Peter Temple
Peter Temple was born in Yorkshire, has a degree in economics and worked in the City as an analyst for 18 years. Since 1988 he has pursued a career as a freelance financial analyst, financial journalist and author, contributing regularly to Interactive Investor, the FT and Investors Chronicle. As an investor he delights in finding undervalued small companies and owns a number of alternative investments, in stamps, rare coins and gold bullion. He lives and works in a converted water mill in the Lake District National Park, but travels widely.
- Analyst eyes Portfolio changes
Peter Temple
20.11.09
The Ethical Portfolio has continued to perform well, says the Analyst. However, changes are afoot as he trims System C Healthcare and decides between three firms as a new addition.
- Gold: A personal view
Peter Temple
19.11.09
The price of gold has just kept rising during the financial storm, but Peter Temple says it's shrewd to keep an eye on the moves of governments. India's recent decision to swap dollars for gold, could mean it's time to exit.
- Analyst gambles on Ladbrokes
Peter Temple
12.11.09
Bookmaker Ladbrokes has been giving the Analyst a headache in the Income Portfolio. The recent rights issue has left him considering the firm's position in the Portfolio.
- The Coppock indicator and how it works
Peter Temple
11.11.09
Edwin Coppock devised one of the most accurate ways of determining if a new bull market trend has begun, says Peter Temple. And he got it right this June...
- Growth Portfolio continues upward trend
Peter Temple
06.11.09
The Analyst is satisfied with the Growth Portfolio's performance this month, on the back of strong showings from Tristel and London & Stamford.
- Understanding price to sales ratio
Peter Temple
05.11.09
It may be one of the simplest ratios for valuing companies, but using it alone could leave investors in danger of oversimplifying matters, says Peter Temple.
- Credit where credit's due
Peter Temple
29.10.09
Often maligned, credit rating agencies could offer investors helpful warning signs, says Peter Temple. In fact, equity investors might do well to pay more attention.
- Fund Portfolio enters new realm
Peter Temple
28.10.09
Despite continuing to outperform the market, the Analyst thinks it's time to add to the Fund Portfolio. He's eyeing up the iShares JP Morgan $ Emerging Markets Bond Fund which takes the Portfolio into unchartered territory.
- Looking at high yield ETFs
Peter Temple
22.10.09
Exchange traded funds offer an investor instant diversification, says Peter Temple. However, one's appetite for risk - and the occasional anomaly - are still factors in choosing this investment route.
- Ethical Portfolio takes a step back
Peter Temple
21.10.09
The Ethical Portfolio has slipped back, the Analyst reports as he awaits a market correction. Although he's finding it hard to add new constituents, he's not ready to abandon his 'deep green' philosophy just yet.
- Income Portfolio on flying form
Peter Temple
14.10.09
Although the Analyst rues a couple of missed opportunities, he's pleased with the Portfolio. He's wary of Local Shopping REIT, however.
- The importance of asset allocation
Peter Temple
14.10.09
Although it goes against his education as an analyst, Peter Temple says looking after a portfolio comprising a variety of assets is one way to insure all your eggs are not in one basket.
- Analyst coins it in with Avarae
Peter Temple
07.10.09
With things ticking over nicely in the Growth Portfolio, The Analyst decides against making any rash decisions. The performance of Avarae Global Coins, however, is something of a boost.
- How Footsie constituents change
Peter Temple
05.10.09
There's a quarterly sea of change on the markets, as constituents come and go on the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250. Peter Temple explains how and why these changes take place.
- Following the Peter Lynch method
Peter Temple
30.09.09
Peter Lynch was one of the most famous fund managers in the US in the 70s and 80s with a technique based on investing in what you know. Peter Temple introduces its basic premise.
- Analyst eyes emerging markets
Peter Temple
29.09.09
It's been a good month for the Fund Portfolio, but The Analyst has his eye on dipping into the emerging markets with some of the Portfolio's cash holding. However, he's waiting for some realism in global markets until he does.
- Rotala runs out of time
Peter Temple
21.09.09
The Ethical Portfolio has had a stellar month, but The Analyst remains disappointed by Rotala. He's ditching the bus operator and upping his holding in United Utilities.
- Utilising operating cash flow and profit
Peter Temple
21.09.09
Using operating cash flow and operating profit as a ratio reveals all when looking at company accounts, says Peter Temple. It may be simple, but it's effective, he says.
- L&G out, Hansard in as Analyst chases yields
Peter Temple
16.09.09
The Income Portfolio is still going strong, but The Analyst is not resting on his laurels. He ditches Legal & General and swaps its for another insurer in Hansard Global.
- Solving the puzzle of index-linked bonds
Peter Temple
14.09.09
Index-linked bonds may be a minefield of uncertainty for some investors, says Peter Temple, but if investors are prepared to sacrifice some element of yield, there's considerable value to be had.
- Investing on options with spread betting
Peter Temple
09.09.09
It may be easy to trade options with spread bets and gain advantageous tax breaks, but Peter Temple says one should not forget the all-important stop-loss.
- Growth Portfolio coins it in
Peter Temple
08.09.09
Although Tristel continues to scrub up well, it is the Growth Portfolio's holding of Avarae Global Coins that is giving The Analyst his best performance.
- A Marston's masterstroke
Peter Temple
02.09.09
The timing of adding Marston's to the Retirement Portfolio couldn't have been better, says The Analyst. But he's rueing the decision to check on it quarterly.
- Getting it REIT with property
Peter Temple
01.09.09
Real estate investment trusts could be a play for long-term income investors, says Peter Temple. But tread carefully, he warns.
- Ethical overshadowed by markets
Peter Temple
25.08.09
Although the market has flourished in the past month, the Ethical Portfolio has been knocked by some dire performances. The Analyst is readying himself for a change. Watch this space, he says.
- Getting to grips with Bollinger bands
Peter Temple
24.08.09
Bollinger bands use share volatility in conjunction with moving averages to measure the underlying movement of a series of data, offering value over shorter time periods, says Peter Temple.
- Investing with politics in mind
Peter Temple
19.08.09
Peter Temple agrees that there are links between politics and the markets, but they're hard to pin down. Constructing a formula is even harder, he says.
- Analyst sticks ... for now
Peter Temple
17.08.09
The Analyst admits that he may have underestimated the potential of one constituent last time round, but the Income Portfolio is still going along nicely.
