Interest rates are expected to stay higher for longer to combat the sticky inflation which remains a threat to investors? hard-earned wealth and purchasing power. During periods of high inflation, it is crucial to invest in companies that possess pricing power, because these firms can pass on increased costs to customers, enabling them to maintain profit margins and generate the robust cash flows

UK stocks closed near the high of the day on Tuesday as risk appetite returned and investors looked through the current wave of virus infections.Notable gains were seen across the travel sector with British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines (IAG) and low budget airline Wizz Air (WIZZ) shares up 6% and 4% respectively.Hospitality was given a boost the Chancellor announced a bailout

UK stocks held onto gains on Tuesday lunchtime amid a rebound in risk appetite and encouraging earnings reports. US futures indicated gains of around 1% when US markets open at 2.30pm UK time.At 12pm the FTSE 100 index of leading shares was up 0.9% to 7,265 points, led by miners and housebuilders.PHARMACEUTICAL NEWSThere was further positive product news from drug makers with AstraZeneca (AZN) rep

UK stocks rallied in early trading on what commentators called 'turnaround Tuesday' following back-to back losses for markets on Friday and Monday, helped by positive US earnings reports overnight.Chip maker Micron reported strong first quarter results due to robust demand from new product areas like data centres, electric vehicles and factory automation, while footwear giant Nike posted second qu

It is a rare organisation which isn't trying to embrace digital transformation in one way or another these days and Kainos (KNOS) is an increasingly important force for change.Whether it is helping firms engage better with customers, improve access to information and services, bolster efficiency or simply trim costs, the Belfast-based business has a proven model and a lengthening reputation for pr

Belfast-based Kainos (KNOS) is an IT business that basically does three things. First, it helps typically large organisations transition their processes and operations into the 21st Century digital world. Lots of UK government departments employ Kainos to help them do this, and include the Cabinet Office, Home Office, Driver & Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA), Department for Transport and NHS, for

Recruitment companies tend to do well in strong economic conditions. Corporates feel more compelled to hire people and individuals feel confident enough to move jobs, seeking new opportunities.Upgrades to global growth forecasts last month by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) strengthen the outlook for recruiters. The new global forecast has been lifted from 3.7% to 3.9% for both 2018 and 2019

Budget airline easyJet (EZJ) soars 5.5% to £16.49 as its passenger numbers increase by 8% to 18.8m in its first quarter.For the three-month period ending 31 December, the airline has increased its total revenue by 14.4% to £1.14bn and has completed the acquisition of Air Berlin. At the end of quarter, the company had a net cash position of £357m.THE FTSE 100 is rallying early on Tuesday followi

Shares in staffing specialist Empresaria (EMR) fell to a one-year low of 100p (24 Nov) after it announced that full year pre-tax profit would be below market expectations.The company has blamed historic issues for the disappointing trading update, flagging reduced margins in Germany following legislation changes, the impact of which has been felt earlier than anticipated.A weak market in the Middl

In a world where people could live until 100, it is no surprise health services are struggling to treat an ageing population requiring increasing levels of care.One solution to this issue is technology, which could relieve pressure on the NHS by allowing people to have video consultations or help monitor their health electronically. It could also drive electronic medical records, helping people to

Full year results from the digital transition and migration business are very decent if you're willing to overlook Kainos' (KNOS) Evolve EMR NHS platform. It is designed to streamline NHS services and drag them into the 21st Century, making access and information easier for patients while lowering costs for the UK's health service.The problem is that investors are clearly not willing to ignore the

We're enthused by Global Ports' plan to acquire more cruise ports and generate additional revenue via retailing on top of standard port and service fees. The company joins the London stock market on 12 May and looks a decent investment, in our opinion.The company currently owns 14 ports in eight countries. Two of these sites are commercial shipping ports and the rest are used by cruise ships. Glob

Rising demand for cruises bodes well for the owner of 14 ports heading to the London stock market. Global Ports has announced plans to float on the Main Market and retail investors will get a chance to take part in the IPO (initial public offering).The business is hoping to raise $250m which will provide new cash to make acquisitions and also provide money to existing shareholders selling down som

The AIM market has come out of the blocks in 2017 like Usain Bolt, leaving the mainstream stock market indices trailing in its wake. This article contains some of our best AIM stock ideas and explains why the market has been racing ahead.The FTSE AIM All-Share index has rallied 7.9% year to date to close at 910.38 on 1 March 2017, the highest the junior index has been since 2011. That compares to

Recruitment companies are volatile stocks with zero future earnings visibility and trade at heady valuations - a punchy cocktail for even the most risk-tolerant investors. Operating earnings across the sector's major UK-listed stocks collapsed by 80% the year after the financial crisis before tripling again the year after. Stock prices fared similarly.Over time, it has been demonstrated that volat

Small cap recruiter Empresaria (EMR:AIM) looks set to smash profit forecasts this year after delivering 36% growth in earnings per share (EPS) in the last six months.Performance is being driven by strength in UK and Asian jobs markets, chief executive Joost Kreulen says, as well as office openings in key markets'There is a talent shortage generally in the market, so that's helping to drive strong

Recruiter Empresaria (EMR:AIM) is up 37% in a month, a move some are putting down to a reduced share overhang from a major shareholder and others argue is a deserved re-rating for the stock.Empresaria chief executive officer (CEO) Joost Kruelen, who we met on 22 June, said at the time he was surprised at the stock's lowly rating over the preceding 12 months, given the multiples achieved by other r

With cash and bonds seemingly unattractive, the market backdrop is ripe for further gains in equities. The stock market remains a better place to generate good returns on your money. The FTSE 100 has certainly had a good run this year and many of the other major indices have delivered positive returns. But that's not going to be enough for some investors, as many people are intent on BEATING the m

One of the key challenges for the services sector, and those investing in the sector, is the attraction and retention of the key assets: talented people. Finding the right incentive structure is a major consideration for ambitious management teams to ensure the best people grow their business, and therefore ultimately creating value for shareholders. Management Equity is a proven incentive structu

One of the key challenges for the services sector, and those investing in the sector, is the attraction and retention of the key assets: talented people. Finding the right incentive structure is a major consideration for ambitious management teams to ensure the best people grow their business, and therefore ultimately creating value for shareholders. Management Equity is a proven incentive structu