Michael Taylor explores why so many traders fail by blurring short-term trades with long-term investments, and introduces his M2M versus T2H framework to define each clearly. In Part I, he explains how aligning timeframe, risk and discipline with the right strategy is critical to consistent performance. Most traders fail because they don’t know what game […]
Richard’s filter strikes out, so he takes a closer look at Cerillion, the software company that achieved no strikes at all last time. The company has a perfect track record, but how much does that tell us about the future? 5 Strikes Over the last few weeks, very few companies have published annual reports, only […]
This month’s deep dive into all thing’s funds-related looks at turbulent Japan, why it’s time to become more nervous about gold prices, an under-the-radar UK-listed PE fund that could be a great play on the UK economy, and a fab model portfolio of alternative listed funds from a UK investment bank. Japan – what’s going […]
Bruce takes a look at Cathie Wood’s research on previous tech bubbles and what peak Capex to GDP tells us about the current AI spending boom. Companies covered SLP, SFOR, NFG and LUCE. The FTSE 100, though rose +1.2% to 10,329 over the last 5 trading days. Nasdaq was flat and the S&P500 up less […]
Michael Taylor explores the hidden problem with demo trading – not the lack of skill, but the absence of emotion. He explains why finding the right balance of risk is essential for developing discipline, consistency and long-term trading success. Demo accounts are the source of contention amongst traders. Some say they are a way to […]
It is four out of four this time, as Cerillion, Hollywood Bowl, Ramsdens and RWS all pass the 5 Strikes test. Richard Beddard explains why Cerillion is the pick of the bunch, with a rare perfect score and a financial track record that merits closer scrutiny. 5 Strikes I’ve got good news and bad news. […]
A screen for high margins and high ROEs perhaps surprisingly identifies Hollywood Bowl. Maynard Paton studies the bowling group’s growth history, lease accounting, hefty capex and commendable leadership. Today I have revisited a ShareScope screen that applies two ratios favoured by ‘quality’ investors — operating margin and return on equity (ROE). The exact criteria I […]
Bruce takes a look at the causes of volatility in the natural gas price, and what this might signal for equity markets. Companies covered CKN, EYE, CTG. The FTSE 100 was down less than 0.5% over the last 5 trading days, but remains above the 10,000 level. Nasdaq was off less than -1%, while the […]
Michael Taylor examines why the trading industry is so profitable for brokers, educators and promoters, yet consistently punishing for most participants. He explores the structural incentives, behavioural traps and discipline gaps that explain why so many traders fail despite lower costs and better access than ever. The trading industry is extremely lucrative. But not for […]
David Stevenson reviews an exceptional year in which most asset classes delivered strong returns, challenging assumptions about US market dominance. He also highlights a UK income trust, a Vietnam-focused opportunity, and the striking rise in precious metals, particularly silver. 2025 was a fairly extraordinary year in which nearly all risky assets and markets, including gold, […]
Bruce looks back at how his and others 2025 investment ideas performed, and offers some more ideas for 2026. Only one stock covered, NXT, the retailer often considered a “bellwether” for the UK economy. The FTSE 100 was +1.3% since the start of the new year to 10,064. Babcock, Rolls Royce and BAE Systems were […]
Richard reveals the names of all 211 shares that pass his minimum quality screen, and the Strikes he gave them in 2025. Despite striking out, AstraZeneca features. Following my 5 Strikes explainer, I thought I would share the whole list of shares that passed my minimum quality filter in 2025. Shares that do not pass […]
Bruce Packard reviews a year where gold has outshone global equity markets, with a muted Santa Rally doing little to close the gap. He examines the forces behind the surge and assesses a mix of consumer, mining and leisure stocks. Companies covered WINE, JLP, BOWL, XPF. The FTSE 100 was up +2% to 9,879 with […]
Richard is screening for companies that have grown under their own steam. He explains the filter he uses to pick candidates for long term investment and the financial statistics that underpin it. Since this is my last article before Christmas, I wish you a happy one. ShareScope is my main tool for discovering shares. 5 […]
A screen for high insider ownership identifies GlobalData boss Michael Danson and his £500m shareholding. Maynard Paton delves into Mr Danson’s impeccable track record of creating, buying and selling data businesses. I can’t be the only investor who likes to see directors aligned with ordinary shareholders by owning lots of stock. Hence this revisit to […]
As the year draws to a close, Michael Taylor reflects on the importance of using the Christmas break to review trading performance, habits and discipline. He then shows how careful analysis and effective use of auctions can create opportunities when markets react to unexpected news. Another year has passed and we move into the second […]
