FEATURES:
Just how sustainable is the UK's retail recovery? Julia Bradshaw takes to the shops.
In each of the last seven years we have selected a portfolio of stocks for the coming year based on Michael O’Higgins' 'Dogs of the Dow' approach. It has outperformed five years out of the seven. Peter Temple explains.
Following the last few months when no changes have been required, John Baron is rebalancing both portfolios after their strong run this year despite his positive outlook for equity markets. He uses the opportunity to revisit strategy and holdings.
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.
CHARTS OF THE WEEK:
■ Our selection of the most interesting charts published this week.
NEWS:
■ The UK recovery gathers steam.
■ 'Build to rent' spreads out of London.
■ Lending boost for small companies.
■ Retailers jump on the IPO bandwagon.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK:
■ Yes, the trade deficit matters: Chris Dillow says the UK's record trade deficit is a symptom of some worrying problems.
■ Next week's economics: A modest recovery in overseas economies is adding to the UK's trade deficit, next week's numbers could show.
COMMENT:
Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ The Editor: Lessons to learn - The high academic achievement of Asian students bodes well for the region's economic future.
■ Simon Thompson has written the following articles this week:
- Bargain basement prime real estate: London residential property prices have been growing sharply, yet shares in this company can be bought on a massive discount to the value of those prime assets.
- Profit from the London housing boom: With the London housing market booming, expect further capital gains in the shares of this niche company.
- Bumper upgrades for software maestro: A double-digit upgrade should drive the shares to a record high.
- Cash rich and undervalued: The pricing environment may be tough in the solar-wafer industry, but this company has realigned its cost base and is trading well.
- Allaying housing market myths: Is the sell off in housebuilder shares after the Bank of England withdrew cheap mortgage funding justified?
- Ukranian nightmare tames the Dragon: Kiev street protests by pro-EU protestors have led to a sharp sell-off in the country’s bond markets, but a cash rich property company still offers value.
- A smart regional property play: Regional commercial property markets are starting to show signs of life and warrant a small exposure.
- Small cap value plays: A focus on undervalued companies trading on large discounts to book value pays rewards.
Read more articles by Simon Thompson on his comment page.
■ Chris Dillow: Annuity fears - Many economists fear that annuity rates will stay low for a long time - although the gilt market expects them to rise. Also see:
- A buy signal: One good predictor of equity returns is sending a buy signal now.
Read more articles by Chris Dillow on his comment page.
■ Mr Bearbull: The 'great' debate - Can it ever be right to sell shares in great companies? It's certainly right to debate the question.
■ Trader: The Santa Clause - The Trader reads the small print of the Santa rally's history and looks forward to strength in due course.
The Trader, Dominic Picarda, publishes his outlook for ten major equity, currency and commodity markets on a regular 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: Small Isa portfolio has an "unusual construction"
■ Financial planning: How to become an Isa millionaire.
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ Temporary weakness in this oilfield equipment provider's share price is a great opportunity to snap some up for long-term returns.
■ The UK's new-car market is buoyant and this still-undervalued automobile retailer offers the potential for turbo-charged returns.
■ As high street banks retreat from lending, this banking and wealth management provider has been picking up lots of work. And there are reasons to think growth will speed up going forward.
■ For investors looking for the thrills of oil and gas exploration and development, only with less risk, this Aim-traded oil and gas group is a good bet over the long term.
FUND TIP OF THE WEEK:
■ Two new managers have been appointed by the CEO at this global growth investment trust to bring a new focus on value. We're impressed by the improved performance under his leadership and the trust's low charges.
BROKERS' TIPS:
SHARE TIP UPDATES:
STRATEGY:
■ Strategy: Seven steps to a winning portfolio.
FUNDS:
■ Fund news: Global equity funds failing to beat benchmarks.
■ How much?! RENN Universal Growth Investment Trust - This is an occasional column looking at abnormally high charges for average or even mediocre fund performance. High charges can make a big difference to investment performance over time, and our intention is to help readers avoid them.
■ Top 100 funds: Manager change at Edinburgh Dragon.
■ The big theme: Gems remain among crumbling BRIC funds.
■ ETFs: Get cheap exposure to popular markets.
■ Interview: Stephen Lilley talks about the investment case for wind farms.
SHARES:
■ Stock screen: Six shares that Have It All
■ Sector focus: Times a-changing for asset managers.
■ The lowdown on the latest company results:
■ Acal
■ API
■ Betfair
■ Conygar
■ ITE
■ Pennon
■ RPC
■ Sweett
■ WYG
■ Directors' dealings: Notable transactions at Alent, 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.
