Huge swathes of Europe, North America, Asia and Africa have endured boiling conditions this summer, with the majority of scientists pinning the blame for the planet's exceptional heat and rain, as well as wildfires in countries such as Greece and Canada, on human activity.Data from the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service showed that the first three weeks of July were the warmest three-week

Insurers preferred to banksAirlines out but two-way trade in internet retailHousebuilders get benefit of the doubtIt is always fascinating to see which stocks are the most popular in terms of order flow and value traded, and for anyone who wants to find it this information is freely available on the AJ Bell website, relating to the activities of its customers.BANKS OUT, INSURERS INOver the last mo

The rapid spread of the coronavirus with its potential to cost the global economy four times more than the $40bn SARS epidemic, as well as human misery, has energised global healthcare companies to find a cure.In the absence of an approved vaccine, which could take months to be tested and approved, the Chinese authorities have fast-tracked testing of an antiviral drug from US biotech firm Gilead S

After a promising start to 2020, the markets are reeling from the outbreak of the Chinese coronavirus and the impact the deadly virus could have on the global economy.As we write the FTSE 100 is trading at its lowest levels since mid-December as investors look for clarity on just how serious the outbreak could get and when and how it will be contained.What has happened?Around the turn of the year

Patent translation provider RWS (RWS:AIM) surges 19% on a six paragraph trading update today - although the latest news does look pretty good.A spike in US patent filings helped revenue gain 10% year-on-year in the six months to 30 September 2015.Performance has also been boosted by growth in its patent database service PatBase as well as a return to growth in acquired web-based patent filing oper

One of the key attractions of AIM stocks is their ability to help avoid paying inheritance tax (IHT). In a nutshell, if you invest money in AIM shares that meet certain criteria set by the taxman for at least two years, that money can be passed on to third parties, such as your husband or wife, upon your death without that windfall cash being taxed.Our favourite stocks that presently qualify for I

With the UK interim reporting season just getting into full swing the portents from the US provide encouraging read-across to this side of the Atlantic. Seventy six per cent of S&P 500 companies have beaten earnings per share (EPS) expectations with second quarter results. With a similar improving economic backdrop in the UK, now is a good time to look at the stocks on London's Main Market and AIM

Europe's largest bank by assets HSBC (HSBA) rises 0.7% to 664.5p on reports that it may float its UK retail and commercial business. The move could see 30% of the business sold to investors ahead of new regulation that seeks to separate retail business from riskier investment banking operations.The market gives a big thumbs up as oil services firm Kentz (KENZ) announces plans to buy US rival Valer

Filtration expert Porvair (PRV) jumps 6% to 246p after saying pre-tax profit for the nine months to 31 August was ahead of expectation, therefore full-year results should beat targets. Investors also liked news that net debt is falling and there's an improvement in the metals filtration arm after a quiet first-half period. Stockbroker Peel Hunt upgrades its 2013 pre-tax profit forecast by 6% to £

Patent translation expert RWS (RWS:AIM) has bought the remaining two thirds of market comparison site Inovia that it didn't already own. The deal was fully expected and today's announcement doesn't move the share price, flat at 776p. Yet the transaction is of high strategic importance. Indeed, house broker Numis raises its price target by 15% because of the deal to 860p.Inovia's proposition is bas