A look at how an Annual Review could help improve your investment process (for instance, avoid catching falling knives!) Companies covered TRST, PEEL and APN. The “Santa Rally” has not yet appeared, with the FTSE 100 down -0.6% to 9,642 over the last 5 trading days. The Nasdaq100 and the S&P500 were up +1% and […]
In this month’s funds column, David Stevenson weighs up whether US equities are truly in an AI bubble and highlights funds and asset classes that can diversify away from concentrated US tech. He also questions the proposed HICL/TRIG merger, favours INPP, and explores the fast-emerging opportunity in defence-focused SpaceTech. Are US equity markets in an […]
A fresh batch of companies has cleared Richard Beddard’s 5 Strikes filter, with Tristel and Bioventix standing out for their unusual strengths and resilience. Netcall also makes the cut and could be one to watch. 5 Strikes Since my last update, five shares have passed my minimum quality filter. Primarily, this weeds out companies that […]
The opening and closing auctions hide far more complexity than most realise. In this piece, Michael Taylor breaks down how they work and why knowing the mechanics can make all the difference to your trading. I sometimes get asked why I don’t trade US stocks, as the volatility can be higher and liquidity far superior. […]
Bruce takes a look at how liquidity trends in international government bond markets might be spilling over to equities markets. Companies covered: JMAT, CML, SAA and SFOR The FTSE 100 ended flat over the last 5 trading days, and is now up +17% YTD. The Nasdaq100 and S&P500 also recovered strongly at the start of […]
Softcat and Dotdigital are the only shares to pass Richard’s 5 Strikes filter. He explains why we shouldn’t worry about Softcat’s volatile turnover, but we should keep an eye on Dotdigital’s increasing capital employed. 5 Strikes Just three shares have published annual reports and passed my minimum quality filter since my last update. Name TIDM […]
Earlier this year, Science Group bagged a 74% gain within five months following an acrimonious activist campaign. Maynard Paton studies the consultancy group’s low-profile boss, who is refreshingly prepared to instigate changes at underperforming investments. I love activists. The investors who roll up their sleeves and: Buy large stakes in underperforming companies; Engage with boardrooms […]
Bruce Packard reviews how past Mello London presenters have performed, revealing funds outpacing most small-cap companies. He also analyses updates from Diageo (DGE), Ceres Power (CWR) and Solid State (SOLI) – exploring what their latest moves say about the wider market mood. The FTSE 100 was up +1.6% to 9,870 over the last 5 trading […]
Most traders focus on when to buy or sell – but how your trade is executed can make or break your results. Michael Taylor explains the key differences between SETS and SETSqx, and how understanding them can save you costly mistakes. Most new traders think that buying and selling involves clicking a few buttons. They’re […]
This month’s funds update looks at gold’s powerful long-term record and rising investor optimism.We also revisit a UK digital infrastructure trust and explore why Japanese equities are dazzling under new leadership. I couldn’t resist starting this monthly funds update on gold – and long-term data on its returns. For the record, I believe $ 5,000 […]
Eagle Eye is an intriguing business with improving numbers that just fails to make the 5 Strikes cut. Richard also examines a trio of businesses that supply products for buildings. James Halstead, with only one strike, is not what he is looking for. 5 Strikes Since my last update, six companies have published annual reports […]
Bruce looks at what divergent performance between energy commodities and precious metals signal about industrial demand and Central Bank liquidity. Companies covered CAPD, CLBS and BVXP. The FTSE 100 was rose +2.4% over the last trading days to 9,656. The Nasdaq100 and S&P500 were up +2.7% and +2.1% respectively. The CSI 300 Index (Shanghai) was […]
This final instalment of Michael Taylor’s position sizing series dives into scaling in, scaling out, and keeping emotions in check. He rounds things off with a simple checklist to help you trade smarter and stay in the game longer. This is the final part if my four-part series on position sizing. If you’ve not read […]
Richard considers two shares that pass his 5 Strikes screening process. The first, Dunelm (DNLM), has almost flawless numbers. The second, Wilmington (WIL), is intriguing because of the flaws in its numbers. Since I last updated you, seven shares have published annual reports and percolated through the minimum quality filter. Name TIDM Prev AR Strikes […]
MP Evans boasts a very reliable dividend and profits surging beyond $100m suggests further income growth to come. Maynard Paton assesses the group’s palm-oil KPIs, high-margin accounts, intriguing board and record-high share price. I can’t be the only investor who likes to collect a reliable dividend. Hence this revisit to an old screen that pinpoints […]
There could be a bubble in more speculative areas in the US, but with the UK having suffered billions of fund manager outflows, perhaps UK stocks could now prove a safe haven. Companies covered DIA, IHC and TSTL.
