In the coming week (22-24 October), Russia will host the latest annual BRICS summit in Kazan. For all that one of the meeting's key goals is to tackle neglected tropical diseases, few investors may be inclined to pay attention, not least given the economic sanctions imposed upon the host nation. The concept of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (the BRICS) as an investable grouping

Shares in cloud computing, connectivity and analytics provider Beeks Financial Cloud (BKS:AIM) scaled a new all-time high of 282p after the firm announced (20 August) it had won a contract extension with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.The latest advance takes the year-to-date gain for the stock to 181%, supported by positive fundamental news flow over the last 12 months. Following the initial con

For now, the escalating conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of easing. After the initial shock, markets were hopeful the economic impact of the war might be contained as the West's opening salvo of sanctions in response to Russia's invasion (24 Feb) were weaker than some had anticipated.However, any relief soon dissipated as Ukraine put up stiff resistance against the Russian invaders and sanctions

On 29 October Royal Dutch Shell (RDSB) provided the market with a positive surprise, increasing its dividend by 4% as it booked a larger than forecast third-quarter profit.However, before we get too excited by the dividend hike, it is but a ripple in the ocean when you consider the pay-out had been cut by two thirds back in April.While profit of $955 million might sound impressive in isolation, it

The oil and gas industry contributes to 42% of global emissions according to global consulting firm McKinsey.It is little wonder that the sector has found itself in the crosshairs of environmental campaigners and a growing portion of the investment community is turning away from fossil fuel-based investments amid increasing focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.At the beginnin

UK small cap companies are dead cheap, claim managers of the popular Invesco Perpetual UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust (IPU).'Equity valuations within the smaller companies sector are well below their 20 year average and we believe there is potential to make money even in this highly uncertain environment', insisted Jonathan Brown and Robin West, joint fund managers of the Invesco small cap

The UK technology sector has been under pressure for four months as investors have switched out of perceived riskier assets and into cash generative and income-yielding ones. While the underperformance can partly be explained by the wider shift away from smaller companies, technology stocks seem to be bearing the brunt of the selling.However, where there is turmoil there is often also opportunity.

Speciality pharmaceutical and services business Clinigen (CLIN:AIM) declines 1.6% to 499.75p despite an early morning rally, as the market chews over its latest attempt to rejuvenate its plateauing revenues streams.Clinigen, a running Shares Play of the Week has signed a distribution agreement with Italian outfit Abiogen Pharma to supply Nerixia throughout the European Union (EU) to treat sufferer

Investors should use a wobble in specialty pharmaceuticals and services business Clinigen (CLIN:AIM) as an entry opportunity. Following last week's news (4 Apr) of a new £35 million Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) loan facility, the conditions are now in place for the group to acquire new products. This should help boost revenues as sales from the existing suite level out and revenues from the firm'