According to data from the AIC, the average investment trust discount to net asset value has widened from 12.2% at the end of 2022 to 14.5% as of 8 September 2023, while sector averages have generally widened. The exception is private equity, which narrowed from 25.1% to 4.5%, skewed by 3i's (III) dramatic swing from discount to premium.While this presents an opportunity to buy into parts of the m

There is no doubt that funds focused on ESG (environmental, social and governance) factors are still very popular, especially with younger investors, although the UK is still some way behind Europe on this score. A recent note from analysts at Liberum provides some details.'Investment flows into ESG funds not only outpace other equity fund styles including ETFs and index funds, but in fact outpace

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

Shares in gold producer Acacia Mining (ACA) have dropped 5.5% to 151p after management of the company urged shareholders to 'take no action' after receiving a takeover approach.The indicative buyout offer comes from New York-listed majority shareholder Barrick Gold, which owns roughly 64% of Acacia shares. The trouble is Acacia seems to feel that Barrick is trying to buy the rest of the stock on t

Shares in gold producer Acacia Mining (ACA) have shot up over the past week to hit 256.6p thanks to market anticipation it could resolve a long-standing problem in Tanzania.Several analysts say investors shouldn't rush to buy following the rally as the stock is starting to look fully valued.Tanzania imposed a ban in March 2017 on exports of gold/copper concentrate which impacted around half of Aca

The FTSE opens in negative territory as Asian and US stocks fell overnight due to North Korea appearing to ramp up its nuclear threat. It is considering a nuclear test of 'unprecedented scale' in the Pacific Ocean, according to North Korea's foreign minister.That news helped to drive up the gold price by nearly 0.5% to $1,297 per ounce.Also influencing markets is the movement in the pound ahead of

Capital Drilling (CAPD) 39.5pLoss to date: 20.8%Original entry price: Buy at 49.9pHaving earlier this year enjoyed a tidy paper profit on our Capital Drilling Trade, issues affecting miners and their service companies in Tanzania mean now we are losing money owning these shares. Don't panic.We believe the stock won't stay weak for long. Indeed, this is starting to look like a potential takeover t

A ban on exporting unprocessed ore from Tanzania wiped one fifth off the market value of gold producer [BOLD] Acacia Mining (ACA) between 3 and 6 March. Don't be fooled by the subsequent small recovery in the share price; we believe there remains a significant risk to near-term earnings.The Tanzania Government wants miners to use local smelters, or build their own smelters in-country, to process o