Previously writing on sports, leisure and mobility equipment group Tandem (TND), last month with the shares at 262.5p I noted emphasises “in line with market expectations”, but how creditable is that? – including noting a litany of factors that suggested to avoid. What about now its full results for the 2022 calendar year?

Previously writing on windows and doors retailer and manufacturer Safestyle UK (SFE), last month with the shares at 23.5p I questioned how confident on the “return to profitability”? and concluded to avoid. The shares last closed at 29p but are currently heading back towards my previously noted price following full-year results.

Previously writing on manufacturer of natural sustainable animal feed additives Anpario (ANP), in June with the shares down to 530p I concluded at least without a clearly improved outlook, Avoid. The shares last closed at 310p and are currently materially further lower today on the back of stated “pleased to announce” results for the 2022 calendar year!?

Previously writing on landscape, building and roofing products manufacturer and supplier Marshalls (MSLH), in January with the shares around 325p I concluded that outlook uncertainty saw me continue to avoid. The shares most recently closed at just below 300p and are currently slightly further lower on the back of calendar year 2022 results.

The last time I wrote about the insurance (and related) business Phoenix Group (PHNX), I observed that “I am sure there are fans…but not me”. Since then, the stock has moved from a c. 700p price to more like a 600p one, however it has also continued to yield more than 7%. I guess that means there is potentially something for everyone.

Back in August last year, I wrote that “I remain a fan of SIG plc (SHI) (just improve the balance sheet a bit more, please!)”. Shares in the supplier of insulation, roofing, commercial interiors and specialist construction products are, despite a bit of current market volatility, still above the level of then (which is good), but do I still think both that they are cheap and that it would be very smart of the company to improve the balance sheet?

Previously writing on automation and customer engagement software company Netcall (NET), on results in October I questioned are the ‘growth opportunities’ sufficient?. What now on results for its half-year ended 31st December 2022 which emphasise “accelerated progress in annual contract value, supporting strong forward momentum”?

I guess it depends how old you are whether brands such as Harpic, Vanish, Dettol and Finish have a lot more relevance for you than Durex or baby food ones, but at least the FTSE 100’s Reckitt (RKT) has a bunch of interesting global brands. I last loved the stock up just over four months ago and since then it has gone almost perfectly sideways. What are the group’s prospects like for 2023 (and beyond)?

As a boring (predominately) large cap global investor, it has perhaps been a bit of a surprise that it took me years to warm to FTSE 100 company Bunzl (BNZL), which describes itself as a “multinational distribution and outsourcing company”, which has banged out thirty years of rising dividends. A few months ago, I observed I thought it would be smart to “wake me up if Bunzl shares fall back below a 26 quid price (again)”. That has not happened and today the shares are kicking around above a thirty quid share price. Time for me to get (finally) more excited or not?

A year ago, I was negative about the property investment and development company SEGRO (SGRO), since when its share price has fallen from just over 1200p to 835p this morning. So, what are my updated views about the FTSE 100 name?

As an investor, you have to accept that you will get some calls right and some calls wrong. I am glad that thirteen months ago, I exited my shares in Barclays (BARC) at north of two quid (as its latest set of numbers have not been taken well this morning). By contrast, I should have been braver and bought Dunelm (DNLM) after visiting its stores a few times over the last six months. What do I think then of Hargreaves Lansdown (HL.) shares after its latest set of numbers earlier today?

A year ago I bored you all by observing that Diageo (DGE) is the sort of pension fund holding that even a non-drinker such as myself can get excited about. My first bad day level was a sub thirty-five quid share price and we hit that a month or two later. And I note this morning, after the publication of its H1 numbers, that we have hit that level again.

About six weeks ago, I noted why names such as Tesco (TSCO) and J Sainsbury (SBRY) remained very relevant for both the average shopper as well as the average investor. The shares have put on 10%+ since then, so I am not surprised that today’s update from the latter has led to a small share price decline this morning. It still remains relevant though or, as the Sainsbury’s third quarter headline put it, “strategy delivering volume market share gains and record Christmas”.

Hello Share Trundlers. Despite its techno-sounding name, Inditex sells clothes internationally. And this Spain-based giant has been doing rather well. Even in these cheeseparing times for customers. In the first three quarters of 2022, sales rose by a staggering fifth – apparently, the punters liked the autumn/winter collection.

I know that the world of corrugated box packaging and the like is not very interesting, but if you want to hold a FTSE 100 company in your pension fund portfolio which is not a commodities name you could do a lot worse than DS Smith (SMDS). I last loved up the stock a couple of months ago when the price was c. 265p a share. As I write this morning it is nearer 320p a share, so I hope you purchased a few back then. But if you didn’t don’t worry, I believe the stock is still cheap.

Online bathroom retailer Victorian Plumbing (VIC) has announced results for its year-ended 30th September 2022 emphasising “Results ahead of expectations, with H2 revenue growth as the Group demonstrates continued trading momentum and further market share gains, supported by a robust balance sheet… Board proposes maiden ordinary full year dividend of 1.1p and an additional special dividend of 1.7p”. Good news then?

Previously writing on photonic components and systems manufacturer Gooch & Housego (GHH), in August with the shares falling below 700p I concluded that the flux together with the valuation suggested to still avoid / sell. The shares last closed at 463p, and what of them currently being still further down today on the back of results for the company’s year ended 30th September 2022?

Hello Share Pickers. This old punter has just become a customer of the broker AJ Bell (AJB). I know nothing about its competence in being an ordinary self-select share broker, so I’ll stick with my present providers, but my financial advisor Alice rates the company highly as a customer-friendly and efficient platform for bonds and similar financial products.

‘Fast-moving consumer products’ company Supreme (SUP) has announced results for its half-year ended 30th September 2022 including emphasising “pleasingly, the business has delivered a solid trading performance in the period” and that the full-year is “now expected to be ahead of market expectations”. So what of a current share price response down towards 100p?