In his first guest article for ShareScope, experienced small-cap investor Paul Scott shares his insights on the latest profit warnings, market patterns and potential recovery opportunities from the September results season. Hello from Paul Scott. This is the first of a series of guest articles I’ll be writing for ShareScope. Who am I? I’ve been […]
Richard collects all the shares that have passed his 5 Strikes system so far this year, a total of 81 businesses with good financial track records. Six shares have made it past the minimum quality filter since I last updated you, but only two join the 79 shares that had already passed 5 strikes since […]
This month’s Funds article focuses on the UK economy and the fast-approaching autumn budget. We revisit the benefits of VCTs and suggest a shortlist for further research. We also remind UK investors that the UK stock market hasn’t been a bad bet over the last decade, despite the prevailing sense of gloom and economic frustration. […]
Knowing the rules is one thing – applying them in live trades is another. In Part III of his position sizing series, Michael Taylor explains the spreadsheets, numbers, and mindset you need to size positions like a pro. This is part 3 of my multi-series on position sizing. If you’ve not already, then I’d suggest […]
As gold has continued to perform well, Bruce looks at shares in consumer brands that have historically done well in inflationary times. Company results covered: RPI, GDWN and FUTR. The FTSE 100 was down less than -0.5% to 9,275 over the last 5 trading days. In the US, both the Nasdaq100 and S&P500 were both […]
Looking to uncover undervalued opportunities with ShareScope? We’ve created this Value Stock Screening Guide to go with our off-the-shelf Value Screen to help you learn how to spot them. It’s designed to highlight the key signals we believe matter when searching for shares trading below their true worth. ShareScope subscribers can apply this screen at […]
Richard is tempted by a growing business that employs 18 people and only earns £3m turnover. If it were up to him, all firms would disclose their chief executive to median employee pay ratio. Just one company has published an annual report and passed the minimum quality filter since my last update. To pass the […]
In part two of his position sizing series, Michael Taylor moves beyond the basics and dives into more advanced techniques that separate disciplined traders from the rest. From adjusting risk based on volatility and conviction to avoiding common pitfalls, he shows how smart sizing can protect your capital, compound your edge, and keep you in […]
Churchill China’s shares have plunged to below book value as the struggling hospitality industry cuts back on new cups and plates. Maynard Paton weighs up whether the crockery manufacturer is a value bargain or a value trap. I am once again looking for ‘value bargains’ and revisiting a screen that identifies companies trading at less […]
Looking to find financially sound businesses with ShareScope? We’ve created this Quality Stock Screening Guide to go with our off-the-shelf Quality Screen to help you learn how to spot them. It’s designed to highlight the key signals we believe matter when searching for companies built on strong foundations. ShareScope subscribers can apply this screen at […]
As directors go on holiday and annual reports dry up, only two companies make it through the 5 Strikes process. One is notable for how much it has grown, the other for how much it has shrunk. Richard takes a closer look at near-miss Cake Box’s annual report, published in August. The height of summer […]
Michael Taylor tackles one of the most overlooked yet crucial aspects of trading: position sizing. Get this wrong and you risk blowing up your account — get it right and you give yourself the best chance of staying in the game long enough to win. Let’s get one thing straight. Position sizing isn’t glamorous. There […]
Bruce takes a look back to the 1980’s, for inspiration on how to fix London’s broken IPO market. Companies covered: NFG’s disclosure around its Mach49 acquisition, and transport software group TRCS. The FTSE 100 fell -1% to 9,162 over the last 5 trading days, driven by banks (NatWest down -8%, Lloyds -5%) as a think […]
This month’s funds article explores why the US markets – and funds tracking them – are looking more than a tad top-heavy (think Nvidia and the AI craze). We also explore why investors should probably ignore geopolitics. Plus, we dig around into two very contrasting investment trusts: one that invests in smaller, private British companies […]