- May Gurney axed from Growth Portfolio
Peter Temple
11.08.09
The Analyst calls time on May Gurney's disappointing tenure in the Growth Portfolio and brings in niche software and consultancy business NCC Group.
- Comparing PE ratios
Peter Temple
10.08.09
Rightly or wrongly, says Peter Temple, the humble PE ratio remains a popular analytical tool in valuing companies. But buying a share isn't just a case of simply looking at the numbers, he adds.
- Investing in traded endowment policies
Peter Temple
04.08.09
Peter Temple says endowment policies can offer investors an intriguing. A little intelligent thought can yield decent returns, he says.
- No change in Fund Portfolio
Peter Temple
04.08.09
The Analyst is rueing his heavy holding in cash as the markets took a turn for the better. However, his search for a new constituent has proved fruitless so far.
- Hedging using spread bets
Peter Temple
28.07.09
Hedging is a legitimate tool that all investors can employ to protect portfolio gains, says Peter Temple. After all, it may be a notion that has gone awry, but hedging is all about insurance.
- Analysing pharmaceutical companies
Peter Temple
20.07.09
Drug companies are less susceptible to conventional financial analysis than you might think, says Peter Temple. But there remains a raft of external factors that can affect them.
- Analyst homes in on property
Peter Temple
20.07.09
Having detected a slightly better tone in the equity market, the Analyst feels it's time for new blood. And he's looking in the property sector.
- Growth Portfolio proves resilient
Peter Temple
13.07.09
Despite a tough month on the markets, the Analyst is reasonably pleased with the Growth Portfolio's performance. He's not too worried about Tristel's falls - for now - but is on the hunt for a new addition.
- Picking a bear rally
Peter Temple
10.07.09
Given the seeming end of the market rally, Peter Temple wonders if now is a good time to ask if this is a bear market, and what the market has in store for us next.
- Analyst eyes up gold
Peter Temple
08.07.09
There's been little change in terms of movement for the Fund Portfolio, but with cash burning a hole in his pocket, the Analyst has his eyes on gold.
- Staying in fashion with hemline theory
Peter Temple
07.07.09
Fashion trends are seen as a predictive indicator when it comes to the likely future direction of the market with hemline theory. How influential it is remains to be seen, says Peter Temple.
- Analyst bids farewell to Genus
Peter Temple
01.07.09
Genus departs from the Ethical Portfolio with a near-triple growth. Its successors are RPS Group and the Britannia PIBS.
- Using WACC effectively
Peter Temple
30.06.09
Weighted average cost of capital - or WACC - is a mainstay of analyst reports, but how should it be used? Peter Temple says the calculation may have a few wrinkles, but its objectivity is beneficial.
- Analyst readies himself for next move
Peter Temple
23.06.09
With cash dominating the Income Portfolio's holdings, the Analyst casts his eye for some potential newcomers for when he's ready to dip back into the market.
- Is an annuity right for you?
Peter Temple
23.06.09
Annuities may be the preserve of the over 50s, but if it's offering the type of protection you're after, shop around for the best deal says Peter Temple.
- May Gurney runs out of time
Peter Temple
15.06.09
It's another month of gains for the Growth Portfolio, but the Analyst still trims his holding in May Gurney despite its gains and has his eyes on a new addition.
- Taking steps to manage your wealth
Peter Temple
15.06.09
Having accrued a comfortable level of wealth, it's important to maintain it. Peter Temple says taking some relatively basic steps could preserve your money.
- Analyst makes wholesale changes
Peter Temple
08.06.09
There were too many passengers in the Retirement Portfolio, decides the Analyst as he dumps four of the constituents. However, only Marstons comes in as it meets the Portfolio's yield benchmark.
- Big companies versus small companies
Peter Temple
08.06.09
The question of size when investing is one that divides opinion. Peter Temple says both have their value, but big doesn't always mean safe.
- "Game over" for collectables?
Peter Temple
01.06.09
With the return to form of the stock market, is it now time to get out of collectables? Peter Temple isn't so sure, but says they are a long-term investment.
- Ethical Portfolio continues growth
Peter Temple
29.05.09
For the second consecutive month, the Analyst is pleased with the showing from his green investments. Many have rung the death knell for the sector, but he's not about to bail out now.
- Analyst banking on cash
Peter Temple
27.05.09
The Analyst casts aside a disappointing Marks & Spencer, but believes the Income Portfolio's cash balance provides a healthy cushion for the market setback he forecasts.
- Using price relative charts
Peter Temple
27.05.09
Price relative charts have their advantages over an absolute price chart, but are often dismissed as naively simple. Peter Temple says it has its place in analysis and is very much a common-sense tool.
- Growth Portfolio notches up gains
Peter Temple
18.05.09
The Analyst is pleased, if surprised, by the sterling performance of Tristel - which had been on the verge of the chop - to help the Portfolio push forward. His eyes are now on May Gurney's lamentable performance.
- Have you the nerve for contrarian opinion theory?
Peter Temple
18.05.09
Getting into the market as disaster strikes takes a lot of nerve, says Peter Temple. The rewards are big, but it's only at the extremes that contrary opinion theory can really be put to the test.
- Analyst questions move for cash
Peter Temple
13.05.09
Having seen the Fund Portfolio and market make strides forward, The Analyst debates his safety-first attitude.
- Rotala pays off for Analyst
Peter Temple
07.05.09
The Ethical Portfolio is looking after itself at the moment, says The Analyst, but he believes there's scope for a new addition. Smaller financials could be the way forward.
- Analysing utilities
Peter Temple
06.05.09
Utility firms offer a degree of predictability, says Peter Temple. The difficulty can be in analysing them.
- Breaking down bond durations
Peter Temple
29.04.09
Professional bond investors use "duration" as a measure of volatility - not the time it takes to mature, says Peter Temple. Understanding the concept is important, he says.
- Income Portfolio stays firm in trying times
Peter Temple
29.04.09
The Analyst is pleased with the performances of Ladbrokes and Marks & Spencer, while British American Tobacco's dividend bumps up the Portfolio's cash balances.
- Getting to grips with rights issues
Peter Temple
22.04.09
The maths behind rights issues isn't hard to fathom, says Peter Temple, but the difficulty lies in comprehending the impact it has on share prices.
- Growth Portfolio chalks up gains
Peter Temple
22.04.09
May Gurney was the Portfolio's star performer last month, but the Analyst has reservations over his holding in Tristel.