Back in July, I observed that “it is going to get busy, but Brickability (BRCK) is just one for the experts (even for brick and clay fans like me)” HERE. And since then, the stock has gone up and down a bit but is basically little changed. Are there any excitements then in its announcement today of results for the six months ended 30 September 2022?

Back in July I covered Pets at Home Group (PETS) as a buy based on my opinion that I expected the business to continue performing strongly, as we are a nation of pet-lovers and spending on them would be one of the last things that many people would cut back on. Since then the share price has seen some ups and downs, broadly in line with wider market sentiment, but yesterday it took a bit of a kicking and closed down over 5% at 289p, on a day where the FTSE actually performed reasonably well, after it released its results for H1 2023, up until October 13 2022 and covering a 28 week period. Having looked at the results I can’t really see what the market didn’t like, as they are in line with guidance in terms of full year pre-tax profit expectations on £131 million, with a range of £121-136 million.

It is far from being a boring day today. It is no surprise for me to see shares in De La Rue (DLAR), which institutional investors and brokers used to call “Danny”, pulling back nearly 20% given that it is still struggling to make proper profit and free cash flow. Meanwhile, Halfords (HFD) shares might be down 4% today (and over 40% year-to-date) but seeing the stock at a c. two quid share price strikes me as a bit cheap. Perhaps more on it another time, but today I want to chat about Johnson Matthey (JMAT).

Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced results for its year ended 30^th September 2022 and that it is “well placed to build on our track record of delivery over the next three years, improving returns and creating sustainable growth in shareholder value”.

Writing on paper products and materials company James Cropper (CRPR) last month with the shares down to 850p I concluded that at least ahead of some bottom-line evidence of the argued significant growth prospects, still avoid / sell. The shares last closed at 915p, but are currently down to 845p on the back of half-year results.

Here we are with the year to the end of September full set of numbers from Imperial Brands (IMB). Last month I observed it was going to be a big moment for me as the company’s share price is kicking around my twenty quid target price. And all of this has been augmented by the company also paying an excellent dividend since I got super-excited about the stock about a couple of years ago. All kind of interesting for a lifelong non-smoker like me.

Shares in Tesco (TSCO) were above 270p as recently as August but have fallen back significantly as it faces clear macro challenges. However, it has a long track-record across economic conditions and we consider the share price fall has been too extreme.

BP (BP.) has announced third quarter results emphasising “net debt fell for the tenth successive quarter; we are investing with discipline; and we are delivering on our commitment to shareholder distributions - announcing a further $2.5 billion share buyback”. So what of a now slightly further higher 486.45p share price?

Sylvania Platinum (SLP) has announced “best quarterly production since the COVID-lockdowns in early 2020. This increase in production ounces and the 2% higher PGM basket price recorded in the quarter, resulted in stronger profits”. The shares have currently responded up to 92p and there looks more to go.

As quite a boring investor, I really like lengthy adjusted operating profit, earnings per share, dividend and free cash flow analysis. And by “lengthy”, I mean nicely more than a couple of decades of data as it gives you a good insight as at least there have been a few (proper) cycles. It certainly does not mean that changes cannot happen, as nicely shown by the shift and evolution of FTSE 100 or Dow Jones Index members over time, but it is certainly better to have a lot more information rather than a lot less. And this brings us to the pass-through business DCC plc (DCC).

I3 Energy (I3E) has enjoyed a miraculous turnaround in fortunes over the past couple of years, thanks to buying new assets at the right time and benefitting from high oil and gas prices since then.

I am technically a customer of “Your Sofa & Furniture Experts”, DFS Furniture (DFS). I say technically as, whilst we did purchase the lounge sofas from the company, it was about twenty years ago and even the DFS future sales department has (sensibly) lost interest in me. After all, the sofas are still good quality and it is not as if we use them that much. However, I do follow the company’s corporate updates and share price as it provides a good insight into the thinking of the average consumer. And this brings us nicely to today’s “trading update and AGM statement” from the company.

It is not over-egging the pudding to describe today’s interim 2022/23 numbers from BT Group (BT.A) as boring. After all, you do not need to be a financial genius to see its year-on-year adjusted revenue to be up by 1% and its adjusted EBITDA number to be up a massive 2%. And we have not even started to appraise whether the “adjusted” nature of the numbers had boosted them materially or not. However, there are other numbers of far more significance for BT Group and its, down c.6% as I write, share price.

Hello Share Smashers. One way of prizing out a bit more protection against disaster in these dodgy times is to put some of your dough into a trust which you respect. It’s rather like getting a second opinion. One of my favourite such businesses is City of London Investment Group (CLIG), which specialises in emerging markets.

I have never admitted this publicly before, but when I was 18 and setting up a university bank account I wanted one at Lloyds Bank (LLOY). However, it never worked out and I ended up with one of its competitors (absolutely nothing to do with the extra ten quid offered as a “joining bonus”). And, funnily enough, I have never owned Lloyds Bank plc shares either during my investment life, as there was always something potentially better or more interesting or something else. Nevertheless, I listened to the group’s conference call earlier today for a bit of light corporate earnings season excitement. What did I make of the “fast evolving and uncertain environment”, where apparently “the group is performing well”?

I guess I have been a professional analyst and investor for the last twenty-six years, but obviously as a buy side and not a sell side operator. As I may have said before, I learnt early on that the more I could ignore brokers and do my own research, the better I would do. And that still remains my thought today as I still think, a bit like the academic world, the biggest risk is that you end up knowing more and more about less and less. And that brings us to today’s Q3 update from Reckitt Benckiser (RKT).

