Sales seen topping $1 billionProfit to beat highest forecastData centre demand strongA positive full-year trading update from specialist power cable, plug and connector maker Volex (VLX:AIM) lifted the company's shares slightly on a day when the FTSE 100 and the All-Share were nursing more than 5% losses.The stock, which suffered a 10% fall on Friday as markets around the world sold off,...

We begin proceedings with two takeover approaches, one successful, the other less so, for now at least.First, Swiss bourse operator SIX agreed to buy UK junior marketplace Aquis Exchange (AQX:AIM) for 727p in cash, representing a 120% premium to the previous closing price of 330p.SIX, which operates the Swiss and Spanish stock markets, called the deal 'a compelling strategic opportunity which...

In light of the implications of the unfolding tragedy in Ukraine, the global growth outlook has dimmed, which means now more than ever, portfolios should be as diversified by asset class as possible to in order to maximise returns relative to risk.Higher risk assets they may be, yet 'micro caps', the London stock market's smallest quoted companies should form at least a portion of a...

Volex (VLX:AIM) 412pGain to date: 10.8%Original entry point: Buy at 372p, 24 June 2021Power cords and cable assembly group Volex (VLX:AIM) is off to a decent start since we added it to our Great Ideas portfolio in late June.The latest catalyst for the shares has been the $16.4 million acquisition of US electronic solutions manufacturer Irvine Electronics.We flagged M&A as a key plank in the...

We think power cords and cable assembly company Volex (VLX:AIM) can achieve double digit growth driven by a proven acquisition strategy and increasing demand for EVs (electric vehicles) and data centres.Cables and power cords might sound like a dull business, but they are essential kit for many industries, from consumer electronics and medical imaging equipment, to fast growing data centres...

London markets closed firmly down under heavy selling pressure on Thursday following Government confirmation of increased lockdown restrictions in London and elsewhere in response to rising Covid-19 numbers.Investors also fretted over negative comments from US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that a big stimulus deal was unlikely before next month's Presidential election, in line with...

London markets continued the remain under heavy selling pressure at lunchtime on Thursday following Government confirmation of increased lockdown restrictions in London and elsewhere in response to rising Covid-19 numbers.Investors also fretted over negative comments from US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that a big stimulus deal was unlikely before next month's Presidential election, in...

London's FTSE 100 was off 2.2% at 5,806.80 early on Thursday as concerns about increased numbers of Covid-19 cases grew and investors fretted over the economic impact of new restrictions that could be imposed in London and other parts of the country.Also weighing on the blue chip benchmark were negative comments from US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that a big stimulus deal was unlikely...

The number of deaths from China's coronavirus has exceeded those from the 2003 SARS outbreak and the restrictions imposed in the country are already wreaking havoc with the domestic economy as well as the supply chains of businesses based outside China.Shares has done some digging to discover to what extent UK-listed companies have been affected by the escalating crisis.IT'S BIG (IN EVERY...

An enforced shutdown of factories in China over the Chinese New Year could throw global supply chains into chaos. That's the worry for investors after electronics manufacturer Volex (VLX:AIM) issued a statement updating shareholders on the situation in the world's second largest economy.'As a result of the outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan, all major operations in China have been subject to an...

The FTSE 100 is on the back foot on Friday after the US Federal Reserve kept rates on hold for now overnight but hinted at a fresh hike in December. Early on the index of leading UK shares is down 0.6% to 7,100.9.Information services and events group Informa (INF) reports revenue grew by nearly a third in the 10 months through October, keeping the group on track to meet its full year...

We are pleased to introduce a new series of articles that will run on a weekly basis in Shares to help you spot potential investment opportunities.There are many stock screening services available to retail investors but lots can be difficult to navigate if you aren't familiar with the ins and outs of each system. We have therefore decided to give you a head start by picking a different way of...

London's blue chip FTSE 100 index is dragged lower by ailing commodities stocks, falling 0.3% to 6,371. Asian exchanges traded lower overnight with ongoing economic concerns on China and a potential December US interest rate hike weighing on Hong Kong in particular. The Hang Seng index fell 1.9%. Sterling weakness continues into the end of the week. Trading at $1.505 it is around 2 cents...

Like the Sahara Desert, annual financial reports are long, dry and could offer a few nasty surprises. This last point is a reminder of why investors should not dump such a document without reading it thoroughly. Deciding not to turn even the first page of the report believing you know how the company is performing from looking at its full-year results could prove a costly mistake.Indeed, the...

Tracsis US expansionTransport software specialist Tracsis (TRCS:AIM) has extended its US remote condition monitoring pilot scheme. The US rail infrastructure runs at around 140,000 track miles, about seven-times the length of the UK's, and analysts speculate that this could be worth an average £3.5 million a year to Tracsis down the line. (SFr)Quintain's Wembley wayInterims from Quintain...

Cabling and electronics manufacturer Volex (VLX) goes cap in hand to investors for £18.1 million of new funding via a share placing and open offer. Priced at 75p per share, a fairly modest 6% discount to last night's 79.25p close, might suggest that investors are willing to back management's turnaround strategy.Solid state battery technology developer Ilika (IKA:AIM) leaps more than 11% to...

Turnaround stories are highly desired by investors with an appetite for risk. Get your timing right and stocks can soar in value once the market realises problems have been fixed. Because the stock market is forward looking, prices can start to re-rate ahead of a company confirming its recovery is in full swing. But that doesn't necessarily mean you've missed the boat. The challenge is...

Credit agency Experian (EXPN) falls 6.1% to £10.65 after full-year results flag short-term headwinds. Subdued trading in Brazil and a likely hit to revenue in the US, due to operational changes, are combining to constrain growth in the first half of its new financial year. Read our latest view on Experian in this cover story on investment themes from December 2013 which flagged some of the...

Chocolatier Thorntons (THT) melts 15.75% to 119.63p as investors lock in gains following a mixed third quarter trading statement. The market is reading the announcement as a profit warning but that's not what Thorntons has said. Sales over the 15 weeks to 26 April, including Easter, fell 7.6%, reflecting early spring deliveries to supermarkets and the impact of store closures. Crucially,...

Investors can't flog Volex (VLX) shares fast enough today, the stock slumping by 10% to 97.75p, unwinding much of the recovery since November's dismal half-year results. The thrust of the new fall is provided by a trading update that spells out stiff competition, pricing pressures and a savage profits squeeze.Yes, it's selling more kit but clearly at knock-down prices. The London-based...