CHRISTMAS FEATURES:
Equity markets have ramped ahead this year, but are they set for another bumper year in 2014? Simon Thompson looks ahead.
Economic forecasters expect moderate growth next year, but there are big risks either side of this. Chris Dillow explains.
Lee Wild evaluates the equities outlook for the eurozone, and asks: has the troubled continent finally put its problems behind it?
■ The US - always on the brink
The US government may have reached a budget consensus, but John Adams says the world’s largest economy faces further challenges in 2014.
Equities in emerging and frontier markets are not languishing at give-away levels, but they are at prices that should produce good long-term returns. Philip Ryland reports.
■ Break the bank this Christmas
If you've ever wondered how it feels to be a rogue trader, here's a fun way to find out, says Dominic Picarda.
■ Miners yet to reach rock bottom
Despite a bruising past 12 months for the mining sector, we expect commodity prices and mining equities to keep falling in 2014. Matthew Allan reports.
Mark Robinson gauges the outlook for oil prices next year, and identifies the explorers set to hit paydirt.
The FTSE Small Cap index performed impressively again in 2013, and Aim gained 15 per cent on last year. Graeme Davies sees if it will be repeated next year.
Kirsty Green says London's IPO rebound is set to continue.
Stephen Wilmot makes the case for buying small commercial landlords in 2014.
The greatest threat to residential housing is rising interest rates, argues Stephen Wilmot.
With a brightening economic outlook, Julian Hofmann anticipates gathering headwinds for fixed income in 2014.
Leonora Walters asks the managers of IC Top 100 Funds for their outlooks on the year ahead.
■ What's in store for the markets in 2014?
Jonas Crosland brings you a round up of how 2013’s expert predictions have fared and where they think the FTSE might be heading in 2014.
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:
■ Five tech IPOs for Christmas.
■ Lettings agency Martin & Co's buoyant flotation.
■ Small-cap pharma after Neil Woodford.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK:
■ The cost of giving: Chris Dillow says the cost of living is rising, but the cost of giving is falling.
■ Upcoming economics: The continued financial crisis in the eurozone is holding back growth, forthcoming figures should show
COMMENT:
Our columnists offer in-depth analysis and investment ideas:
■ The Editor: Bah! Humbug! Investors shouldn't lose sight of fundamentals after the spectacular investing successes of 2013.
■ Simon Thompson has written the following articles this week:
- Property play fully valued: Investors have been focusing on valuation and profit gains from the company's operational activities to drive the share price higher, but that now is all priced in.
- Dressed for retail success: Accelerating sales, robust cash generation and rising profits at the high street retailer make for an attractive investment case.
- Seeking safety and income at a reasonable price: Investing is not all about absolute gains. It’s also about reaching a balance between risk and reward too.
- Polo awaits farm-out deal: The Aim traded investment company will make two major announcements in the first quarter next year, both of which should spark a rerating.
- Deep value in Aurora: Shares in an Aim-traded investment company have fallen heavily, but has the sell-off gone too far?
- Preferential treatment for Raven Russia: A capital reorganisation for the Russian warehouse developer should boost its share price in the coming months.
- Broking for more success: A small cap broker and asset manager has beaten market expectations and the ongoing rerating looks well underpinned on valuation grounds.
Read more articles by Simon Thompson on his comment page.
■ Mr Bearbull: Bearbull tests the notion that a portfolio of corporate 'greats' will take care of itself.
■ Chris Dillow: Aim: the wishful thinking index - Although Aim stocks underperform the main market on average, there's a reason to hold on to them for a while at least.
■ Trader: No glitter for now - The smart money is getting more long of gold, but a formal buy signal is still lacking.
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: Berkshire Hathaway is not a safe enough core holding.
■ Financial planning: Best homes for kids' Christmas money.
SHARE TIPS OF THE WEEK:
■ This FTSE 100 landlord's shares have slipped, offering investors the chance to buy into a high-quality company at a discount.
■ Food and drinks manufacturers are increasingly using stevia, a natural sweetener, in response to growing consumer demand for healthier foods. This company is the biggest player in the global stevia market, and with sales rising quickly, now could be a good time to tuck into the shares.
■ Despite a slug of self-help and expanding margins, and a decent dividend to boot, shares in this engineering specialist trade at an unfair discount to peers.
■ After reporting on a torrid 12 months' trading, this touchscreen specialist looks set to recover. And as investors wait for the re-rating to come through, the shares are forecast to yield nearly 5 per cent.
FUND TIP OF THE WEEK:
■ China has been one of the best performing countries this year and is set to do well in 2014. Here's a bargain way in for your portfolio.
SHARE TIP UPDATES:
■ Bellway
■ Real Estate Credit Investments
■ RSA
BROKERS' TIPS:
FUNDS:
■ Fund news: One in 10 investors is looking to emerging markets.
■ VCT managers optimistic on tech: VCT managers are confident on the prospects for the UK economy next year, and in particular technology & IT companies.
■ Big Theme: VCTs face changes - A number of changes to VCTs have been announced in the Autumn Statement, and these include the ability for investors to buy them off platforms.
■ Interview: Renowned fund manager Anthony Bolton explains where to find the best value opportunities in China and Hong Kong ahead of his retirement in April.
STRATEGY:
■ Strategy: Taking a tactical look at 2014.
SHARES:
■ Stock screen: Great returns from Great Expectations.
■ Sector focus: Ding dong merrily on the high street.
■ The lowdown on the latest company results:
■ Cohort
■ Darty
■ Dixons
■ Directors' dealings: Notable transactions at Phoenix Group and Empresaria, 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.