Oil has been showing signs of weakness in recent months after hitting highs of nearly $140/barrel – for Brent – earlier this year, and has suffered over concerns about the economic situation in many countries in the coming months.

Whilst there are a bunch of issues to address regarding the markets, politics and sensible economic policy, I am going to think a bit more about stocks and shares today. And my interest again is centred on the “leading UK manufacturer of clay bricks and concrete products”, Ibstock (IBST).

Hello Share Turners. There are even fewer companies I would recommend in these dark days for shares. But one which should weather the storm and even grow faster is widely favourite baker Greggs (GRG).

Ingenta (ING) recently announced results for the first half of 2022 and that it “anticipates that results for the year ended 31 December 2022 will be ahead of current market expectations”. With the current valuation looking modest and the above despite prevailing macroeconomic angst, there looks good value.

It is always interesting times in the world’s financial markets, but sometimes it is more interesting than average. And as for sectors and stocks, Barratt Developments (BDEV) is one of the more fascinating names in the FTSE 100 at the moment given the obsession with the housing sector and the company’s over 50% share price fall year-to-date. And it is probably a good thing that I do not own the stock myself as it is down a further 5% this morning after publishing a trading update.

Hello Share People. It’s hard to see National Grid (NG.) not powering ahead in the future. For one thing it has a monopoly in this country, at least. And the world seems to be moving towards ever more consumption of electric power as more inventions hit the marketplace. Like electric cars, buses and trains, for instance.

Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced year ended 30^th September 2022 “trading in line with expectations with growth in aggregate market share for top-five priority markets” and that a strengthened balance sheet and achievement of target leverage are to enable the immediate start of an ongoing share buyback programme. The shares have responded positively, up to 1940p, so what’s the detail?

A new week and finally some good news from the United States for GSK plc (GSK) as the “FDA approves Boostrix for immunisation during pregnancy for the prevention of whooping cough in newborn infants”. It is not enough alone to start pushing the multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology FTSE 100 name up, but it is a bit of good news for the company’s struggling CEO. As I have noted before, Dame Emma has a lot still to prove. Meanwhile, elsewhere in the FTSE 100, I am excited to see the over 8% rise in the shares today of DS Smith (SMDS).

In these troubled economic times, how about a proven defensive investment offering a dividend yield of above 5%?

Regular readers will know that I never have smoked or vaped  and never will in the future. It is not my bag but if people want to buy the range of products offered by Imperial Brands (IMB), British American Tobacco (BATS) and the few other global corporate peers that exist out there (all of which are highly taxed by governments around the world), that is absolutely fine by me based on my belief in a freedom of choice. As for health and safety and common-sense, if you want to ban tobacco and related stocks then I guess you should do the same for alcohol and gambling and a bunch of pharmaceuticals. Anyhow, my view has been that Imperial Brands has been a must-have for your pension fund for a couple of years now. And so it has been pleasing to see a 20% share price rise this year (despite all the overall global market angst) and a 4% share price rise today.

Back in June I observed about shares in Tesco (TSCO) that “I think there are better buys in the market today, but if you already hold Tesco shares, chill out and enjoy the weekend”. The share price back then was around 250p and today it is kicking around 205p. So, are shares in Britain’s largest supermarket now cheap or not?

Previously writing on designer, developer and international distributor of toys, games and giftware Character Group (CCT) just over a year ago with the shares down to 572.5p I concluded I’d look for some stated stabilisation before reconsidering from avoid. So what of a latest trading update?

Back in early August I observed that a dump below a twenty quid share price would be quite interesting for anyone interested in buying shares in Greggs plc (GRG). And, with the fall in the company’s share price over the last two or three weeks, we now might be at an interesting moment.

Gold closed the week at $1661 per oz – up from last week’s $1645, but still below the apparently all-important $1675 mark. It is all a bit depressing, but with incoming cash from the latest AIM-listed Ariana (AAU) dividend of 0.175p per share due tomorrow, the Gold price in Sterling terms within £100 of its all-time high and equity markets in another bear-run, its not so bad.

It is the last day of the month and also the final day of the third quarter of the year. Interesting times at many levels but it is not impossible out there for any investor (so long as you don’t pick some crazy investments). To that end, I hope you have not been too light in your allocations to the commodities, tobacco, defence and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as a bit of general non-sterling exposure. But one area a bunch of investment thinkers are very excited about is the infrastructure space. And that brings me back to 3i Infrastructure (3IN).

Another ‘interesting’ day in the financial markets but, fortunately, not all my pension fund holdings are down today. I see Burberry (BRBY) has announced another senior corporate change as “Daniel Lee has been appointed Chief Creative Officer” from Monday 3 October 2022, as “Riccardo Tisci will be stepping down as Chief Creative Officer and leaving the Company at the end of this month”. As you all know I am a big fashion expert (not!), so clearly the newbie’s Bradford background, profile as an “award-winning designer and one of the most exciting British creative talents of his generation”, combined with his recent three years as the Creative Director at Bottega Veneta “where he helped reinvigorate the Italian luxury brand”, is all very exciting stuff. I am completely unsurprised the stock is up 3% today given all of that then! And moving on from one area of excitement, to another: the world of ESG and Imperial Brands (IMB).

Hello Share Scoffers. Back in the day, I used coaches a lot whereas my journalistic colleagues always chose the train. I find buses more comfortable and cheaper, if somewhat slower than rail travel. And I think that big coach operator National Express (NEX) still has a lot going for it.

Technology managed services business AdEPT Technology Group (ADT) has issued an AGM trading statement, including noting a return to interim dividend payments with a 2.5p per share payout announced.

The good news for you today is that I am not going to talk about the bunch of central bank rate increases, including further upward moves by the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England plus the first shift by Swiss National Bank to a positive base rate for ages. By my reckoning, the only central bank still with the comedy of negative base rates is the Bank of Japan (who you may recall the new PM has a soft spot for). And all ahead of tomorrow’s mini-budget special by the new chancellor… Of course what I really want to talk about though is stocks, which brings me to full year numbers from PZ Cussons (PZC).

