Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 27/05/2026 |KNOS, KLR, DXRX | Energy costs and renewables

Bruce Packard explores how soaring energy prices ultimately failed to translate into stronger performance for renewable energy funds, and considers what investors can learn from this when assessing the future of AI and space infrastructure investment. Companies covered include Kainos Group (KNOS), Keller Group (KLR) and Diaceutics (DXRX). The FTSE 100 rose +2.1% to 10,539 […]

The Hidden Cost of Playing It Safe

Jason Needham returns with a new guest article exploring the portfolio habits that quietly damage long-term returns, from cutting winners too early to averaging down on losing positions. Drawing on real trading psychology and risk management principles, he explains how disciplined position sizing and letting winners run can create asymmetrical returns over time. Investing is […]

The Trader: How to protect yourself from a US Bubble

Michael Taylor follows up his US market bubble analysis by focusing on the practical steps investors can take to protect themselves if volatility strikes. From position sizing and cash management to trimming winners and avoiding emotional decisions, he explains how traders can stay prepared without trying to call the top. In my last article, we […]

Small/Mid Cap Value Report: A selection of ideas from last week | 11th – 15th May 2026

In his latest guest article for ShareScope, Paul Scott explores the surge in takeover activity sweeping through UK small and mid-cap stocks, alongside the standout upgrades, value opportunities and profit warnings catching investors’ attention. It was a busy week in the UK mid and small-cap markets, marked primarily by an explosion of corporate M&A activity, […]

5 Strikes: 2026 the journey so far & how big is significant?

Richard says there is more to evaluating directors’ shareholdings than considering the percentage of the company’s shares they own. In lieu of a 5 Strikes update this week, he lists all the shares that have passed the filter in 2026. I am away, so I haven’t appraised the companies that have published annual reports and […]

Screening For My Next Value Winner: SThree (LSE: STEM)

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Recruitment agency SThree surprises Maynard Paton by appearing in a screen that hunts for asset-backed bargains. A notable cash position and a huge debtor book are the key deep-value attractions. I am once again looking for ‘value bargains’ and revisiting a screen that identifies companies trading at less than book value. Importantly, this screen attempts […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 13/05/2026 |CCT, RMV, RWS | Signals from the UK gilt market

Bruce Packard examines the sharp rise in UK gilt yields and what it signals for inflation, equities and investor sentiment. He also explores the AI disruption debate through the lens of CCT, RMV, RWS. The FTSE 100 was flat over the last 5 days, remaining above the 10,000 level at 10,225. US markets have been […]

What the World’s Best Hedge Funds Are Buying Right Now

Alpesh Patel OBE analyses 29 high-conviction holdings from four elite hedge fund managers, combining institutional stock picks with weekly MACD momentum signals. From standout buy setups to “Daddy Bear” warnings, he highlights where smart money and technicals align – and where investors should stay cautious. Full stock-by-stock analysis, MACD breakdowns, price targets, and risk flags […]

The Trader: Is the US Stock Market in a Bubble?

Michael Taylor examines whether soaring US valuations are flashing warning signs of a market bubble, and what it could mean for UK investors. From the Buffett Indicator to AI-fuelled exuberance, he explores the risks, the bull case, and why concentration in the Magnificent Seven matters more than ever. I trade UK small-caps for a living. […]

5 Strikes: Eight shares pass the test | ALFA, QTX, FDM

Richard considers modest executive pay at Alfa Financial Software and Quartix, and recent share purchases by FDM directors. 5 Strikes Eighteen companies have published annual reports and passed my minimum quality filter since my last update. Name TIDM Prev AR Strikes # Strikes EKF EKF Diagnostics 27/4/26 ? CROCI – Growth ? ROCE 2 BILN […]

Monthly Fund Focus: Robotics, short-dated gilts, infrastructure income, and true emerging markets