- Analyst sees further falls to come
Peter Temple
14.04.09
Maintaining decent levels of cash in the Fund Portfolio is only prudent, says the Analyst, who is not convinced we've hit the bottom.
- Trading on confidence intervals
Peter Temple
14.04.09
Using confidence intervals will show how far a share moves from its mean over a set period. Useful, says Peter Temple, but more so for longer term investors.
- Analyst ships out CBG
Peter Temple
08.04.09
A first-time slump by CBG is enough for the Analyst to discard it and bring in its replacement - System C Healthcare.
- Understanding Dow Theory
Peter Temple
06.04.09
Signals of Dow Theory can be used as a proxy and has proved to capture two thirds of the trends. However, there's no equivalent pairing in the UK, says Peter Temple.
- Seven years of income investing
Peter Temple
01.04.09
The Income Portfolio has made 8% a year over seven years, says the Analyst, which is pretty good when you consider the FTSE 100 has lost 4% a year over the same period.
- Does the MPC matter?
Peter Temple
31.03.09
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee sets interest rates. It's important work, but the forecasting industry that has grown up around it's decisions can do more harm than good.
- Risk control with stop-loss orders
Peter Temple
25.03.09
Controlling risk is crucial for successful trading. Peter Temple explains how stop-loss orders on CFDs and spread-bets are particularly effective.
- Growth Portfolio coins it in
Peter Temple
23.03.09
New constituent Avarae gains 30% as investors recognise the value of its high quality coin portfolio in uncertain times.
- The case for passive investing
Peter Temple
18.03.09
Passive investors aren't really passive, says Peter Temple, they actively focus on asset allocation and minimising costs. In a world where most investors overestimate their stock picking ability, it's a sound approach.
- Retirement Portfolio slashed and burned
Peter Temple
13.03.09
Dividend cuts almost send the Retirement Portfolio into negative territory as the Analyst ponders how to achieve high income and capital preservation in a '30's-style bear market.
- Diversifying with derivatives
Peter Temple
11.03.09
CFDs are not just a way of gearing up your returns, you can use them to hedge your portfolio and make it safer, says Peter Temple.
- Genus disappoints, but Analyst stays loyal
Peter Temple
11.03.09
As the seventh anniversary of the Ethical Portfolio approaches, the Analyst pats himself on the back for his market-walloping performance, and sitting on cash during the latest sell-off.
- How to analyse retailers
Peter Temple
05.03.09
Peter Temple explains the yardsticks retail analysts use to determine which shops are doing best.
- Tough call on L&G
Peter Temple
03.03.09
The Analyst has to decide whether Legal & General still warrants a place in the Income Portfolio, now a dividend cut is a strong possibility.
- Commercial property drives Growth Portfolio
Peter Temple
25.02.09
London and Stanford's acquisition of a stake in a shopping centre could be a sign that property values are stabilising, says the Analyst, as the Growth Portfolio inches ahead.
- Arbitrage and the investor
Peter Temple
24.02.09
Dual listed companies, the bond market, and takeovers are traditional targets of arbitragers, says Peter Temple. They move markets, so it pays to be aware.
- Fund Portfolio buoyed by gold
Peter Temple
16.02.09
The Analyst feels particularly gloomy as New Star winds up its Heart of Africa fund, and he dwells on forecasts of economic recovery in 2012 and double-digit inflation.
- The telltale signs of consumer confidence
Peter Temple
16.02.09
Indications of an improvement in consumer confidence are likely to be one of the first signs that the current economic downturn is waning. There aren't any signs of that yet.
- Ethical Portfolio up 114%
Peter Temple
06.02.09
Analyst buys more shares in United Utilities and against his experience, he considers averaging down his holding in bus company Rotala.
- Understanding EBITDA
Peter Temple
06.02.09
Companies, analysts, and journalists use and abuse EBITDA to compare and value companies. Peter Temple prefers cash-flow.
- Analyst buys corporate bonds
Peter Temple
04.02.09
The Analyst sells his gilt-edge stocks and buys corporate bonds in a mixed month for shares in the Income Portfolio.
- Insider trading is here to stay
Peter Temple
04.02.09
A bit like the cockroach, insider trading is as old as investing, and impossible to stamp out, says Peter Temple.
- Growth Portfolio goes in search of assets
Peter Temple
28.01.09
The Analyst ditches Glisten and buys coin dealer Avarae. Companies with spare cash to buy discounted assets are winners in this environment, he says.
- Dividends to make a comeback
Peter Temple
26.01.09
If history repeats itself, investors will look to dividends for a decent unambiguous return, says Peter Temple. So now's a good time to learn how to collect them.
- Analyst is short Armageddon
Peter Temple
20.01.09
The Analyst gives up on New Star Heart of Africa fund and ponders a switch into corporate bonds. Bond prices may be pricing in Armageddon he says, which could be an opportunity.
- Follow the volume
Peter Temple
20.01.09
There's more to technical analysis than charts. The most important signals are often accompanied by large volumes of trades, hence the old advice to "follow the money".
- Regulator should relax about company warnings
Peter Temple
14.01.09
Companies aren't to blame for the market's reaction to profit warnings, says Peter Temple, so using extreme price movements to justify an investigation is wrong.
- All quiet on the ethical front
Peter Temple
08.01.09
The Analyst thinks the market will be weak in 2009, and in any case it's difficult to find ethical stocks with good prospects for share price appreciation.
- Analyst sticks with M&S for dividend
Peter Temple
07.01.09
The Analyst considers switching from gilts to corporate bonds ahead of recovery in the financial sector, and sticks with M&S despite other investors' fears.
- Beat the market with O'Higgins
Peter Temple
05.01.09
Michael O'Higgins worked out a simple system for beating the US stockmarket buying 10 shares, or even a single stock, and holding for a year. Peter Temple indentifies the UK stocks that meet the criteria in 2009.
- Where to put your money in 2009
Peter Temple
31.12.08
Peter Temple imagines the year ahead and decides there's not much future in stocks and bonds. Cash, gold and perhaps later, property, will be the best homes for money.
- A great year for cash
Peter Temple
24.12.08
The Analyst looks back on a year to forget. A few companies are riding the storm, but if it hadn't been for cash, gilts, and dividends his portfolios would have been in much worse shape.
- Lessons from a year to forget
Peter Temple
24.12.08
Rather than wring his hands over spectacular casualties in his portfolios, the Analyst decides to learn from his mistakes and ponder the bizarre performance of a gold fund.