Writing on windows and doors retailer and manufacturer Safestyle UK (SFE) last month with the shares lower towards 36p I concluded suggesting the half year results statement this month wasn’t going to be good and still avoid / sell. Now the half-year results...and the shares currently lower to 21.5p.

Essentra (ESNT) has announced results for the first half of 2022 and that it “continue to see strength in our order book, providing encouragement as we move into the second half”.

Early stage financial services businesses investor B.P. Marsh (BPM) has announced it remains confident it will continue with its historic growth trajectory and deliver attractive returns for investors, including a dividend per share “at least” maintained at last year’s 2.78p for the next two years.

Previously writing on sports, leisure and mobility equipment group Tandem (TND), in June with the shares down to 250p I concluded that the trading headwinds meant I avoided. The shares last closed at 300p but are currently falling again on the back of half-year results.

Hello Share Followers. You might think that, given the shortage of spending mazuma these days, it might not be wise to invest in the rag trade. But the clothes retailer Inditex (0QWI) is proving that’s not always the case. It’s just reported that sales for the first half of 2022 jumped by a quarter to 14.8 billion euros. And profits did even better, improving by nearly a third to 4 billion euros. Not at all bad, eh?

Floorcoverings distributor Headlam Group (HEAD) has announced results for the first half of 2022 and that trading resilience continues with it remaining on track to meet market expectations for the year.

Plenty has happened in markets and the broader business economy over the five months since I last wrote about Dunelm (DNLM), “the UK’s #1 homewares retailer, with a growing presence in the furniture market” HERE. Maybe I have better things to do, but I still have failed to visit one of its 175 “mainly out of town, with many offerings made-to-measure blind, curtain, shutter and accessories fitting service, and cafes” stores across the land. I guess that was wise as the shares are now down c.45% year-to-date (albeit still remaining a few percent above the early April 2020 COVID-19 low). How has trading been recently?

Hello Share People. In these dire economic times, it probably pays to buy shares in companies that spread the risk. Such outfits include those that have interests in many different ventures, albeit in the same sector. Judges Scientific (JDG) has 18 different makers of scientific instruments under its umbrella.

Hello Share Thrashers. Some analysts are worried about the building game in these dangerous times. But my humble view is that companies in this sector shouldn't really suffer. The overriding factor is that supply continues to lag behind demand. The homes shortage is becoming more acute. And that means prices can rise even when inflation and lack of progress in GDP continues to worsen.

Plastic products company Coral Products (CRU) has announced results for its year ended 30^th April 2022 and that it has enjoyed a strong start to its current financial year.

Hello Share Mashers. My favourite builder is still flourishing despite a few nasty headwinds currently assailing the house-making game. Higher interest rates and the galloping cost of raw materials have so far made little difference to the company’s performance. Berkeley Group (BKG) is on the way to achieving its targets for 2022.

Hello Share Shufflers. Good old Halfords (HFD) is a household name that still survives on the high street. It’s just released a 20-week trading update that’s rather encouraging. And we shouldn't be surprised because the company is taking advantage of some growing trends in both the cycle and the car world.

I am certain that there are a bunch of people who are excited that the latest house prices from Halifax showed a 0.4% increase in August, meaning (apparently) average UK house prices from this source were up 11.5% year-on-year. How pleasant statistically, but it is all looking in the past and what really matters, about the housing market and so much more in life, is what happens next. And that nicely brings us onto today’s full year numbers from Barratt Developments (BDEV).

The thing about being an investor is that not everything goes your way. However, like any challenge or issue in life, what really matters is how you react. I have been a fan of DS Smith (SMDS), a leading multinational packaging business, I last talked about at length a few months ago. It has not been the greatest year for many stocks and DS Smith is among them. However I am not surprised that following today’s update in respect of the period since 1 May 2022, the shares are up this morning. Even more importantly, I think it is still a key FTSE 100 position for me.

We have talked many times in the past about the reasons why the next fifteen years in global markets are going to be different from the last fifteen years. You should never worry about change (in fact I would worry more about a lack of change in economics or in life in general). And, if I had to make a guess about the focus of the investment world in 2037, I doubt it will be all about favourite Nasdaq holdings or how high the dollar is. Simply put, investors in Ashmore Group (ASHM), “one of the world's leading Emerging Markets investment managers with a history of consistently outperforming the market”, should be feeling excited about prospects. But despite a near 7% rise in the share price today, why is their stock nearly down 40% over the last five years?

Hello Share Splashers. Insurance can be counted as a defensive investment when times are hard, as they are now. People are drawn to increasing their security when world economies are in trouble. One of the biggest insurers is Aviva (AV.) with a market cap of more than £11 billion. And with size comes strength. Too big to fail?

Packaging group Macfarlane (MACF) has announced results for the first half of 2022 and that it expects to deliver another year of profit growth.

Almost exactly a year ago, I asked myself “I historically mucked it up on Bunzl (BNZL), so what do I think now?”. I concluded back then that it was a worthy business, which had grown its revenue, profit and cash flow over time but I passed on buying the shares as I was fired up by a bunch of different sectors and corporate names. Though, despite the stock falling about 4% this morning, it is still up over 10% during the last year. So should I be more boring and buy the stock?

Mining services company Capital Limited (CAPD) has announced results for the first half of 2022 and that “the underlying demand in the market continues to be encouraging”.

Hello Share Squashers. In uncertain economic times, folks worry about their future. Leaving money in a building society or bank isn’t going to earn enough interest to offset galloping inflation. So the wiser person thinks of taking out more in the way of pensions. Step up Phoenix Group (PHNX), one of Blighty’s biggest pension providers.

