magazine archive
magazine archive
Feature
FTSE 350 stocks going cheap
Thursday 21 Dec 2017We’ve run some numbers to see which FTSE 350 stocks come out as the cheapest based on three of the most popular valuation metrics. It is important to remember that some stocks will be cheap for a reason, so make sure you always research each one thoroughly before making an investment decision...
The best performing shares of 2017: why they soared and what’s coming next
Thursday 14 Dec 2017MARKET CAP: £1BN & ABOVE IQE +318% To call IQE’s ( IQE:AIM ) share price run this year remarkable still understates the performance. At one stage last month the stock closed at 178.75p. The share price began the year trading at 37.75p. So why has it had an amazing run? Unconfirmed rumours that...
Small cap cyber security stocks are riskier than you think
Thursday 07 Dec 2017The cyber security space is one of the most in-demand UK technology investment themes. Market appetite has been encouraged by a combination of high profile hacking attacks ( TalkTalk ( TALK ) , the NHS, Sony, eBay, Uber; it’s a long list) plus tightening regulations on organisations. For example,...
Why do companies buy back shares?
Thursday 23 Nov 2017Listed companies with strong competitive positions typically have pricing power, which in turn enables them to generate healthy margins and crucially, strong cash flow. This cash can be returned to shareholders through two mechanisms, dividends and share buybacks. Such capital allocation decisions...
Why you should attend shareholder meetings
Thursday 02 Nov 2017If you own shares in a company you’re entitled to attend its annual general meeting ( AGM ) where you have a chance to grill directors about issues like performance and pay. Despite this opportunity, the number of shareholders attending AGMs has fallen dramatically in recent years. That’s mainly...
Investing in life sciences through funds
Thursday 19 Oct 2017Despite the UK being a world leader in the life sciences sector it can be difficult to find London-listed companies which operate in this space compared with biotech or drug development specialists. Investing via funds is an easier way to get exposure, particularly as you can access companies in...
How to use stop losses to protect your portfolio
Thursday 05 Oct 2017Investors can minimise their losses on the market when things go bad by setting up a stop loss order. It is a trigger to sell an investment should the price fall below a certain level. For many people -20% is deemed the appropriate level. We would apply a -30% stop loss for more illiquid stocks. It...
Should you expect a change of fortune for the euro?
Thursday 14 Sep 2017There are many aspects of Brexit that are yet to be finalised, but one of the most serious consequences to date is the fall in the value of the pound. In the period since the referendum sterling is down by about 15% against the euro. The pound is now only worth around 1.09 euros and the last time...
How to become a successful DIY investor
Thursday 10 Aug 2017‘What puts off most people from looking after their own finances is fear’. This powerful statement from Andy Bell’s book The DIY Investor underlines the hurdle that an increasing number of people in the UK will have to clear if they want to have a financially-secure retirement. Developing a regular...
The pros and cons of cashing in a final salary pension
Thursday 10 Aug 2017If you’re a member of a final salary pension scheme you might have received a tempting offer to cash in your benefits. There are a whole host of factors you should weigh up when deciding whether to take the plunge. Why is the subject so topical? The number of people choosing to transfer out of...