- Solid gains in time
Peter Temple
24.12.08
Investors seeking an alternative to traditional asset classes need to tread carefully, as some tangible investments are more resilient in a downturn than others, writes Peter Temple.
- Cash costs Ethical Portfolio
Peter Temple
18.12.08
Although the Ethical Portfolio is trouncing the market, the Analyst's bearish stance cost him in the recent market rally. That's life, he says, the market's going down.
- What are bond yields signalling?
Peter Temple
18.12.08
Typically, when an inverted yield curve disappears it's a good sign for the economy, and the stockmarket. That may not be true this time, says Peter Temple.
- Investing like Warren Buffett
Peter Temple
11.12.08
He's the world's most famous investor, followed by tens of thousands of devotees. But investing like Warren Buffett isn't right for all investors, says Peter Temple.
- Keeping faith in Marks & Spencer
Peter Temple
08.12.08
The Analyst collects a hefty dividend from the Income Portfolio's gilt holding, but he's happy he trimmed it last time round, and bought shares instead.
- Analyst may visit pawnbroker
Peter Temple
03.12.08
Logical valuation has been jettisoned by the market, moans the Analyst as he watches the Growth Portfolio fall and ponders his next steps...
- How to analyse bank shares
Peter Temple
01.12.08
Bank analysis is a numbers game. Investors might regret not paying more attention to it in the run-up to the credit crisis, and it could make the difference when the recovery starts.
- Retiree finds silver lining in cloudy market
Peter Temple
26.11.08
Lloyds TSB, Carpathian and BT all fall heavily. But since the dividend paying capacity of the Retirement Portfolio is little affected, the Analyst is relaxed as he spends the kids inheritance.
- How analysts set target prices
Peter Temple
24.11.08
While target prices seem scientific and objective, in reality they are just guesses, says Peter Temple. Before taking them seriously, you need to examine the assumptions behind them.
- Buying corporate bonds on the cheap
Peter Temple
17.11.08
It might seem crazy investing in corporate bonds during a credit crisis, but actually, says Peter Temple, bonds are cheap.
- Spotting survivors with free cash-flow
Peter Temple
13.11.08
Peter Temple explains how to calculate and interpret free cash-flow, an acid test of a company's ability to survive difficult times.
- Rate cut is cue for dividend investing
Peter Temple
12.11.08
RBS no longer warrants a place in the Income Portfolio, says the Analyst, but after the interest rate cut, high yielders like L&G and Ladbrokes make sense.
- Debt-fuelled growth warning
Peter Temple
04.11.08
The Growth Portfolio's performance is in tatters, says the Analyst, as he takes a hard look at Glisten's debt. The food company's debt-fuelled growth concerns him.
- Company ownership and you
Peter Temple
03.11.08
Should you buy a share in a company in which a director has a controlling interest? Although the rules are better than they used to be, Peter Temple urges caution.
- Analyst sits on hands
Peter Temple
28.10.08
The Analyst is waiting for the market to regain a sense of proportion before committing any more of the Fund Portfolio's cash. Maybe in a couple of months, markets will be calmer. They'll be different too.
- Seeing value in the market
Peter Temple
28.10.08
If Warren Buffett sees value in the market, should the rest of us? Peter Temple says, value investing may well be a discipline whose time has come.
- Safe havens: Cash or gilts?
Peter Temple
22.10.08
As investors rush to gilts and other 'safe havens', Peter Temple recommends you choose your gilts carefully. In the short-term cash is king.
- Smaller companies at risk
Peter Temple
21.10.08
The Analyst's focus on smaller companies puts the Ethical Portfolio's market-beating performance at risk from capricious bankers. He's pondering a big change in policy.
- Cash and gilts save Income Portfolio
Peter Temple
15.10.08
The Income Portfolio is holding up much better than the wider market, but the Analyst still has RBS to worry about it. It has to go, he says, but not yet.
- Prefs, PIBS and Government bail-outs
Peter Temple
13.10.08
The Government plans to take a stake in the banks using preference shares and Permanent Interest Bearing Shares. Peter Temple explains.
- Covering your calls
Peter Temple
09.10.08
Writing options is often said to be madness, but provided the options are matched to shares you own it can make a lot of sense in volatile markets, says Peter Temple.
- When genuine growth goes unrewarded
Peter Temple
08.10.08
The Analyst is dismayed by the Growth Portfolio. When shares in companies with bags of cash and healthy profits fall, there's not much an investor can do but wait for logic to return.
- Rock solid Maximiser bolsters Fund Portfolio
Peter Temple
02.10.08
Volatile markets are good for writers, a strategy used by Schroder in its Income Maximiser fund. It's one reason why the Fund Portfolio has almost doubled the increase in the FTSE.
- The psychology of support and resistance
Peter Temple
30.09.08
Support and resistance levels chart the points at which fear turns to greed and greed turns to fear, says Peter Temple. They can help investors time their trades.
- Pat on the back for ethical Analyst
Peter Temple
23.09.08
Outperforming many leading ethical funds vindicates the 'deep green' approach of the Ethical Portfolio says The Analyst.
- Logic goes out of the window
Peter Temple
19.09.08
The recent market volatility adds credence to chaos theory, says Peter Temple. If there's no rhyme or reason to markets, investors become deeply unsettled.
- Using dividend discount models
Peter Temple
15.09.08
DDMs are a relatively simple way to value companies, says Peter Temple, although they're a little more complicated when you apply them to growth stocks.
- Growth Portfolio glistening no longer
Peter Temple
05.09.08
The Analyst can't explain Glisten's falling price, perhaps it's too small and distant for the City to notice. He's confident it will recover, but he's also looking for a new 'wonder stock'.
- Investing with convertible bonds
Peter Temple
05.09.08
Convertible bonds are safer than shares, says Peter Temple, but offer some of the upside. They're not bombproof though.
- Trading certificates to track indices
Peter Temple
02.09.08
Certificates are a kind of index tracking covered warrant, explains Peter Temple. They're available for a wide variety of indices and commodities - at a price.
- Retirement Portfolio falters...
Peter Temple
01.09.08
...But the Analyst buys more Lloyds TSB, BT and United Utilities. Earning a retirement income, he says, won't happen if he keeps his cash in the bank.
- Market confounds Analyst
Peter Temple
27.08.08
Although the Ethical Portfolio is doing very well, the Analyst is stumped. So many 'deep green' companies are exposed to property and commodity prices that doing the right thing seems very risky right now.
