FEATURES:
Since the ECB signalled its intention to do "whatever it takes" to preserve the currency bloc, bank shares have been back in demand. John Adams examines the risks still facing the sector and picks out the banks most likely to overcome them.
■ Invesco: Should I stay or should I go?
Last month, star fund manager Neil Woodford shocked the investment world with the news that he is to leave Invesco. The question for investors now is should they go too? Leonora Walters and Lee Wild report.
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:
■ BP ratchets up quarterly dividend.
■ Leyshon Resources crashes again.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK:
■ Markets against the Bank: Markets don't believe the Bank's promise to keep the Bank rate low for a long time. They might be wrong.
■ Next week's economics: The UK economy is doing better than the euro areas's, which is hampering UK export growth, next week's figures could show.
COMMENT:
Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ The Editor: Power struggles - A looming regulatory dogfight means it could be a good time to switch off from energy utilties' shares.
■ Chris Dillow: Small caps' success, economic failure: The big rise in smaller stocks might be a sign of economic failure. Also see:
■ The emerging markets slowdown: Economic growth seems to be shifting from emerging markets to the developed world. This matters for investors.
■ The investment herd: There's more new evidence that stock markets are prone to herding effects and thus to bubbles and excess volatility.
Read more articles by Chris Dillow on his comment page.
■ Trader: Storm in a tea cup - The markets are following the same rising patterns as they did back in 1987, but there is no room for complacency.
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.
■ Simon Thompson has written the following articles this week:
- On rock solid foundations: Our companies editor updates a small cap property company that is making a major move into residential property.
- Dog shares barking back: Our companies editor's autumn investment strategy of buying the worst performers in the S&P 500 is paying off once more.
- Running bumper profits: Our companies editor is reassured by a pre-close trading update from a company on his watchlist.
- A conundrum to solve: Our companies editor revisits a lowly rated tech share trading on an anomalous valuation.
- Strong buy signal: Our companies editor sees massive potential for share price upside in an online gaming company in the months ahead.
Read more articles by Simon Thompson on his comment page.
■ Mr Bearbull: From defence to recovery: Chemring's shares aren't for the faint-hearted, but they are getting close to bargain levels.
■ Chronic Investor: Pressure mounts as earnings season hots up - European equities have re-rated aggressively and cannot afford to slip up this reporting season.
YOUR MONEY:
Financial planning, tax and investment wisdom:
■ Portfolio: Maintaining the real purchasing value of my Sipp.
■ Financial planning: Don't let company pension dim your retirement.
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ Emerging market worries have seen shares in this global consumer products giant slip - but that looks like a good opportunity to buy in for the long haul.
■ Worries that new competitors would put a dent in this media group have been overplayed - in fact, its customers are spending more than ever.
■ US cuts are putting pressure on this defence specialist and prompting talk of a breakup - and that could unlock significant value for its shareholders.
■ Boardroom wrangles and over-expansion have plagued this pub operator, but also means the market hasn't noticed it’s now on the mend.
FUND TIP OF THE WEEK:
■ This Top 100 fund is a great alternative to Neil Woodford's income stable - and comes with a twist that gives its payout an extra lift.
SHARE TIP UPDATES:
■ Inchcape
■ Regus
■ Shire
■ Vislink
BROKERS' TIPS:
■ Caretech
SHARES:
■ Stock screen: Thirteen red hot soaring shares.
■ Sector focus: Housebuilders reaping rewards.
■ Dividend of the week: Dividends with strong support.
■ The lowdown on the latest company results:
■ Braemar
■ C&C
■ Stobart
■ Tracsis
■ Directors' dealings: Notable transactions at Hargreaves Services and Menzies, plus a table of all board room 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.