A thing about both eyes going a bit blind is that you have to give up your driving licence. I may have felt a bit frustrated about this early last year, but obviously it is very smart to fully adhere to. So I am useless now for people such as Lookers plc (LOOK), which “proudly represents 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from 144 franchise dealerships in the UK and Ireland”. But what do I think about it after its first half numbers published today?

Hello Share Changers. If you’re looking for a an outfit that’s a monopoly and that’s going to be protected by the government from ever going bust, then there’s not much choice. However, an obvious candidate is the National Grid (NG.) and here's why its share price could move up.

Hello Share Finders. It’s time for another medical adventure for you to take a look at. Gilead Sciences (0QYQ) is no mean player on the biotechnical scene. It’s looking to achieve a revenue of up to $25 billion this year.

Hello Share Moochers. Balfour Beatty (BBY) is a household name in the construction game. And, like all constructors, it took a nasty hit with Covid. But now its profits are almost back to pre-pandemic levels. Though in the first six months of 2022 revenue was slightly down, profit, the much more important number of course, improved significantly.

Hello Share Gatherers. Companies whose profits are rising are fairly rare in these dangerous days. But Prudential (PRU) saw an improvement of 8% in the first six months of the year. The adjusted operating profit came in at $1.7 billion. Most of that comes by way of a boom in life insurance and asset management.

I have written before about Phoenix Group Holdings (PHNX) but I noted back in mid-March that I was not a particular fan of the insurance services provider (even if its aim is “helping people secure a life of possibilities”). Insurance and related is a complex sector, but Phoenix Group has had an unusual share price profile.

Hello Share Takers. My favourite insurance company has posted some good numbers for the first six months and looks set to have a good year. Its operating profit improved by 8% to a cool £1.2 billion. Cash generation jumped by 22% and the Legal & General (LGEN) five year growth target is performing as it should despite all the headwinds of a shaky current economy.

Previously writing on arts, crafts, toys, books and stationery retailer TheWorks (WRKS), in May with the shares up to 57p I noted reckons can deliver further sales growth… but consumer pressures starting to bite?. The shares last closed at 46.5p and today a further “trading update”.

Hello Share Takers. From time to time, I urge you to take a look at Pets at Home (PETS). Why? Because the fascination with pets is growing hot and fast. It could be something to do with Covid making folks feel more lonely. Or is it that people are getting fed up with the inadequacies of their human companions? Or it might be that working at home makes it easier to keep a cat or dog.

Back in February, I observed that Hargreaves Lansdown (HL.) may have been at a six year low but the shares were still a strong avoid. Since then the stock has fallen further but apparently, “against a macroeconomic and geopolitical climate not seen in a generation”, Hargreaves Lansdown still remains optimistic about the future. Surely it is nothing to do with another launch opportunity from a leading fund manager?!

BP (BP.) has announced second quarter and half-year results including a second quarter attributable profit of $9.26 billion and 10% increased dividend per share to $0.06006 and outlook confidence with ongoing supply disruptions in the industry and a relative lack of inventories.

Fully-listed Egyptian Gold miner Centamin (CEY) offered up its half year report to June 2022 this morning, along with an interim dividend declaration. The report seems to have gone down well in the market, with the shares marked up by 2.4% in early trading, and the dividend – 2.5 US cents (just over 2p), to be paid on 7^th October – was at the upper end of my expectations, leaving room for a higher full year payout than currently expected, if all goes according to plan.

AIM-listed junior Gold producer Ariana Resources (AAU) released its half-year production results this morning, which made for a good read. But the bigger news for me was that construction at Ariana’s second Gold mine at Tavsan has formally started and is expected to be in operation in around 12 months. Hooray!

I am trying to remember if I ever owned Taylor Wimpey (TW.) shares as an institutional fund manager a decade plus ago. I don’t think I ever did as - aside from owning my own house - the property market intellectually has never really been a big thing for me. As for Taylor Wimpey shares this year, I observed just over six months ago that “if you are a total return investor for FY22 – it is not that terrible” but I was not going to buy the share myself. And even if you generously factor in the current c. 7% annual dividend yield, the stock is still down c. 14% over the last six months. Apparently though - as per today’s first half numbers - “full year Group operating profit (is) now expected to be around the top end of the current market consensus range". How exciting…or not?

Hello Share Smokers. What with worries about China, Ukraine, supply problems et al, you would expect the Honkers Bonkers bank (HSBA) to be up against it. Not so, according to the latest half year results. HSBC’s big cheese said ‘We are confident of achieving a return on tangible equity of at least 12% from 2023 onwards, which would represent our best returns in a decade.’

Just under a week ago I wrote about how boring BT Group (BT.A) shares are. However, whilst I was right to buy a bunch of the shares a couple of years ago, when the share price has moved very close to my two quid share price target I have failed to book my profit and run. But what has gone, has gone and what am I going to do with the shares that today are down about 5% to just shy of 168p?

I am struggling to remember a Wednesday that was as busy for those of us interested in the world of analysis, fund management and macroeconomics matters over the twenty-six years since I started work, as was yesterday. It was all good fun, even if I ended my day listening to the Federal Reserve believing it was very good at looking after American inflation. More about stocks. Like the analytical weirdo I am, I love listening to at least one live conference call every business day. However yesterday, I lost count of the number of calls I listened to and there were a bunch I passed on because I knew I simply did not have time.  First up for me was Reckitt Benckiser (RKT), a company that I mentioned on Tuesday was far more interesting than Unilever (ULVR), which remains very clear after the former’s first half numbers.

Hello Share Players. Despite the Footsie’s lack of progress, quite a few members are posting encouraging numbers. They include Reckitt Benckiser (RKT). In the first half of this year, its like-for-like sales improved by 8.6%. Revenue was up by 2.2% and, more importantly, underlying operating profit increased by a fifth to £1.8 billion.