- REITs: A year and a half on
Peter Temple
26.08.08
Despite uncertainty in the commercial property market, investors in REITs still have the underlying property assets to fall back on. That's a pretty comforting thought, says Peter Temple.
- Solving short-selling
Peter Temple
19.08.08
Shorting isn't as daft as it sounds, says Peter Temple. If it's carried out truthfully, investors can profit when a company bombs. But it's not as easy as it looks, he warns.
- Fresh start as Analyst dumps Claimar
Peter Temple
13.08.08
The time has finally come to ditch Claimar Care, decides the Analyst. Its replacement is the impressively defensive May Gurney Integrated Services.
- Away from the herd
Peter Temple
08.08.08
Peter Temple explains the strategy behind some of his recent selections for his model portfolio of funds.
- Gaining variety with ETFs
Peter Temple
06.08.08
For greater variety and ease of dealing, investors should consider ETFs says Peter Temple. But be sure to study the terms carefully, he warns.
- Fund Portfolio still ahead of the game
Peter Temple
05.08.08
The Analyst is wary that the bear market still has legs, so is preparing for his next move later in the year and has his eyes on the climate change sector.
- Betting against private investors
Peter Temple
29.07.08
Odd-lot theory originated from the cynical assumption that private investors are always wrong. There is some truth in it, says Peter Temple, but you don't need to go to the trouble of calculating the odd-lot ratio.
- Analyst redeems United Utilities
Peter Temple
28.07.08
United Utilities shareholders are faced with a choice, keep the new 'B' shares the company is issuing or redeem them for cash. The Anlayst takes the cash but is in no hurry to invest it.
- We've not seen the worst of the bear
Peter Temple
22.07.08
It may be up against the market, but the Income Portfolio is down in absolute terms this month. The Analyst is not about to switch out of cash and gilts, though, because equities aren't cheap enough yet.
- Making the most of PEG
Peter Temple
21.07.08
The price earnings growth ratio is an improvement on the venerable PE, says Peter Temple. But be careful - it's tricky to caluclate correctly and doesn't apply to all companies.
- Small stocks take Growth Portfolio down
Peter Temple
16.07.08
The Analyst could find no hiding place last month, and it's smaller stocks that did the damage. He's looking to larger capitalisation stocks to return the Portfolio to its winning ways.
- Spread betting commodities
Peter Temple
15.07.08
Spread bets offer a way around currency risk and a way to sell a commodity short and use leverage, but beware 'soft commodities' and uncontrolled betting says Peter Temple.
- Picking funds, not performance
Peter Temple
07.07.08
On the fifth anniversary of the Fund Portfolio, The Analyst demonstrates how an intelligently selected portfolio of funds can beat the market.
- Now is the time to invest for income
Peter Temple
04.07.08
Income investing can be very lucrative if you time your entry point carefully. Peter Temple explains what to look for in an income share, apart from a high yield.
- Analyst prepares for strong rally
Peter Temple
01.07.08
The Ethical Portfolio is performing well and the Analyst is positioning it for a rally in big companies. The problem is finding ethical stocks in an index dominated by banks and resource companies.
- CFD ready reckoner
Peter Temple
30.06.08
How do you know if it's better to trade a CFD or place a spreadbet? Totting up the costs can be tricky, but Peter Temple has a CFD ready reckoner for you.
- Does the Fed model work?
Peter Temple
24.06.08
The theory that long-term government bond yields are a yardstick for stockmarket valuation may be neat, says Peter Temple, but it's far from perfect.
- TDG out and M&S in
Peter Temple
20.06.08
The Analyst ejects TDG from the Income Portfolio as its price triggers a stop-loss. Its replacement is Marks & Spencer, which yields 6%.
- Radical action on Growth Portfolio
Peter Temple
18.06.08
The Growth Portfolio takes another big hit, and the Analyst decides to make some cuts. Out goes Zirax, as his attention turns to a sector that sparkles, literally.
- Gaming the markets
Peter Temple
17.06.08
Applying game theory to the markets reminds Peter Temple to be cautious, because unexpected events can derail even the most carefully thought-out strategy.
- Logica sparkles in Armchair Portfolio
Peter Temple
09.06.08
New addition Logica's share price softens the blow of missing out on the firm's dividend, while The Analyst has lots to consider regarding Dawnay Day Carpathian.
- Playing interest rates with undated stocks
Peter Temple
09.06.08
Though safe and secure from default, undated stocks are far from being risk-free says Peter Temple. However, they can be an interesting way to play interest rates and inflation.
- Ethical Portfolio: Every share's a winner
Peter Temple
04.06.08
With the Portfolio's constituents all performing well, the Analyst is happy to sit back and let them do the work. If buses and wave energy are the future, he's well set for it.
- How to analyse oil stocks
Peter Temple
02.06.08
As the price of crude soars, some oil companies have become stockmarket superstars, but others have actually fallen back. Peter Temple explains how to avoid those at the bottom of the barrel.
- Interest in TDG saves Income Portfolio
Peter Temple
28.05.08
As the Analyst adjusts the Income Portfolio to account for RBS's rights issue, he's grateful for TDG. Fellow haulage company Wincanton is making a bid.
- Understanding reinvested return on equity
Peter Temple
27.05.08
There are many ways to value a company, says Peter Temple, but reinvested return on equity is one of the better ones. Strangely, because it's also easy to calculate, investors often forget about it.
- Growth Portfolio goes pear-shaped
Peter Temple
20.05.08
Although the Growth Portfolio is doing well long-term, it's had a terrible couple of months. So the Analyst takes advantage of lower prices to buy more Claimar Care.
- Fund Portfolio looks to Africa
Peter Temple
14.05.08
Despite reservations about the recent rally, the Analyst can't afford to miss out. He trims his holdings in cash and gold and after a long search, buys New Star Heart of Africa.
- Betting on bond futures
Peter Temple
13.05.08
Government bonds may be at the boring end of the investment scale but you can jazz up the returns and pile on the risk by spread betting bond futures. Peter Temple explains.
- Central banks: What is the point?
Peter Temple
07.05.08
Uncertainty over the powers of central banks can cause confusion in the markets and they are defined by the society they find themselves in, says Peter Temple.
- Ethical Portfolio picks up steam
Peter Temple
05.05.08
Good performances by Genus, CBG and Renewable Energy Holdings boost the Ethical Portfolio, but The Analyst has his eyes on REH's small print.