Although Richard prefers to invest in businesses that should grow steadily over the long term, one company is showing it can generate long-term shareholder returns while hardly growing at all. Before I take a closer look at Colefax, a five-strikes update. 5 Strikes Since my last update, nine companies have published annual reports and passed […]
Looking to capture rising trends with ShareScope? We’ve created this Momentum Stock Screening Guide to go with our off-the-shelf Momentum Screen to help you learn how to spot them. It’s designed to highlight the key signals we believe matter when searching for stocks showing real strength. ShareScope subscribers can apply this screen at the click […]
With Natural Gas down -20% YTD, renewable energy sources could be replacing demand for fossil fuels, reducing the risk of 1970’s style stagflation. Companies covered PLUS, MHA and ZTF. The FTSE 100 bounced around over the last 5 trading days, but finished flat versus the previous week at 9,172. The Nasdaq100 and S&P500 were up […]
Michael looks at the emotional effects on position sizing and how to size appropriately, showing why it’s the trader’s final line of defense. In this insightful piece, he shares practical strategies to balance risk, protect capital, and keep emotions from undermining performance. The art of sizing correctly Sizing correctly isn’t just a science. It’s an […]
Games Workshop, Kainos and James Latham pass the 5 strikes test. Richard ponders the future of people-focused businesses in a world in which AI is doing more of the work. Three companies have passed my minimum quality filter and a cursory evaluation of their financial track records since my last update. Name TIDM Prev AR […]
Bumper contracts leading to rapid profit growth have prompted MS International to multi-bag during the last five years. Maynard Paton assesses the defence group’s sudden resurgence, fluctuating cash flow, old-school board and 13x P/E. This month I have gone ‘back to basics’ by employing an old screen that identifies companies with strong balance sheets, robust […]
A look at the valuations achieved by US-listed dog walking apps, Wag and Rover. Companies covered STVG, GRG, CBG and OCN. The FTSE 100 continues to hold it’s level above 9,000, but was up less than +0.5% over the last 5 days and currently sits at 9,165. The Nasdaq100 was down -0.7% and S&P500 -0.9%. […]
This month’s dive into the world of funds examines a high-quality way to invest in US equities, whose valuations are edging relentlessly higher. However, it’s not just US equities that are outperforming – after a prolonged period of underperformance, the share prices of many UK-listed alternative funds have pushed ahead. Buybacks are helping, and a […]
Nine shares pass the minimum quality filter but five fail to make the grade. That leaves Polar Capital, XPS Pensions and MS International in the frame. Richard discovers how Mortgage Advice Bureau is setting out to disrupt its industry. Of the nine companies to publish annual reports and pass the minimum quality filter since my […]
Car marketplace Auto Trader and pork and poultry producer Cranswick pass 5 Strikes. Richard learns about animal welfare and finds a company is zigging when others are zagging. Since my last update, five companies have passed my minimum quality filter, the first stage of the 5 Strikes process. Two of them have achieved less than […]
Camellia has enjoyed incredible long-term NAV growth but recent years have not been very kind to earnings and the share price. Maynard Paton assesses the agricultural group’s eclectic assets, ‘value enhancement’ plan, revamped board and lowly valuation. “I stress the long-term advisedly, because our entire emphasis is towards the development of a worldwide group of […]
In this article, Michael looks at how to develop your ‘trading board of directors’ to level up your trading. Most people treat trading like a solo game. It is. It’s certainly not a team game. It’s a sport where everyone else can be winning, and you keep getting struck out on trades. Or a friend […]
How confident can we be that the tech companies spending hundreds of billions of capex on LLM will generate adequate returns? Companies covered MANO and AOM. The FTSE 100 was up around +0.5% over the last 5 trading days. In comparison, the Nasdaq100 and S&P500 were up just under +1%. Platinum (PT$) is now the […]