Previously writing on construction software company Eleco (ELCO), in May with the shares down to 88.5p I concluded that the valuation didn’t look to discount the risks and thus still avoid / sell. What though now with the shares last closing at 70p and a trading update the company states it “is pleased to provide”?

Hello Share Munchers. On my mission to find shares with a chance of rising in price in a bear market, I’d like to commend this company to your further research. SSE plc (SSE) is an electricity supplier that’s beefing up its investment in the green revolution.

I talked about the “boring world of Vodafone” (VOD) back in April HERE. I am sure that some investors are excited about the stock’s year-to-date movement, but the last five, ten, fifteen or twenty years has been a bit of a shocker. I have (correctly) not owned the stock for ages but (finally) is it starting to change?

Fully listed Gold producer Centamin (CEY) updated the market this morning with its quarterly report covering the second quarter of the year (April to June). There were good bits (increased production), some not so good bits (costs nearer the top of estimates) and some bad bits (a cash outflow) but reading between the lines, I am optimistic.

Where do I start with the recent headlines about shares in the Royal Mail (RMG)? We certainly could start with the observation late yesterday that “Postal strike looms as Royal Mail workers back walkouts in pay and jobs row”. Alternatively, we could look at this morning’s observation about first quarter trading of “revenue down 11.5% year on year…reflecting weakening retail trends, lower test kit volumes and a return to structural decline in letters”. And we could even talk about the observation - also out today - that “Royal Mail threatens split after name change to International Distributions Services”. Or we could just talk again about ANOTHER fall in Royal Mail’s share price!

Hello Share Grumblers. It becomes ever harder for a bull trader like myself to find possible winners as the Footsie drops further week by week. But there are some promising sectors out there. And those, despite reservations from Uncle Tom, look to me to include the house building game. Take Barratt Developments (BDEV) for example. It sold nearly 18,000 homes in its latest year.

I start with some advice from Greece on coping with the heatwave. Then it is Jennings versus Ironveld (IRON) and why - in this case - you really should back Jennings. Finally re Fevertree (FEVR) what do you make of the photo below? And why its dividend should be chopped. And why it is still a short whatever PL suggests.

Back in early 2019 I observed that “you are not 'bonkers' anymore for buying PageGroup (PAGE)...just overly hopeful”. I guess that has proved to be an alright call on the recruitment business, as the stock dropped quite a lot during the early days of COVID-19, rallied back last year, and is currently sitting at a share price below the January 2019 level. How wonderfully dull. So what does today’s “Q2 and H1 2022 Trading Update” tell us?

Shares in Mondi plc (MNDI) are down from reaching above 1950p in February to currently below 1500p. However, there looks good reasons why the shares in this FTSE 100 company should, at least, recover to those previous levels again. If not go higher still.

Hello Share Collectors. A year ago I supported construction companies as governments, including the USA and Blighty, planned to start more big projects in the hope the extra spending would boost a jobs market hit by Covid. But the story has changed since then as politicians lean towards austerity instead. Nevertheless, some construction giants look to have been over-pummelled by these shaky times and their share prices look undervalued now.

Hello Share Moochers. There’s a perception these days that housebuilders will soon see retreating share prices because of rising interest rates, the soaring cost of living, high energy costs and so on. But my optimistic view of the bricks and mortar trade is not shaken. And that’s because supply continues to lag behind demand. And the first-half numbers from Vistry (VTY) seem to support my view.

The way the markets are currently it feels like there is plenty of risk in buying anything, even in the sectors that are expected to remain strong in the coming months.

I mentioned on Monday that Kingfisher (KGF) was hosting a capital markets day this week. So how did it go?

Results for the year to April 3 2022 - out today from Procook (PROC) - were made irrelevant when, on 10 June this year, the company issued a dire profits warning.  But for what it's worth, the results are shite.

In May I noted on ‘fast-moving consumer products’ company Supreme plc (SUP) that it stated that it “continues to trade well and looks forward to updating the market further at the announcement of its year end results in July”, but that I noted clear challenges and, at a 135p share price, I continued to avoid. Today that results announcement.

Almost every week J Sainsbury (SBRY) makes a food delivery to our home. It is probably not the cheapest nor the highest quality supplier, but it is proximate, reliable and - in my opinion - an above average player. Spot my aspirational middle-class background! I cannot remember the last time I have held shares in the company though, and that’s been a good year-to-date call. Despite offering a 5% dividend yield, the shares are down over 20% so far in 2022. Is it time to buy or keep on avoiding after numbers today?

Hello Share Wallowers. The old punter has drawn your wise attention to copper in a few fairly recent articles. The fact is that it’s used widely in the production of electricity. And it’s useful in both dirty ways of producing power and in the green revolution. Its conductive powers are going to be in increasing demand. Which leads me to Antofagasta (ANTO), which owns several copper mines in South America.

Packaging company DS Smith (SMDS) has announced results for its year ended 30^th April 2022, with it emphasising “a strong improvement in profitability and high cash generation… The new financial year has started well, building on the momentum”. This sounds good.

Hello, Share Splashers. I think you might consider whether to buy shares in City of London Investment Group (CLIG). Why might this be a good idea?

Back in April I called the Imperial Leather, Cussons Baby, Cussons Kids, Carex, Original Source, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez seller PZ Cussons (PZC) a “bad day buy” below a 200 pence share price. I think we might have had a few of those year-to-date. But if you have bought some shares - like me - then you certainly have not made a fortune (yet) as the shares are basically 200p this morning. Still, it could be a lot worse…

B.P. Marsh & Partners (BPM), the specialist investor in early stage financial services businesses, has announced results for its year ended 31^st January 2022, emphasising its growth trajectory despite the current “headwinds for all businesses”.