- Analyst takes up RBS offer
Peter Temple
30.04.08
The Income Portfolio went nowhere last month, which is a result given RBS' rights issue. The Analyst decides to increase his holding in one of the highest yielding banks around.
- FTSE: 5,200
Peter Temple
28.04.08
Peter Temple looks at past stock market cycles, which suggest the market will close 2008 at 5,200. But the credit crunch could mean we're no longer playing by the old rules.
- Portfolio humbled by challenging market
Peter Temple
17.04.08
Although it's still beating the market by some margin, the Portfolio has lost a fifth of its value in six months. The Analyst resists selling his losers.
- Trading commodities
Peter Temple
17.04.08
From lean hogs to base metals, the range of commodities you can trade using exchange traded funds is growing, says Peter Temple.
- Analyst eyes China
Peter Temple
11.04.08
The Analyst has cash to invest in the Fund Portfolio, but he's holding off while the credit crunch unwinds. Meanwhile, he's looking at emerging markets again, especially China.
- Buses drive Ethical Portfolio
Peter Temple
09.04.08
Public transport is exciting the Analyst. He already owns Rotala in the Ethical Portfolio, and he's interested in Darwen.
- How to appraise management
Peter Temple
09.04.08
At smaller companies a handful of individuals can have a disproportionate impact on performance, says Peter Temple, so it pays to scrutinise them as carefully as the numbers.
- Analyst's caution pays off
Peter Temple
31.03.08
The Income Portfolio's move into gilts finally looks like a good decision, whilst The Analyst has to decide which 'interesting opportunity' to add to the Portfolio.
- Analysing share momentum with RSI
Peter Temple
28.03.08
The relative strength indicator helps address drawbacks in other momentum indicators and by averaging prices, says Peter Temple. And it reduces drawbacks of other methods.
- Analyst to use cash for Growth
Peter Temple
26.03.08
While the Growth Portfolio suffers another dip, The Analyst refuses to boost current holdings, but turns to London & Stamford Property to lift market exposure.
- Elliott's theory makes waves
Peter Temple
25.03.08
Peter Temple explains the thinking behind Elliott Waves and how the series of cycles almost always predict a prolonged crash.
- Working out working capital
Peter Temple
17.03.08
It is often at the back of investors' minds, but working capital is where the stresses and strains on a company show up first, says Peter Temple.
- Ethical recovers its poise
Peter Temple
13.03.08
Good performances from Genus and Rotala boost the Ethical Portfolio, while The Analyst decides what to do with the cash in reserve.
- The rewards of gilts
Peter Temple
12.03.08
Understanding the dichotomy between short-dated and long-dated stocks is key in grasping how to make a profit in the gilts market, says Peter Temple.
- Analysing life companies
Peter Temple
05.03.08
The current crisis in the banking sector shows that financial companies cannot be analysed in the same way as the rest of the market, says Peter Temple.
- Income trio please Analyst
Peter Temple
05.03.08
Calmer conditions suit the Income Portfolio, says The Analyst, as dividends and gains from BAT, RBS and TDG boost its value.
- Analyst sits tight on Tristel
Peter Temple
28.02.08
Although Tristel is dragging the Growth Portfolio down, The Analyst thinks the market is mistaken. Just in case, he puts a stop-loss on the stock to prevent heavier losses.
- Hedge funds explained
Peter Temple
28.02.08
The appeal of hedge funds is that returns should be consistent and they bear little relation to more conventional stockmarket investments, says Peter Temple.
- Interpreting unemployment data
Peter Temple
19.02.08
Unemployment data is an indicator of the spare capacity of an economy, but there's a lot of bumpf to sort through to get the real story, says Peter Temple.
- Ethical Portfolio reshuffle
Peter Temple
12.02.08
The Analyst responds to recent falls by re-evaluating his holdings. Out goes Synergy Healthcare, but he's keeping faith with REH, Rotala, Genus, CBG and United Utilities.
- Learning from historic returns
Peter Temple
12.02.08
The annual Barclays Equity-Gilt Study looks at historic returns on different types of investment in the short and long term. It can provide surprising insights, says Peter Temple.
- Bank troubles Analyst
Peter Temple
06.02.08
As the Income Portfolio dips, The Analyst holds on to RBS. Despite losing money on the bank, he's willing to give it a second chance.
- Ways to buy gold
Peter Temple
05.02.08
Gold's price has doubled over the past five years, but gold bugs thing there is still better news to come. Peter Temple explains how to buy gold.
- Investing from the Armchair
Peter Temple
29.01.08
The aim of the Retirement Portfolio is to select a few 'low maintenance' shares to buy and hold for long-term profit. Five years in, and the Analyst's picked well...
- New tricks for Fund Portfolio
Peter Temple
22.01.08
Running a portfolio of funds involves a rather different discipline to stock picking, says The Analyst, but the Fund Portfolio is a picture of health.
- How to trade pairs
Peter Temple
21.01.08
It's the change in the relative valuations of the stocks that make you profit in pairs trading, says Peter Temple, and you benefit from being insulated from the ups and downs in the market.
- The value in preference shares
Peter Temple
15.01.08
Most investors don't know that much about preference shares, but if it's income you're after, they are worth considering, says Peter Temple.
- Ethical Portfolio: The big picture
Peter Temple
14.01.08
The Analyst takes a look at the workings of the Ethical Portfolio and reveals that profit can be made from truly ethical shares.
- How to read a P&L account
Peter Temple
09.01.08
P&L accounts are arguably more useful than they once were, says Peter Temple. However, he warns that they still suffer from a fundamental drawback.
- Income investing explained
Peter Temple
09.01.08
The turn of the year seems a good time for The Analyst to explain the strategy behind the Income Portfolio.
- Gold falls hit Fund Portfolio
Peter Temple
21.12.07
The Fund Portfolio's biggest constituent - Merrill Lynch Gold & General - is hit by the drop in the price of gold which leads to a sharp under-performance, says The Analyst.
- Analyst gives up on Havelock
Peter Temple
18.12.07
An unexplained drop in price by Havelock Europa has led the Analyst to sell his holding, but United Utilities provides the Ethical Portfolio with some festive cheer.
- There's value in Q
Peter Temple
17.12.07
Q ratio - or Tobin's Q - is not an obscure piece of technical analysis, but rather one of the touchstones of the market's true underlying value, Peter Temple tells us.