In this month’s funds overview, we examine two out-of-favour UK-listed investment trusts in a state of flux. We also explore Vietnam as a contrarian play in developing markets. And for income investors, we delve into a charity retail bond that offers a decent income. Investment trusts and strategic reviews: Syncona and SDCL, funds in transition […]
Five companies pass the 5 strikes test. Richard takes a closer look at QinetiQ, the defence technology company underperforming in a booming market. 5 Strikes Since my last update, 10 companies have published annual reports and passed my minimum quality filter. On closer inspection of their long-term financial track-records, five achieved less than 3 strikes […]
Looking to build reliable cash flow with ShareScope? We’ve created this Income Stock Screening Guide to go with our off-the-shelf Income Screen to help you learn how to spot them. It’s designed to highlight the key signals we believe matter when searching for sustainable, high-quality income. ShareScope subscribers can apply this screen at the click of a button […]
A look at how scanning headlines is no substitute for assessing closely the investment case of individual stocks. Companies covered PEEL, CPI, OHGR The FTSE 100 was down less than half a percent to 8,792 over the last 5 trading days. The Nasdaq100 and S&P500 were both up around +1% over the same timeframe. The […]
In part two of his trading hacks series, Michael dives deeper into the mindset shifts and tactics that can truly transform your trading game. This is the second article in my two-part series ‘How to hack your trading’ – you can read the first part here where I cover the first three points. We left […]
Richard updates us on Pets at Home, the ubiquitous pet store is hiding a fast-growing vet practice and incubating a pet insurance business. He also takes a closer look at Eleco’s major shareholders, which unlocks the company’s storied history. 5 Strikes Pets at Home is the only company to publish its annual report since my […]
Looking for companies with real growth potential? We’ve created this Growth Stock Screening Guide to go with our off-the-shelf Growth Screen to help you learn how to spot them. It’s designed to show you the core signals we believe matter to filter for scalable, sustainable growth. ShareScope subscribers can apply this screen at the click […]
As concerns rise about the outlook for government debt, a look at what could be driving prices in the precious metals sector. Companies covered FTC, GHH and RFX. The FTSE 100 was up +1.4% in the last 5 days to 8,862, while the Nasdaq100 and S&P500 were also both up +1.4%. The best-performing index over […]
Michael looks at small but productive ways for traders to improve P&L with the first of this two-part checklist and walkthrough. Let’s get one thing straight… There are no shortcuts in trading. I wish there was because it would’ve saved me a lot of time and money. But sadly, there is no way to quick […]
This month, in our regular funds column, we reveal that thematic defence equity exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are cleaning up, what might happen next to small-cap funds, why Coinbase might be a more exciting way into cryptocurrency, and the case for investing in Latin American funds. Defence funds Care to guess what the hottest equity theme […]
A look at the number of companies leaving AIM, and whether brokers’ hope of a recovery in IPOs will help investors. Companies covered SDI, CBG and BEG. The FTSE 100 was up less than half a percent to 8,717 over the last 5 days. The index is now flat versus the start of April, just […]
I got lucky when I started trading. Well, my first trade was a 100% loss with a company called PeerTV. So whilst that wasn’t exactly lucky, it was lucky that I kept going. And also lucky that back in 2016, the market was in a huge bubble for small-cap stocks. You didn’t even have to […]
Just two shares out of six to publish annual reports in the last fortnight achieve less than three strikes. Richard introduces M Winkworth and Churchill China, before discovering that Spirax makes your toast (and his). The two shares to publish annual reports, pass my minimum quality and achieve less than three strikes in the last […]
An employee culture where ‘B teams don’t exist’ has helped Elixirr International become an IPO winner. Maynard Paton assesses the management consultancy’s positive progress, entrepreneurial boss, lucrative options and current valuation. I remarked the other month how most flotations had suffered badly during the last few years. ShareScope lists 233 shares that joined the stock […]
