal rip off - My own bitter experience supports the widespread belief that financial products marketed for children aren't worth buying.
■ Mr Bearbull: Here's how to exploit an odd - but inviting - inconsistency in the rating of consumer companies in the developing world.
■ Simon Thompson: Our companies editor revisits the investment case of five of his recent small-cap share recommendations.
■ Chris Dillow: The big risks surrounding bond yields make equity valuation even trickier than normal. But this might be no bad thing. Plus:
- A sad story - Taking financial decisions when we are feeling down can be expensive.
- Who you know, not what you know - Fund managers good performance might owe more to their contacts than to their skill.
Read more articles by Chris Dillow on his comment page.
■ Property: Have you ever wondered why Britain is littered with identikit concrete office blocks? Oliver Marriott's The Property Boom holds the answers.
■ The Trader: The Dow Theory's latest buy signal is good reason to stay bullish on stocks.
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.
YOUR MONEY:
Financial planning, tax and investment wisdom:
■ Reader portfolio: Investing to pay off my buy-to-let mortgages.
■ Financial planning: Rich investors try to unlock pension money.
■ Leave the ultimate legacy for a baby: Leave the ultimate legacy for a baby.
■ NS&I reduces interest rates on Premium Bonds: Investors will win fewer tax-free prizes from August but higher-rate taxpayers may still find Premium Bonds attractive.
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ With its dream of marriage in tatters, and the shares near an all-time high, we believe the time is right to sell this drinks group.
■ We expect the self-help measures and restructuring which have been implemented at this electronics company to lead to a share price re-rating.
■ Shares in this North Sea oil and gas producer look a bargain - the company is profitable, has a strong balance sheet and experienced management.
■ This estate agency chain is an undervalued play on the much-hyped housing recovery so make an offer now.
FUND TIP OF THE WEEK:
■ If you've got room for an emerging markets fund in your portfolio, this fund has an outstanding performance record.
SHARE TIP UPDATES:
■ Dignity
■ Zambeef
BROKERS' TIPS:
STRATEGY:
■ Strategy: Grow your portfolio the smart way.
FUNDS:
■ Fund news: Should I stay in large bond funds?
■ In the doghouse: AXA Framlington Monthly Income, which is run by former star manager George Luckraft, has been included in Bestinvest's Spot the Dog list following years of poor performance.
■ ETFs: How ETFs navigate choppy bond markets.
■ The big theme: Four fund options if you're moving out of cash.
SHARES:
■ Stock screen: Five contrarian value plays.
■ Sector focus: It could 'Help to Buy' an estate agent.
■ Dividend of the week: Mining.
■ The latest results from:
■ Beazley
■ Dart
■ Dialight
■ Ebiquity
■ IG Group
■ Renishaw
■ Directors' dealings: Notable transactions at ITE Group, 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.
