In a year when just 27% of actively managed funds outperformed their benchmark, the US Nasdaq index delivered a 33% loss, the FTSE 250 index fell 22% and the FTSE All-World index dropped 20%, Shares' stock portfolio for 2022 also disappointed.A year ago, we were aware that Russia might invade Ukraine but underestimated what such a move would have on inflation and interest rates, which in turn...

It's been a challenging first half of the year for investors with so many stocks falling in value. Our annual stock pick selection features a few bright spots, yet the portfolio is still in negative territory. We can only hope for a much better second-half, though the outlook is far from encouraging.Since we published the portfolio on 23 December 2021, we've seen a 14.5% loss versus a 3.8%...

Despite the best efforts of quite a few holdings, our 'stocks for 2022' portfolio is lagging the FTSE All-Share index since being launched in late December 2021. We're up 2.4% versus a 3.2% gain from the benchmark.Nevertheless, to be in positive territory is a good achievement given how volatile the first three months of the year have been for stock markets, and the FTSE All-Share index has...

Accsys TechnologiesAccsys (AXS:AIM) is a global leader in sustainable wood technology and sells its products into the construction and building materials industries in the UK, Europe, North America and Asia through timber distributors.Its Accoya wood product is both sustainable and high-performing, with a 50-year guarantee, which makes it an ideal replacement for man-made, carbon-polluting...

Accsys TechnologiesAccsys (AXS:AIM) is a global leader in sustainable wood technology and sells its products into the construction and building materials industries in the UK, Europe, North America and Asia through timber distributors.Its Accoya wood product is both sustainable and high-performing, with a 50-year guarantee, which makes it an ideal replacement for man-made, carbon-polluting...

London's FTSE 100 firmed 0.36% to 7,052.58 on Friday, while the FTSE 250 improved 0.53% to 23,758.83, as steadying Asian markets and a potential easing of UK travel restrictions provided the backdrop for some decent gains heading into the weekend.Airlines and other stocks whose fortunes are tied to the travel industry, including International Consolidated Airlines (IAG), TUI (TUI) and WH Smith...

London's FTSE 100 edged 0.28% higher to 6,385.65 early on Monday morning as investors weighed optimism about a potential Covid-19 vaccine against fears of a more severe economic fallout from the pandemic as virus cases continue to rise.Investors continued to worry about a potential no-deal Brexit as the 31 December end to the transition period nears, with few signs of a trade deal being struck...

The building materials segment this year has been characterised by some stand-out performances as evidence of a recovery in construction continues to stack up. This is despite some recent concerns on the merchanting side as a result of stubbornly sluggish recovery in the Renovation Maintenance and Improvement (RMI) space.While third quarter data did little to inspire confidence, particularly...

London's blue chip index is trading 21.00 points lower early on Monday at 6,354 on negative updates from commodity and emerging market-focused members of the FTSE 100.FTSE 100 miner BHP Billiton (BLT) falls 3.9% to 776.3p after Brazilian government authorities said they would start legal proceedings against the miner and joint venture partner Vale following a devastating tailings dam breach at...

The stock market's smallest and riskiest companies have always held fascination for private investors. On the premise that 'elephants don't gallop, but fleas leap,' to borrow Jim Slater's often quoted phrase, it's easier for a tiny company to double its size, and investor's money, than for a big one. Let's face it, a blue chip company worth £1 billion will find it much harder to double or...

UK stocks open largely flat on Monday with markets pausing for breath after hitting a two-month high last week. The FTSE 100 is trading roughly 4 points higher at 6,754 in early deals, with oilfield services group Petrofac (PFC) providing a drag after a profit warning.The index finished Friday at 6,750.76, a closing level not surpassed since 22 September when it reached 6,773.63.Oil services...

The conclusion of a legal battle between Accsys Technologies (AXS:AIM) and its first major licensee, Diamond Wood China, should help remove one of the big uncertainties hanging over the former's share price. Although Accsys has ended up paying more money than expected, at 67.25p the market can now shift its focus back to the operating business which specialises in products to harden...

One way to screen for value investment opportunities is to look at companies whose share prices are trading considerably below lofty highs enjoyed before stock markets around the world crashed in 2008. Most bombed-out stocks will be trading on a low level for a reason but careful research can help you sift out a few golden nuggets.Our in-depth analysis has unearthed six interesting turnaround...

Pharmaceutical group Shire (SHP) leads the FTSE 100 lower as it falls more than 3.5% to £46.98, valuing the business at £27.6 billion. That's still 12% below the recently recommended takeover offer from US rival AbbVie.Ukraine-focused iron ore group Ferrexpo (FXPO) delivers a strong jump in profits in the first half despite the wider geopolitical crisis, with its bottom line helped by the...

Discount retailer Poundland (PLND) - a running Shares Play of the Week - jumps 4.4% to 343.1p as investors like full-year results. Trading has been very good in the first three months of its new financial year with 18% rise in sales. Its trial store in Spain has launched this week.Drug-maker Shire (SHP) improves 1% to £45.93 on newspaper gossip suggests would-be suitor AbbVie (ABBV:NDQ) is...

Green investing does not have a good billing in the UK and barely features on the radars of institutional investors. This is not a matter of prejudice and two good reasons explain the indifference. First, there is only one company in the FTSE All-Share Alternative Energy sector and with a market value of £140 million industrial filtration expert Porvair (PRV) has absolutely no bearing on the...

New materials and processes are proliferating as constructors exploit fast-evolving technologies and changing attitudes toward issues like the environment and health and safety. Bricks and mortar are no longer the only game in town and several firms are embracing change to develop their operating models and business strategies to potentially great effect. Shares believes five companies in...

A substantial break higher suggests wood treatment specialist Accsys Technologies (AXS:AIM) is ready to blossom this spring.For most of the last two years the shares have traded between €0.12 and €0.20 and the range's base line held firm in the face of its latest test last December. A decided jump in volume was suggestive of a selling climax. The key averages then crossed positively...

Embattled retailer Morrisons (MRW) rises 2.8% to 243.8p on whispers the UK's fourth biggest grocer's founding family wants to take it private. The family, which owns circa 9.5%, is thought to have approached a number of private equity players with a view to stitching together a buyout deal for the struggling supermarket operator which could exceed £7 billion. Morrisons is one of Shares' top...

Investors are enjoying some festive cheer on Monday, with the FTSE 100 up 26.48 points to 6,633 against a backdrop of positive macro economic data for the UK and US. Among the main movers in a traditionally quiet session is unloved outsourcing group Serco (SRP), the prisons operator-to-cleaning services provider skipping 3.5% higher to 488.3p on the securing of a six-month extension to its...