Hello Share Mashers. My favourite housebuilder Berkeley Group (BKG) has released some chirpy full-year figures. The group’s house sales were well up on last time, though selling prices and costs ate into earnings. Never mind, profit before tax still rose 6.4% to £551.5 million. And as long as profits keep on rising, despite all the headwinds blowing around these days, share kickers like us should be happy.

I previously wrote about DS Smith (SMDS) back in late April when I was a fan of the “leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services worldwide”, but the shares have fallen back a bit since. So how do I feel about the company now following the publication of its full-year 2021/22 numbers?

Any disruption to production is obviously a big issue for oil producers, and even more so when a company only has a small number of operations and it causes a significant impact on output.

Online prize competitions company Best of the Best (BOTB) has made announcements today which have currently sparked the shares more than 20% higher to 475p. So what’s the news?...

Writing on electrical components and control equipment group Dewhurst (DWHT) at the start of this month, I noted delayed report of “cyber incident”, impact far from minimal. So what of now half-year results?...

Hello Share Twiddlers. Reckitt Benckiser (RKT) makes very well-known hygiene products. And during and after Covid there’s more demand for this kind of thing. Among its well-known brands are Lysol and Dettol. The names conjure up in the mind heavy duty attacks on germs. During the hard times we’re encountering at the moment, folks are often tempted to buy cheaper supermarket own makes but such is the strength of Reckitt’s brands this issue doesn't seem to apply to it.

Jadestone Energy (JSE) has announced results for the 2021 calendar year and that it still expects 2022 average production to increase to 15,500-18,500 boe/d. So what of a share price slipping to 101p in response?

Plastic products company Coral Products (CRU) has issued a trading and dividend update ahead of results for its year ended 30^th April 2022, helping its shares further higher to 17.5p.

Hello Share Mates. This week I’ve reviewed Shell (SHEL) and Tullow (TLW) in the oil game. Today let’s take a gander at another likely contender to continue growing its share price: the mighty BP (BP.).

Back in November 2020 I noted about Workspace Group (WKP), the “leading provider of flexible space for London’s brightest businesses”, that it was “fortunate it does not have the huge legacy debts of many of its commercial property peers, so it will survive…but the structural headwinds are still most clearly there: fewer clients wanting more discounts”. The shares have gone a bit up and a bit down since then but, despite being up about 1% this morning to a 732p share price after full year numbers, they are basically unchanged over the last nineteen months or so. In short no disaster…but what should investors think now?

Previously writing on optical components and systems manufacturer Gooch & Housego (GHH), in February with the shares at 1045p I concluded that previously noted forecast earnings per share approaching 42p this year, up from 41p delivered last year, suggested, at best, little room for any disappointment and a risk/reward avoid. So what of half-year results today, and the shares currently at 900p?...

At the peak of a raging bull market ADVFN (AFN) managed an almost unique event in its history, it reported a profit. Facing a "sack the board" threat from Yair Tauman it recklessly started paying dividends. Now, as we slip into a bear market and with Yair’s nominees in charge we see how that payout was foolish and unsustainable as a ghastly warning of steep losses and worrying cashburn is served up.

Miner in Azerbaijan, Anglo Asian Mining (AAZ) states that it “is pleased to announce its final audited results for the year ended 31 December 2021”. However, the shares are down to 85p to buy in response.

Back in November I observed that below a 300p share price it might be worth having a look at Kingfisher (KGF). Thanks to the market volatility of the last three months we have been at that level, but there have been other stocks I have been more interested in. So what do I think after today’s first quarter trading update?

Back in November last year I wondered if I was going to choose Royal Mail (RMG) as a new buy for 2022.  But when it got the end of December the share price had risen from about 430p to approximately 520p and hence I was happy to keep on ignoring it. So why did Royal Mail shares react badly to its numbers last week, meaning their year-to-date fall is now nearly 40%? It is a good job then that I decided to ignore the share late last year…but is it a potential buy now?

I am a bit of a fan of DCC plc (DCC), the “leading international sales, marketing and support services group with a clear focus on performance and growth…operate through three divisions: Energy, Healthcare and Technology”. Back in late December I called it one of my tips of the year for 2022. So how is it getting on?

Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced results for its half year ended 31^st March 2022 emphasising “stabilisation of our core combustible business” and “successful consumer trials validate our approach and strengthen our confidence in our Next Generation Product strategy”. This sounds encouraging.

Hello Share Marchers. Though it seemed likely it would rise, the share price of BT Group (BT.A) continues to underwhelm. You would think all those home worker signing up to its powerful broadband would send its income soaring. But latest number shows underlying revenue of £20.8 billion. That sounds a lot but it was 2% down, though underlying EBITDA inched up by 2% to £7.6 billion.

Hello Share Riders. Regular readers will know this old punter favours REIT companies. These are outfits committed to paying over most of their profits to shareholders by way of dividends. Today’s offering deals in buildings in the Smoke and home counties. It’s called Capital & Counties Properties (CAPC), known as Capco.

Hello Share Fans. There’s growing support in the City for a big utility. That company is SSE plc (SSE). And the reason for the optimism is that it seems more interested in alternative energy than most other gas and electricity suppliers.

Previously writing on Concurrent Technologies (CNC), in January with the shares at 88p I concluded cautiously. The shares last closed at 87p but are currently below 80p on the back of full-year 2021 results.

Previously writing on ventilation systems and window and door hardware company Titon Holdings (TON), in February with the shares at 80p I noted it’s further margin pressure ahoy and continue to avoid. The shares last closed at 90p but, on the back of results for its half-year ended 31^st March 2022, are currently down to 75p.

