Stocks in London fell on Friday at midday despite a positive outlook from the CBI for the UK economy, ahead of a US jobs report reading.The FTSE 100 index was down 47.62 points, 0.6%, at 8,237.71. The FTSE 250 was down 105.46 points, 0.5%, at 20,610.42, and the AIM All-Share was down 2.27 points, 0.3%, at 794.27.The Cboe UK 100 was down 0.6% at 821.06, the Cboe UK 250 was down 0.6% at 18,031.68, a

First-half results from Howden Joinery (HWDN) on 20 July will reveal the impact a slowdown in the housing market is having on its trading.The trade kitchen supplier last updated in the spring, with a trading statement covering the 16-week period to 15 April. Like-for-like revenue was flat on the same period a year earlier in the UK business once you accounted for the impact of an additional sales

- EBITDA forecasts raised- Financial strength provides scope for further investment- Shares down 50%+ since Sept 2021 peaksThrough the fog of cost inflation, wage and recruitment pressures, macro weaknesses, and workers gradually returning to offices, communications kit designer Gamma Communications (GAMA:AIM) continues to make progress.The AIM-listed business flagged a solid start to 2022, suppor

We're getting a distinct feeling of dejà vu as the hospitality sector starts to reopen. Indeed, just 10 months ago we were doing more or less the same thing, although this time round the economy looks in much better shape and the rollout of vaccinations has given consumer confidence a shot in the arm.After a third lockdown, there is no doubt a large part of the population is ready - not to

'Most investors' results will be determined more by how many losers they have, and how bad they are, than by the greatness of their winners.'Readers would do well to heed the wise words of the legendary Howard Marks, co-chairman of US-based Oaktree Capital Management.Indeed, the recent global equity markets sell-off has served to remind investors that equities can go down as well as up.Analysing t

There could up to 45% share price upside from Redcentric (RCN:AIM) over the next year, according to analysts. We share their bullish view.While the IT and communications outsourcer has had a few troubles over the years, we believe there remains a very decent business in Redcentric. A new management team is making reassuring noises on cash flow, debt control and revenue stability; and so the £127m

A superfast broadband Britain is the aim and fibre network builder CityFibre Infrastructure (CITY:AIM) is an exciting way for investors to access the opportunity.The AIM-quoted business builds ultra-fast fibre networks in medium-sized cities. Think Sheffield, Bristol, Glasgow and Leeds; these are a handful of the 42 locations being turned into 'Gigabit Cities' across the UK capable of providing lo

If an investment loses half of its value you need it to go back up by 100% just to get hit break-even. This bit of logic might seem simple but it is one of the most important ideas to keep in your head when you are investing.Avoidance of loss is a critical element to making money out of shares. You can pick all the winners you like and still be tripped up by just a handful of losers.Over the years

Embattled IT and communications services supplier Redcentric (RCN:AIM) appears to be putting its accounting disaster behind it. The company has won an approved supplier spot on the new Health and Social Care Network, part of the NHS Digital shift. Added to the recent contract with bed maker Silentnight, new business opportunities do not seem to have been substantially dented. The shares trade at 9

Stock broker FinnCap has restored forecasts on SME communications and IT services supplier Redcentric (RCN:AIM) after the company's accounting kerfuffle in November 2016. After crunching the numbers analyst Andrew Darley has slapped a 117p target price on the stock, roughly 26% up from the current 93p level.That price target is based on the rough 10-times EV/EBITDA (enterprise value to earnings be

London's FTSE 100 ticks 1.05 points lower to 7,063 early on in the final, truncated trading session before Christmas, with traders awaiting the UK current account and final GDP data which are out mid-morning. As expected, corporate news is rather thin on the ground, although the banks are in the headlines for all the wrong reasons again.Banking giant Barclays (BARC) cheapens 1p to 226p after the U

On balance we believe global stock markets will have a good year in 2017 despite plenty of big political events which could cause bouts of volatility.Economic data is positive in the US, Eurozone and China in particular and corporate earnings are forecast to improve over the coming year. Investment bank Morgan Stanley believes the latter point should drive outperformance from value stocks and larg

Managed services IT and Communications supplier Redcentric (RCN:AIM) has sacked chief financial officer Tim Coleman after discovering misstated accounts.The balance sheet review swipes £10m off its net assets and potentially doubles net debt.The market had reckoned on about £16m to £17m of borrowings, the firm's debt pile today stands at nearer £30m.Analysts believe the scandal will probably n

The FTSE 100 enjoys a good start to the week, jumping 1.5% at the market open to 6,797 as Hillary Clinton makes a last-minute comeback in the race to become US President. HSBC (HSBA) also reports a strong set of financial results which gives support to the blue chip index.The market had been weak in recent sessions as it looked like Trump had a chance of winning the election amid negative news sur

The Alternative Investment Market (AIM) turned 21 in June yet many investors remain conflicted about the London Stock Exchange's (LSE) junior market. For some AIM has really matured into adulthood, others believe it remains the difficult child of the stock market family and is best avoided.AIM was launched on 19 June 1995 with a clear objective to attract small companies from around the world who

IT and communications services supplier Redcentric (RCN:AIM) could return to the acquisition trail very soon as it continues its successful buy and build strategy.The £257 million cap has a proven ability to quickly and efficiently integrate bolt-on deals. This is one of several reasons why many analysts see it among a handful of the UK's most attractive software sector small caps thanks to the s

Brexit odds riseWith the UK referendum on EU membership just weeks away the IG (IG.) binary market on its outcome is swinging back towards a 'leave' vote. The EU Referendum Barometer is showing a 77% chance the UK will vote 'remain' against a recent peak of 81% and the trading platform says 90% of of all money traded between 26 and 31 May favoured leave. (TS)Early payoutINDIA-BASED electricity gen

Investing directly in the technology space isn't for all investors. Perhaps more so than any other stock market segment it tends to be laced with seemingly obscure acronyms and industry jargon that can leave non-aficionados baffled. The obvious solution for many is put some cash into the technology investment trust and funds space, leaving the detailed industry and company specific analysis to pro

To help with your planning Shares has canvassed the views of a number of independent financial advisers and other experts to identify the ideal funds to fit four popular themes.From seeking the best ways to play global markets, to building up a pot of money for your child or grandchild, we have it covered in this article.Global growthSeeking geographic diversification on a five to 10-year viewScot

It's all go at the mid-market end of the converging IT and communications space with a new player joining the London stock market. AIM-listed cash shell Castle Street Investments (CSI:AIM), the leftovers after the disastrous on-line dating company Cupid fell to bits, is buying Palatine private equity-backed managed services provider Selection Services in a £34.8 million deal.OK, so far, so ordina