I got asked this week about growing a small trading account and was told that a lot of the advice and suggestions given out are for around a large trading account. I’m trying to think what would be different, but let’s start out with a small trading account of £5,000. When I started trading, IG […]
This week Richard surveys an unusually high-quality crop of shares and takes a closer look at Nichols. The soft drinks company owns the Vimto brand and its secret formula. Six of the 14 companies that published annual reports in the last fortnight and passed my minimum quality filter have impressive financial track records. That’s a […]
With markets in a volatile mood because of Trump Vs 2.0, in this month’s note on funds, we concentrate on income-producing fund ideas as well as funds that minimise market volatility by picking only those stocks with more defensive characteristics. We also outline an adventurous portfolio of high-yielding investment trusts and ponder whether UK small […]
A look at what has gone wrong at AGFX, including management’s voluntary disclosure around liquidity risk versus the reality of zero-zero margins. Other companies covered MERC and ELIX. The FTSE 100 was up +1% to 8,422 in the last 5 days. US markets rallied much more strongly, with the Nasdaq100 up +9% and the S&P500 […]
It’s gutting news for Argentex shareholders as earlier this week the business announced that it had suspended trading as a result of its financial position. The latest is that the company is in “advanced discussions” with IFX Payments regarding a possible offer at 2.49p per share for Argentex stock. Given that the last traded price […]
Richard looks beyond Morgan Sindall’s excellent numbers to find any Big Obvious Objections (or Boo’s) to investing in the business. Meanwhile, 11 shares make it through the 5 Strikes filters. In the last fortnight 21 companies have published annual reports and passed my minimum quality filter. Eleven of them achieved less than 3 strikes. 5 […]
A look at why bull markets climb a “wall of worry”, but crashes are fast and brutal. Companies covered VLX, BOOM and CNC. It’s been a wild couple of weeks! Here’s a Sharescope chart of how the major indices have performed since 2nd April. Apologies for the amount of red in the chart… The […]
Michael looks at recent events and the importance of protection. Well, it turns out China wasn’t big enough to bully Trump into submission. But the bond market was. As my Grandad once told me… there’s always someone bigger. And in this instance, US Treasury Bills are far bigger than any President. The Federal Reserve doesn’t […]
In 2021, traders gobbled up shares in cake store franchise Cake Box, then spewed them back out. Today, the company earns twice as much in turnover than it did in 2020, but the share price is not much higher. Bonanza! 5 Strikes Twenty-nine shares have published annual reports and passed my minimum quality filter in […]
Ever since Trump came back into power, the dynamics of the global stock market have changed. US equities are now flirting with a bear market, while European equities continue to power ahead. Even Chinese equities are outperforming US equities, and we’ve seen the Mag7 become less magnificent as the European defence sector surges ahead. These […]
A look at Larry Fink’s letter to BlackRock shareholders. The US asset manager has $11.6 trillion of AuM, and saw $281bn of inflows in Q4 alone. Companies covered AVON, BWY, VTY and FRAN. The FTSE 100 was flat over the last 5 days, at 8680. US indices had a difficult week, with the Nasdaq100 […]
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” Or so said Samuel Johnson back in 1777. Back in that time, high mortality rates and the disgusting living conditions suppressed the birth rate and life expectancy of native Londoners, and so the city grew only because of new migrants who replaced the […]
They say elephants can’t gallop, but Pets At Home is an elephant in UK pet care, and it has been trotting along nicely. Richard takes a closer look at the pet store chain dominating the market. Of the ten shares to publish annual reports in the last fortnight and pass my Minimum Quality filter, four […]
Filtronic’s shares have defied AIM’s doom and gloom by rocketing 10-fold within three years. Maynard Paton reviews the multi-baggers announcements and asks whether we could have foreseen the huge gain. “London Stock Exchange boss warns AIM is under threat of collapse“ “London AIM market should be axed for failing to win tech floats, say think-tanks“ […]