David Stevenson explores early-stage robotics, short-duration gilts and a high-yielding infrastructure trust backed by long-term assets including Sizewell C. He also looks at whether investors can get broader emerging markets exposure without leaning too heavily on China. This month’s funds article speaks to the manager of a small, listed venture capital fund about to place […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 29/04/2026 |THG, CCC, BGO | Consumers under pressure

Even as equity markets have rebounded, some early warning indicators are showing consumer sentiment has deteriorated. Companies covered:  THG, CCC and BGO. Brent Crude (BR$SP) has risen to $104 per barrel and is now up +47% since 26th February, when hostilities began in Iran. Natural Gas prices have been diverging between the USA and Europe, […]

Top 10 US Stocks: What the Academic Evidence Actually Says

Alpesh Patel OBE uses a multi-factor screen across 5,539 US shares to uncover stocks showing strength across valuation, quality, momentum and financial resilience. He explains how the APSE process highlights ten US names where academic factor evidence and current market trends point in the same direction. WHY I DO THIS EVERY YEAR Fund managers have […]

The Trader: Surviving a Bear Market – Part 2

Michael Taylor continues his bear market series by focusing on process over prediction, showing why waiting for confirmation beats trying to call the bottom. He also explores the mental discipline needed to endure downturns and stay positioned for the eventual recovery. This is the second article of a two-part series. If you’ve not read the […]

Fund Screening with PensionCraft: 3 ShareScope screen ideas to find high-quality ETFs and Funds

Ramin Nakisa of PensionCraft explains how he uses ShareScope to screen for ETFs and funds, focusing on cost, global exposure and practical usability. He walks through three powerful screening setups that help uncover high-quality funds for both long-term portfolios and tactical ideas. I’ve been using ShareScope, on and off, since the days of dial-up-modems. Since […]

5 Strikes: Why AI won’t eat software | CTEC

Loads more companies pass 5 Strikes this week as the flood of annual reports continues. Richard looks at what software companies are saying about the AI threat, and reconsiders ConvaTec (CTEC) as its strategy evolves. 5 Strikes 21 companies published annual reports in the last two weeks or so and passed my minimum quality filter: […]

Screening For My Next Quality Winner: Alfa Financial Software (LSE: ALFA)

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The lead executives at Alfa Financial Software were paid just £29k last year to match the London Living Wage. Maynard Paton links the commendable remuneration to the run of eleven special dividends declared by this high-margin, high-ROE business. Can you imagine company directors working for £14.80 an hour? If not, then say hello to Andrew […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 15/04/2026 | MWE, CLX, STX | Value in volatile times

As volatility returns, Value investing is beginning to reassert itself over Growth. Bruce Packard examines the shift, covering MWE, CLX and STX. The FTSE 100 rose +2.3% to 10,610 over the last 5 trading days. The Nasdaq100 and S&P500 were up even more strongly, +5.0% and +4.2% respectively. The Vix has fallen below 20. So […]

The Trader: Surviving a Bear Market – Part 1

Michael Taylor explores what really matters when markets turn hostile, cutting through the noise with practical lessons from past crashes. He shows why survival – not prediction – is the key to coming out stronger on the other side. There’s a quote often misattributed to various people. My favourite is the one in The Big […]

5 Strikes: Five winners | FOUR, ALFA, BAE, BNZL, CTEC

38 shares have published annual reports and passed Richard’s minimum quality filter. 19 of them score less than three strikes. As he wades through these promising shares, Alfa Financial Software catches his eye. 5 Strikes Of the 38 shares to have passed my minimum quality filter, 19 score less than three strikes. The flood of […]

Monthly Fund Focus: War, gold’s reset, a steady compounder, and Asia’s defence boom

David Stevenson explores how shifting geopolitics may shape long-term markets, from gold and inflation fears to rising defence spending in Asia. He also highlights a resilient compounding investment trust and why income strategies could regain their appeal in volatile markets. In this month’s funds article, we hazard a few guesses about the long-term impact of […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 01/04/2026 | BUR, YOU, TET | Long-term optimism