Hello Share Pickers. When uncertainty stalks the world’s economies, it often pays to seek out promising insurance companies. They can thrive on nervousness as more people turn to their protective policies. One lesser known, but still substantial, company to consider is Beazley (BEZ). It recently issued a trading statement for the three months to the end of March. And it’s rather a jolly one.

You can invest in many different sectors apart from equities, bonds and cash. For myself I like having some gold exposure too, but you can also have (I guess) bitcoin or hedge funds, a second or third home, artwork, green investment angles or infrastructure exposure. The latter is worthy and reasonable but, let’s face it, a bit boring. Nevertheless I am sure a few of you are big fans of 3i Infrastructure (3IN) with its (oh so excitable) aim to “invest responsibly in infrastructure, delivering long-term sustainable returns to shareholders and having a positive impact on our portfolio companies and their stakeholders”...

Hello Share Seekers. Tom and Steve from the N50 team recommend we buy BP (BP.) shares on the back of its recent results. As usual, they rightly look at value before offering this tip. And their case here, with among other factors its dividend and reduction of debt, is strong enough. And when also taking future prospects into account, the case for collecting more BP shares looks stronger than ever.

It isn’t really surprising that any companies operating in the region where the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine is going on have taken a big hit to their share price since it all kicked off, but that can also present opportunities as long as you are prepared to take on the risks associated with that.

BP (BP.) has announced a first quarter of the year $20.4 billion loss... though also reduced net debt to $27.5 billion, a maintained 5.46 cents per share dividend and a proposed further $2.5 billion share buyback. So what’s going on?

Hello Share Cheerers. A company in the brick trade I've commended before is flying higher than expected. Ibstock (IBST) makes bricks and other building blocks. And you would anticipate success in this continuing bull market for houses and flats.

Centamin (CEY) has announced a quarterly update including “as planned, Q1 2022 production reflected the successful transition to owner mining in the underground… reiterates its 2022 full-year guidance”, so what of a share price response currently down closer to 90p?

Shares in Flowtech Fluidpower (FLO) remain below levels of earlier this year despite recent results showing encouraging recovery and noting an encouraging start to this year, with there looking to be scope for further recovery in profitability and for the share price.

Fully-listed Gold miner in Egypt, Centamin (CEY), offered up its Q1 report this morning and whilst there were a few corners to celebrate, there was bad news – at least temporarily – for shareholders as the company reported cashflow of MINUS $21.4 million on reduced sales as the business model changed to owner-mining and much-increased costs. As I write, the shares are down 7% on the news at 90p, capitalising the company at £1.05 billion. But are things as bad as they seem?

Hello Share Tempters. There are two very big British pharmas you could invest in. A long time ago I chose GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), rather than AstraZeneca (AZN). I sometimes regret that choice as AstraZeneca seems to have been the more dynamic company, including with a Covid vaccine for example. But I would not swap holdings now, as I think things are happening at GSK that could improve its share price.

Hello Share Changers. National Grid (NG.) doesn't get much coverage by financial journalists. That’s because it’s an old reliable that continues to do what it’s always done. But if you want a bit of stability in your portfolio, while you launch more speculative punts elsewhere, then it could be a sensible share to hold. And these days, the capacity for the grid to grow its share price looks strong.

The share price of 888 Holdings (888) has remained pretty weak during the completion of its acquisition of William Hill, and as a result of revenue in the final quarter of 2021 showing a substantial fall.

It is about eight hundred days since I last wrote about Dunelm Group (DNLM), “the UK's leading homewares retailer”. Back in mid-February 2020 I observed that “I am still not shopping there let alone buying the shares (1000p round number new support level?)”, which is kind of fascinating as the share price today is close to being at the aforementioned 1000p share price level. So what is going on?

It might be a couple of days before Good Friday but there is a lot going on in global markets. After all yesterday American consumer price index numbers were at a 41 year high, whilst today’s equivalent numbers in the UK were ‘only’ at a 30 year high. Of course, this is a big worry for many people but - as anyone who has been working for 20 plus years knows very well - you should never ignore the threat of inflation (unless you anticipate negligible economic growth for the rest of the 2020s). And all this chat brings me onto numbers from Tesco (TSCO) this morning which have helped push its shares down 5%…

Equipment rental company Vp plc (VP.) has issued a trading update announcement which is headlined “Expected performance ahead of expectations driven by increased demand”. This sounds good.

Previously writing on cosmetics company Warpaint London (W7L), in June with the shares at 163.5p I concluded cautiously as the valuation already looked to factor in some clear earnings upside. The shares last closed at 124.5p, though are currently back up above 140p on the back of a trading update.

The performance of CMC Markets (CMCX) has been pretty disappointing in recent times, but now there are some signs of its financial performance improving and a potential demerging of the business on the horizon.

Imperial Brands (IMB) has announced in a trading update “first-half adjusted group operating profit ahead of last year on constant currency basis” and full-year outlook in line with guidance.

For a non-smoker it is a bit of a surprise that I am such a fanboy of Imperial Brands (IMB) shares. So what about today’s pre-close trading update?

Hello, Share Chirpers. Share brokers do well in times of uncertainty. When there’s big volatility, folks like us do more trading. And brokers don’t care whether we sell or buy as long as some dealing is going on. We’ve had a lot of uncertainty for more than two years now. And so there seems to me a possibility that my favourite broker will be making bigger profits than usual.

Six months ago Malcolm wrote about Michelmersh Brick Holdings (MBH) that “This Brick Maker Makes Hay While the House Boom Shines”. He is absolutely correct at many levels as today’s FY21 results are headed by the observation of “strong performance surpassing record adjusted 2019 financial year and positive momentum into FY22”. So why are its shares down over 13% during the last six months?

Central Asia Metals (CAML) is one of those companies which I think is consistently undervalued by the market, and although it carries some degree of geo-political risk, I believe that too large a discount is applied for that.