Indicators in the government bond, corporate credit and commodity markets, suggest little contagion from the sell-off in US equities. Companies covered: JUST, SOM and SRC. – The FTSE 100 was up +2.5% in the last 5 days, to 8,710. Nasdaq100 is now down -5.7% YTD and the Nasdaq Composite is the worst-performing major index, down […]
Is this the beginning of the end? Michael looks at the future of the London Stock Exchange and Beeks Financial Cloud. Five years ago we marked the bottom of the Coronavirus crash. It went as quickly as it came. Boris put us in lockdown and markets rocketed. Helicopter money, furlough, work from home, and not […]
The trickle of annual reports in January and February has turned into a stream. It will soon be a flood. Eight companies have achieved less than three strikes. Richard takes a closer look at Dotdigital, which achieved only one strike last November. Of the 13 companies that published annual reports in the last fortnight, a […]
This month’s fund article maps out why, ironically, European equities have been the big winners after President Trump’s general election victory back in November. We also look at higher-yielding corporate fallen angel bonds that might appeal to income investors, plus the China ETFs that track the local technology sector (which is booming), and finally, why […]
A look at Buffett’s rudimentary textual analysis of management discussion of mistakes and errors. Companies covered: QTX, IPF, WATR. The FTSE 100 was up +2% in the last 5 days to 8,832, helped by a blistering rally in Aerospace and Defence stocks, Rolls Royce +28% and BAE Systems +18%. Over the same time, the Nasdaq100 […]
Guest author Andrew Latto explains that UK gilts serve as a benchmark for investment returns, offering safety, no capital gains tax, and government backing. While their fixed returns provide certainty, they remain vulnerable to inflation and interest rate fluctuations. Gilts don’t need a UK government guarantee – gilts are the government. They are also among […]
In this article, Michael looks at things to look for before buying stocks in order to check up on potential red flags. Before buying any stock, it’s important to do some quick checks to stop you from buying a complete crock. Depending on the type of trade will depend how deep you go. For example, […]
Richard digs deeper into Spirax’s annual report to discover why its numbers have deteriorated and consider whether the company can re-establish its tremendous long-term track record. 5 Strikes Only four companies have published annual reports and passed the minimum quality filter since my last article. Only one of them achieved less than 3 Strikes, and […]
Sifting through the IPO carnage of recent years leads to high-margin, cash-rich BIG Technologies. Maynard Paton reviews the tagging specialist’s positive progress, entrepreneurial boss, generous options and current valuation. “It’s Probably Overpriced“ IPOs have suffered badly during the last few years. Buoyant markets encouraged lots of companies to go public at optimistic valuations… …only for […]
A look at some of Cathie Wood’s “Big Ideas” and ARKK ETF portfolio. Companies covered PRV, PZC and BATS. The FTSE 100 ended the week around 8,735, up +0.4%. The Nasdaq100 and S&P500 were up +1.2% and +0.5%, respectively. The best-performing index YTD has been the FTSE China 50, +15% followed by the German DAX […]
Michael looks at the pros and cons of trading as both the house and the player. I’m often worried that whenever I mention the words “position sizing” you will groan and think “Not this again”. But it truly is the most important factor in trading. Not the only important factor, of course. There are many. […]
Six years after selling Science, a share that today has no strikes to its name, Richard looks at the consultancy’s last annual report to see where the company’s strategy took it. Since last time, only three companies have published annual reports and made it past my minimum quality filter. I assigned all of them 4 […]
Investing in small and micro-cap stocks can be a risky exercise at the best of times, which is probably why funds and especially actively managed investment trusts have proved so popular. But there’s been a weight of academic research into small-cap investing, and it’s increasingly suggesting that small caps, especially in the UK, might not […]