- Cracking the Fibonacci code
Peter Temple
12.12.07
Fibonacci is a mysterious and deterministic theory, says Peter Temple. But, it is potentially a useful analytical tool.
- Income boosted by bank switch
Peter Temple
10.12.07
Last month's switch from Lloyds TSB to RBS has revived the Income Portfolio, says The Analyst. Kelda's takeover has helped too.
- Analyst ships out Spice
Peter Temple
03.12.07
The Growth Portfolio bids farewell to Spice as it hits its stop-loss. The Analyst says its exit has prevented a truly dismal month for the Portfolio.
- Beware of pro-forma accounting
Peter Temple
03.12.07
Over emphasis on pro-forma calculations by companies in their reports is something to be wary of, says Peter Temple. Long-term investors, in particular, should tread carefully.
- Learning from the yield curve
Peter Temple
26.11.07
The oft dismissed yield curve may have some predictive value for equity investors, says Peter Temple. As a reflection of economic realities that ultimately influence share prices, it could prove a handy learning curve.
- Lloyds TSB and BT not enough
Peter Temple
23.11.07
Despite hefty dividend income from Lloyds TSB and BT, the Retirement Portfolio's performance disappoints The Analyst.
- Vindon out in Ethical reshuffle
Peter Temple
22.11.07
The Analyst gets ruthless with underachieving Vindon Healthcare and picks two more stocks that will make money and a positive contribution to human welfare.
- Diversification on a shoestring
Peter Temple
21.11.07
The inherent gearing of futures, CFDs and spread bets allows you to release capital for diversification, says Peter Temple.
- Shuffling Lloyds TSB for RBS
Peter Temple
13.11.07
The Analyst swaps Lloyds TSB for RBS and upgrades the Income Portfolio's quality. The 7.3% dividend yield is too good to pass up, he says.
- Finding a firm's hidden assets
Peter Temple
12.11.07
It's not just profits that drive share prices, says Peter Temple, if you can find companies with undervalued properties, brands, businesses or even stock.
- Foxed by recovery
Peter Temple
07.11.07
Well up over longer periods, the Growth Portfolio is barely holding its own over six months. The Analyst decides he's had enough of sitting on his hands and buys Zirax.
- Stochastics and turning points
Peter Temple
06.11.07
While the efficacy of technical analysis is hotly disputed by some investors, stochastics are the product of rigorous statistical analysis says Peter Temple.
- Gold bet is paying off
Peter Temple
31.10.07
Merrill Lynch Gold & General continues to lead the Fund Portfolio higher and higher, but the Analyst has found a gold fund he likes even more.
- Consumer spending and the economy
Peter Temple
29.10.07
By the time consumer spending data is published, it's out of date. Confidence surveys can help sharpen economic forecasts, but it's easier for investors to consider the effect on individual companies.
- Hidden value in Ethical Portfolio
Peter Temple
24.10.07
The Ethical Portfolio rockets in value as Genus and Renewable Energy Holdings surge. But there's still hidden value in REH, says the Analyst.
- Taming your emotions
Peter Temple
23.10.07
It seems obvious that emotions play a big part in decision-making, but much of financial theory excludes the human factor. The relatively new field of behavioural finance aims to put that right.
- Income investing pays dividends
Peter Temple
16.10.07
The Income Portfolio missed the worst of the summer correction, but also the best of the autumn bounce. That's a good thing, says The Analyst.
- Predicting failure with the Z-Score
Peter Temple
15.10.07
If there was a measure you could use to avoid buying shares in companies destined to go bankrupt, would you use it? Well there is, says Peter Temple, and it works 70-80% of the time.
- Analyst turns bearish
Peter Temple
09.10.07
Although the run on Northern Rock didn't surprise The Analyst, the stockmarket rally did. He's now examining the Portfolio for stocks liable to downturn.
- Option pricing for beginners
Peter Temple
08.10.07
There's more to option prices than the value of the underlying security, says Peter Temple. Time and volatility also affect prices, factors that often escape novice traders.
- Buying PIBS safely
Peter Temple
02.10.07
PIBS offer very high yields, but there is a risk. Northern Rock PIBS plummeted in September because holders rank lowest of the low when a business runs into difficulty, writes Peter Temple.
- Gold boosts Portfolio
Peter Temple
01.10.07
The Fund Portfolio's value surges with Merrill Lynch Gold & General, but The Analyst sits on his cash as uncertainty about housing and the economy builds.
- Ethical Portfolio in cash
Peter Temple
25.09.07
The Analyst thinks a half point cut in US interest rates is no cause for celebration but a sign of how worrying the outlook is. He decides to hold off on new buys.
- Bonds made easy
Peter Temple
21.09.07
With turmoil in the equity and savings markets, risk-averse investors might well turn to bonds. An easy way into bonds, says Peter Temple, is through bond ETFs.
- Nowhere to go but gilts
Peter Temple
19.09.07
The Income Portfolio has outpaced the recovery, but The Analyst is struggling to find good quality high yielding shares. Instead, he buys gilts again.
- Balance sheet basics
Peter Temple
18.09.07
When times get tough, companies with weak balance sheets go to the wall, says The Analyst. It pays to check the shape of the balance sheet, lest you go with them.
- Analyst burnt by AstraZeneca
Peter Temple
10.09.07
As AstraZeneca falls 15% and triggers its stop-loss, The Analyst isn't rushing to reinvest the cash from his ill-fated trade, as the Growth Portfolio has substantial gains he wishes to protect.
- Making sense of inflation
Peter Temple
06.09.07
Inflation is tricky to measure, which explains the wide range of inflation statistics. The Analyst unravels the definitions and wonders why we're all borrowing so much.
- Calculating the cost of CFDs
Peter Temple
03.09.07
CFDs are an increasingly popular way for private investors to play the markets, but it's important to get the maths right, says The Analyst.
- Retirement Portfolio's resilience
Peter Temple
03.09.07
In an unusually busy month for the Retirement Portfolio, The Analyst sells Tate & Lyle and buys Dawnay Day Carpathian.
- Beware of corporate debt
Peter Temple
29.08.07
In a debt crisis like August's, Modigliani and Miller's theory that value is independent of its capital structure looks a little shaky.
- Ethical Portfolio suffers slide
Peter Temple
24.08.07
The Portfolio has taken a bit of a hit, but it's nothing to be unduly worried about, says The Analyst.