Bruce Packard highlights why, despite a darkening near-term outlook, investors may still have reasons to stay optimistic for the long term, as he examines developments across Burford (BUR), YouGov (YOU) and Treatt (TET). The FTSE 100 was up +2.3% in the last 5 days, and is now 10,195, helped by oil companies, miners and pharma […]

Small-Cap Spotlight Report: Brave Bison (LSE: BBSN)

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Marketing specialist Brave Bison undertook five acquisitions last year and recently purchased 28% of System1. Maynard Paton wonders if the acquisitions are creating value and whether he should join System1’s founder as a Brave Bison. Oh dear. This ShareScope report has not turned out as I first hoped. I had wondered whether Brave Bison — […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 18/03/2026 | NESF, TCAP, CBG | Volatility Rising

AIM has fallen through key moving average support levels, suggesting it may be time to trim portfolios and cut low conviction or losing positions.  Companies covered NESF, TCAP and CBG. The FTSE 100 was flat over the last 5 days, currently 10,388 – but with some significant daily swings. The peak at the end of […]

The Trader: The most dangerous words…

Michael Taylor explores some of the most dangerous phrases investors and traders can fall into, and why they often lead to costly mistakes. Drawing on past market bubbles and trading discipline, he highlights the psychological traps that continue to trip up market participants. It’s often said there are four dangerous words in investing. Traders, meanwhile, […]

5 Strikes: Assessing the AI risk | RELX

Seven companies pass Richard’s minimum quality filter, but only two of them impress. He takes a closer look at RELX, a company that has earned an impeccable reputation selling information, data, and tools to insurers, scientists and lawyers. 5 Strikes Since my last update, at least seven companies have published annual reports and passed my […]

Monthly Fund Focus: Beyond AI and the US, an Indian equities ETF, and managing downside risk

David Stevenson argues the global equity rally is broadening beyond AI and the US, highlighting new opportunities across markets and sectors. He also examines a new Indian equities ETF, revisits HgCapital after its sell-off, and explores how funds can help investors manage downside risk. In this month’s funds article, we examine whether the broad equity […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 04/03/2026 | EEE, MTL, YU., SRT, CRW | What to buy at the top

Bruce returns with a looks at some of AIM’s top performers (EEE, MTL, YU.) since the market peaked in Sept 2021.  Plus results from SRT and CRW. The FTSE 100 fell -1% but remained above 10,000 over the last 5 trading days. The Nasdaq100 was up +1%, while the FTSE China 50 fell -4.6%. Brent […]

The Trader: M2M vs T2H – Understanding Your Trading Timeframe – Part II

In Part II of his trading timeframe series, Michael Taylor explains how to categorise trades as M2M or T2H before entry – and why that decision is critical to discipline and performance. He also highlights the costly mistake of converting short-term trades into long-term holds, and how to avoid it. In my last article we […]

5 Strikes: Getting Tracsis (TRCS) back on track

With no new companies making it past his 5 Strikes filter, Richard examines transport software house and consultancy Tracsis’ rise and fall. To rise again, he thinks it must navigate a strategic minefield. 5 Strikes Since my last update, three big and ugly looking companies have published annual reports and passed my minimum quality filter. […]

Screening For My Next Quality Winner: AJ Bell (LSE: AJB)

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Screening again for high margins and high ROEs pinpoints the super accounts of AJ Bell. Maynard Paton studies the investing platform’s impressive business that has attracted 681,000 customers – including himself. Last month I revisited a ShareScope screen that applied two ratios favoured by ‘quality’ investors — operating margin and return on equity (ROE). The […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 18/02/2026 | REL, SDR, RSW | SaaS-pocalypse

Stepping in for Bruce this week, Jamie Ward looks at effect of Claude AI on SaaS businesses and wonders whether the banking industry can give insights as to the likely path forward for these businesses. He then reviews RELX (REL), the Schroders (SDR) takeover and Renishaw (RSW). The week before last, Anthropic (maker of the […]

The Trader: M2M vs T2H – Understanding Your Trading Timeframe – Part I

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 […]

Monthly Fund Focus: Japan’s turmoil, gold market nerves, and overlooked UK alternatives

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 04/02/2026 | SLP, SFOR, NFG, LUCE | Accelerating Technoptimism

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 […]

Screening For My Next Quality Winner: Hollywood Bowl (LSE: BOWL)

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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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 21/01/2026 | CKN, EYE, CTG | Natural Gas snaps back

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 […]

The Trader: Why is trading so hard?

