There are plenty of options these days when it comes to investing your hard-earned cash. Now in her mid-60s, Sarah first started putting her money to work in the markets in 2003 through a wealth management firm and stockbroker, however it was not until the pandemic that 'she got the investing bug' and began trading through a stocks and shares ISA.During the pandemic she became increasingly frustra

Over the long haul, small-caps have historically outperformed large caps, fuelling the research highlighting the so-called 'small-cap effect' ? the idea that smaller companies offer higher risk-adjusted returns than larger ones. Unfortunately, the higher interest rate environment of recent years has proved tough for the stock market's small fry, who've spent more than a decade lagging more sizeabl

- Distributor acquires TIE from private equity- Raises £236 million for further acquisitions- Confident of another year of strong growthShares in specialist distributor Diploma (DPLM) rose 4% to £27.42 as investors got their first chance to react to news, announced after yesterday's market close, of the acquisition of Tennessee Industrial Electronics (TIE) from private equity as well as a positi

There is growing evidence from industrial surveys that supply chains are starting to ease in some areas of manufacturing, although the global economy is still far from 'normal' as we enter 2023 and a return to growth is a long way off.According to the IFO research institute, companies in Germany are experiencing 'noticeably fewer' material shortages than previously.In December, 50.7% of manufactur

The FTSE 100 closed Wednesday's session with a modest gain, edging 0.16% higher to 7,516.87 points on ongoing optimism over the impact of the less severe Omicron strain and support from a solid ADP private sector payrolls report across the pond, which prepared investors for a decent non-farm payrolls print on Friday.Blue chip miners Rio Tinto (RIO) and BHP (BHP), banks Lloyds (LLOY) and NatWest (N

There is a well-worn phrase that 'a week is a long time in politics'. In market terms, a week can feel even longer and can sometimes signal a shift from one trend to another.A fortnight ago when we introduced the idea of watching the number of stocks making new highs as a barometer of the health of the market, the FTSE All-Share was just below its all-time high and everything seemed to be going sw

UK markets held on to gains throughout Wednesday to end the session higher as investors cling to hopes of a stimulus package being agreed by US lawmakers and that UK and EU negotiators can pull a last-ditch trade agreement out of the fire.The UK's post-Brexit trade deal transition period ends on 1 January 2021.Meaningful progress on either the stimulus or Brexit fronts could help markets rally in

UK markets continued their positive run through midday on Wednesday as investors cling to hopes of a stimulus package being agreed by US lawmakers and that UK and EU negotiators can pull a last-ditch trade agreement out of the fire.The UK's post-Brexit trade deal transition period ends on 1 January 2021.Meaningful progress on either the stimulus or Brexit fronts could help markets rally in the fin

UK stocks were trading higher early on in Wednesday's session as US lawmakers moved closer to agreeing on a new stimulus package for the world's biggest economy.Investors also were holding out hope that Britain and the EU could agree on a post-Brexit trade deal before the transition period ends on 1 January.Meaningful progress on either the stimulus or Brexit fronts could help put the markets on t

Small caps may have fallen further than large caps in March, with the FTSE Small Cap index losing 40% in value from the highs compared with 35% for the FTSE 350. But contrary to popular perception they have recouped more of the losses and are down 15% year-to-date compared with 18% for the FTSE 350.Some small caps are operating well in the current environment prompting analysts to increase their e

London's FTSE 100 index appeared to have gotten of relatively lightly on Tuesday morning, trading down 23.4 points at 7,203.3 despite global markets reeling from a range of issues spanning Brexit to the US-China trade war as well as Italian political instability.Travel giant TUI (TUI) was in demand, the shares sparking up 3.5% to 839p despite posting a slump in third quarter profit amid weak consu

There are few truly great investors who reliably beat the market, and even they will admit they don't get it right every time.Most investors, private and professional, are doing well if they can match an index over the long term.Even if you invest with a professional manager who does perform in line with the index, after management fees your returns will be lower.That is one of the reasons why ind

Try as it might logistics group Connect (CNCT) cannot escape its exposure to a rapidly declining newspaper and magazine distribution market. As it serves up yet another profit warning today the shares sink 10% to 33.5p.This is only slightly above the all-time lows seen in mid-August. Since it was demerged from newsagent WH Smith (SMWH) the company, previously known as Smiths News before a rebrandi

While Asian markets climbed overnight on hopes of new trade talks between the US and China, London's FTSE 100 firms just 9.7 points to 7,291 on Friday, a modest gain which is nowhere near strong enough for investors to become more optimistic about the direction of travel.In corporate news, specialist bank and fund manager Investec (INVP) sparks up 12.4% to 545p after announcing plans to hive off a

Whether you are new to investing or have been active in the markets for years it is important to keep in mind there are two ways an investor can profit from the financial markets.These encompass a capital gain if, as you hope, the value of your investment goes up. You can also earn an income from many shares and funds paying you dividends or bonds paying you coupons.Key to unlocking the money-maki

Demergers are back in fashion with five companies in the FTSE 350 index each preparing to split into two separately-listed entities. Another one has just completed its split and there are rumours that a further FTSE 350 stock could spin off one of its businesses.Unbundled companies often flourish because they have the freedom to be more entrepreneurial and not be part of a larger company where man

Rapid growth in e-commerce demand may lead some investors to conclude that transportation companies fulfilling orders would be superb investments. You may think again after analysing the horrific profit warning on 13 June from logistics group Connect (CNCT).Revenue for its Tuffnells delivery business fell by 12.3% in its third quarter (or down 3.9% over nine months) amid lower volumes, plus costs

Shares in logistics company Connect (CNCT) have collapsed after the company was forced to slash profit guidance thanks to trading falling apart last month.At midday the stock is down more than 45% at 28.35p, making it by far the biggest loser on the entire FTSE All-Share market.Management called the company's performance since interim results on 1 May 'extremelv disappointing' but investors may we

The FTSE 100 is down by 0.3% to 7,682 as the market tentatively waits for the US Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. Most are pricing in a 25 basis point hike but along with the latest UK inflation data expected today there is a lot of uncertainty in the markets.Online food delivery company Just Eat (JE.) is down 7.8% to 784p after rival Deliveroo announces dramatic expansion plans that

The stock market can have a nasty habit of dishing up unexpected news and we've seen many examples over the past few weeks.Retailer Carpetright (CPR), logistics firm Connect (CNCT) and teleradiology services group Medica (MGP) are three examples of stocks that have taken the market by surprise with negative news this year.You can now add funeral services provider Dignity (DTY) to the list.Its shar