FEATURES:
Using performance and fees data, along with other factors such as the tenure of the manager and consistency of returns, Moira O'Neill picks her top 100 actively managed funds.
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, plus IC/Coppock indicators this week.
NEWS:
■ Vodafone cashes in Verizon stake for $130bn.
■ Microsoft makes its €5.4bn Nokia move.
■ New data is casting more doubts on the health of the Indian economy.
■ The UK economy recovers, despite failure of forward guidance to reduce interest rate expectations.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK:
■ Is inflation a threat to recovery? - Chris Dillow says a pick-up in monetary growth could be inflationary, but probably won't be.
■ Next week's economics: Stubbornly high unemployment might keep interest rates low for a long time, next week's numbers will show.
COMMENT:
Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ The Editor: Make God laugh - In an uncertain economic environment having a proper financial plan is more important than ever.
■ Simon Thompson: Dressed to impress - Our companies editor thinks a certain retailer's shares will enjoy a decent re-rating over the coming months. Simon has also written the following online exclusives:
- Profit from an earnings upgrade cycle: Simon Thompson spots potential in a small-cap software company.
- Buy ahead of a farm-out deal: Simon Thompson believes a farm-out deal is in the offing later this month at a small cap oil company.
Read more of Simon's articles on his comment page.
■ Mr Bearbull: Thirty words to success: Everything you need to know about equity investment in 30 words? Well, the words in question go a long way.
■ Chris Dillow: A case for euros?: History shows that euros are a great way of spreading equity risk. But this might not remain the case. Read more articles by Chris Dillow on his comment page.
■ The Trader: Reluctant retreat: The last month has been painfully dull for trend following - but Japan's latest bounce gives some hope.
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:
■ Portfolio: Ditch your cash and gold holdings for an early retirement.
■ Financial planning: Ease pain of soaring university fees with Bank of Mum & Dad.
■ Smart Money: Best rivals to Top 100 Funds - Five additional sources of fund selections or rating systems that are worth looking at in addition to the IC's Top 100 Funds.
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ This Africa-focused oil explorer is flush with cash and has a busy exploration programme ahead of it. Three directors have been buying up shares and we think investors should follow their lead.
■ There's no doubt that this motor insurer is delivering decent underwriting profits - but challenges such as rapidly falling premium rates and a sector-wide competition probe leaves the shares facing strong headwinds.
■ They're going cheap but that not might last... a dramatic re-rating is on the cards for shares in this distressed industrial landlord if management can execute a crucial refinancing.
■ Profits at this speciality finance group will be trimmed in the second half as its expands the business significantly. But the benefits should become evident in 2014 and there is a chunky yield for investors to lock in now.
FUND TIP OF THE WEEK:
■ Don't be put off by the word 'Europe'. This fund comes with a healthy yield and the added bonus of strong growth prospects.
SHARE TIP UPDATES:
■ DS Smith
■ Quadrise Fuels International
FUNDS:
■ Fund news: New manager for Fidelity Special Situations.
■ The big theme: Convertible bond funds can offer upside and defence.
SHARES:
■ Stock screen: Five high-growth small caps.
■ Sector focus: The US gambling market is a land of opportunity for UK gaming companies. However, the process will be longer and more drawn out than the market is currently prepared to admit.
■ Dividend of the week: Income generating investment trusts.
■ The lowdown on the latest company results:
■ Alumasc
■ Aminex
■ Bumi
■ Bwin.Party Digital Entertainment
■ Cape
■ Chesnara
■ Evraz
■ Genus
■ Hansteen
■ Hays
■ Headlam
■ Hunting
■ Kofax
■ Lamprell
■ Lavendon
■ McBride
■ Melrose
■ Molins
■ Mucklow
■ Perform
■ Playtech
■ RusPetro
■ Serco
■ Signet
■ Tyman
■ Unite
■ Vislink
■ WPP
■ Xaar
■ Directors' dealings: Notable transactions at Majestic Wine and Renold, 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.
