Stocks in Europe were mostly higher at midday Wednesday, with UK inflation reaching an eight-month high but not forcing 'shares in interest rate-sensitive sectors' to retreat.In UK and European news, the UK consumer prices index rose by 2.6% in the year to November, picking up pace from a 2.3% rise in year to October and in line with FXStreet-cited market consensus. The closely watched CPI...

It is one thing for analysts to forecast which stocks and sectors will do well in a rising-rate or inflationary environment, but when it actually comes to pass it's always fascinating to see what works in practice.Judging by the list of stocks making 12-month highs over the past week, those who favoured real assets were on the money.Standing tall are 3i Infrastructure (3IN), AEW UK REIT...

There is a growing consensus that as the global economy recovers from the pandemic and long-term interest rates - such as the US 10-year Treasury yield and the UK 10-year gilt yield - start to move upward, investors need to increase their exposure to banking stocks.The thinking goes that as banks are large, geared, cyclical plays they should benefit as the economy improves. They can lend more...

Helios Underwriting (HUW:AIM) is unique as an acquirer and consolidator of Lloyd's insurance market underwriters. So far the firm has bought 43 limited liability vehicles or LLVs, including some of the best Lloyd's Names as they were formerly known, as their owners age or decide to exit the business.Commercial insurance rates have soared in the last year as a result of coronavirus, meaning...

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...