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 […]

Monthly Fund Focus: Broad market gains, income opportunities, and silver’s surge

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, […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 07/01/2026 | NXT | A year for small cap optimism

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 24/12/2025 | WINE, JLP, BOWL, XPF | Gold and silicon

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 […]

Screening For My Next Share Winner: GlobalData (LSE: DATA)

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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 […]

The Trader: Using auctions for potential trades

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 10/12/2025 | TRST, PEEL, APN | FTSE 10,000?

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 […]

Monthly Fund Focus: AI bubbles, diversification, and SpaceTech’s ascent

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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 […]

Two unique businesses | TSTL, BVXP, NET

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 26/11/2025 | JMAT, CML, SAA, SFOR | The outlook for Government Debt

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 […]

Two software success stories | SCT, DOTD

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 […]

Small-Cap Spotlight Report: Science Group (LSE: SAG)

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 12/11/2025 | DGE, CWR and SOLI | Post Presentation Performance

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 […]

Monthly Fund Focus: Gold’s comeback, bullish markets, and Japan’s rise

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 […]

When one strike is no better than three | EYE, JHD, FAN

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 29/10/2025 | CAPD, CLBS, BVXP | What commodity prices are signalling

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 […]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder | DNLM, WIL

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 […]

Screening For My Next Share Winner: MP Evans (LSE: MPE)

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 […]

The Small Cap View – with Paul Scott

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 […]

Monthly Fund Focus: UK ‘Doomsterism’ Debunked, November Budget Risks, VCTs Revisited, Screening the Leaders

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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. […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 01/10/2025 | RPI, GDWN and FUTR | The Liquidity Cycle and Liquid Assets

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 […]

Value Stock Screening Guide – Find Potential Hidden Bargains with ShareScope

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 […]

The Trader: Position Sizing – Part II

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 […]

Screening For My Next Long-Term Winner: Churchill China (LSE: CHH)

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 […]

Quality Stock Screening Guide – Spot Financially Resilient Companies with ShareScope

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 03/09/2025 | NFG, TRCS | IPO process, living on a prayer?

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 […]

Monthly Fund Focus: Tech market, Geopolitics, Literacy Capital, Investment Trust

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 […]

Momentum Stock Screening Guide – Find and Ride Market Leaders with ShareScope

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 20/08/2025 | PLUS, MHA, ZTF | A look at energy costs

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 […]

The Trader: The art of sizing correctly

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 […]

People Power

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 […]

Screening For My Next Long-Term Winner: MS International (LSE: MSI)

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 06/08/2025 | STVG, GRG, CBG, OCN | Wag the Dog

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%. […]

Monthly Fund Focus: US markets, Buybacks, Petershill Partners, AI and Energy, Fund Facts

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 […]

Zigging as peers zag

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 […]

Small-Cap Spotlight Report: Camellia (LSE: CAM)

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 09/07/2025 | MANO, AOM | Are we asking the right questions about LLMs?

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 […]

Monthly Fund Focus: Investment trusts and strategic reviews, Income ideas, Vietnam

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 […]

When a loss is a profit

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 […]

Income Stock Screening Guide – Find Sustainable, High-Quality Yield with ShareScope

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 […]

Bi-Weekly Market Commentary | 25/6/2025 | PEEL, CPI, OHGR | Scary headlines, reassuring performance

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 […]

Growth Stock Screening Guide – Identify High-Potential Companies with ShareScope

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 […]

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