- Income Portfolio leads market
Peter Temple
17.08.07
It's been a bittersweet month for the Income Portfolio. It's down, but not as far as the stockmarket.
- What the Forex?
Peter Temple
17.08.07
The foreign exchange market is 'perfect' for spread-betters to tap these days, but with perfection comes competition, explains Peter Temple.
- Gunning for growth
Peter Temple
13.08.07
Getting in on the ground floor of a true growth stock is one of the surest routes to success in the stockmarket. But genuine growth stocks are few in number. Peter Temple explains how to spot them.
- Market buffets Portfolio
Peter Temple
13.08.07
It has been a volatile few weeks for the market and the stocks chosen last time have had a baptism of fire.
- Fund Portfolio beats the blues
Peter Temple
07.08.07
Despite a sharp drop in the FTSE 100, the Fund Portfolio is up. The Analyst rebalanced just in time.
- How to cut your losses
Peter Temple
07.08.07
The key to trading is to make sure the losses from unsuccessful investments don't overwhelm the profits from those that go well.
- Analyst looks to REH
Peter Temple
02.08.07
Although the Analyst is sitting on a 168% gain in the Ethical Portfolio, one constituent has yet to pull its weight.
- How to measure volatility
Peter Temple
02.08.07
Proper measurement of volatility shows the investor how much risk he is taking, gives him buy and sell signals, and allows him to measure his risk-adjusted returns. Peter Temple explains.
- The making of a market crisis
Peter Temple
23.07.07
Complexity, leverage and illiquidity rarely go well together. This time, Wall Street has bundled them all into Collaterised Debt Obligations, and the backwash is crossing the Atlantic.
- Growth stocks up on health
Peter Temple
13.07.07
The Analyst goes on a buying spree. He's top-heavy in the care industry, but the companies are different in character, he says.
- Introduction to investment trusts
Peter Temple
13.07.07
Investment Trusts are one of many ways to pay someone else to manage your money for you. Peter Temple explains why he prefers them, and how he picks them.
- Making money from mining
Peter Temple
11.07.07
Mining companies are a conundrum. When they're at their cheapest, like now, they're often at their most dangerous. Peter Temple explains how to value mining companies, and ways to invest in them.
- Analyst splits Fidelity's twins
Peter Temple
09.07.07
The Analyst can't bring himself to sell old favourite, Artemis UK Growth. He's feeling less sentimental about Fidelity.
- Bubbles, and how to make them
Peter Temple
29.06.07
When the money supply grows faster than the economy, prices rise, says Peter Temple. The difficulty for investors is in predicting which prices, and for how long.
- Workspace worries the Analyst
Peter Temple
29.06.07
Workspace's fallen 10% in a month. The Analyst falls back on technical analysis to set a stop-loss.
- The father of value investing
Peter Temple
27.06.07
What can you learn from an investor who developed his ideas before the Second World War? Just about everything, when that investor is Benjamin Graham.
- On debt and equity
Peter Temple
20.06.07
Peter Temple explains the gearing ratio: how to calculate it, when it's good to own a highly geared company, and when investors should seek refuge in cash-rich companies.
- The taxing thing about gilts
Peter Temple
12.06.07
Investment advisers will tell you not to base an investment decision on tax, but when it comes to gilts you must consider your tax position, says Peter Temple.
- Covered warrant basics
Peter Temple
01.06.07
Ratchet up your market exposure and get more control over your losses. Peter Temple explains how to trade covered warrants.
- How to diversify properly
Peter Temple
30.05.07
There's more to diversification than buying a number of stocks. To diversify successfully you need to consider all your assets, and make sure the shares you thought were different, really are.
- Buy and hold pays dividends
Peter Temple
29.05.07
Although gilts are under pressure from higher interest rates, The Analyst can wait for events to turn.
- Reach for the stars
Peter Temple
21.05.07
Legendary trader WD Gann was a financial astrologer who made $500 million in today's money on the stockmarket. Could the alignment of the planets really be significant to investors?
- A month investors dream about
Peter Temple
18.05.07
The Growth Portfolio is up 55%. Even a stop-loss gone wrong cannot dampen The Analyst's spirit.
- The cash flow king
Peter Temple
16.05.07
Much more important to companies than profits, which are easily massaged, is cash flow upon which the survival of a business depends. Peter Temple reveals how he uses it to select shares.
- Dividends save the day
Peter Temple
14.05.07
Once again The Analyst has trounced the index, this time thanks to whopping £570 in dividends.
- Green is not the new ethical
Peter Temple
08.05.07
The Analyst considers his carbon footprint. Only one of his seven ethical holdings is 'environmental'.
- Taking the angst out of investing
Peter Temple
08.05.07
Fear and greed often drive investors to buy and sell at bad times. One way to take the angst out of trading is to employ the well known, but often ignored practice of pound cost averaging.
- 'Tis the season to be jolly cautious
Peter Temple
01.05.07
Statistically speaking, this year should be a bad one for markets, says Peter Temple, but so far it's defied precedent. Since shares often flounder over the summer, investors should be doubly cautious.
- Credit ratings for stock investors
Peter Temple
19.04.07
Credit ratings are not just for bondholders. Changes in a company's credit rating speak volumes about its financial strength, which is something that should concern all investors, explains Peter Temple.
- How to predict the market
Peter Temple
16.04.07
Investors paw over statistics, like GDP and unemployment, that tell us about the past, but to predict the market we need to look at data that leads the economy, says Peter Temple.
- The way of the market - random walk
Peter Temple
05.04.07
Can you beat the market? Academic theory suggests you can, but the market is pretty efficient. Experience, in the form of old hand Peter Temple, agrees.
- Picking winners with the PSR
Peter Temple
02.04.07
The price-sales ratio is one of the simplest ratios in investing, and one of the most reliable predictors of share price performance. Here's how to calculate and apply it.
- Trade pairs like a hedge fund
Peter Temple
26.03.07
Sophisticated traders use pairs trading to profit from the disparity in the market rating of two similar companies. It's a way of insulating yourself from stockmarket volatility.
- Fund Portfolio beats the blues
Peter Temple
19.03.07
Despite the riskiness of some of his selections, the Fund Portfolio held up well through the recent falls.
- Hedge funds - open for your business
Peter Temple
19.03.07
The flotation of BH Macro, a hedge fund, is one way private investors can invest in hedge funds, but you might be better off investing in the management companies.
- Dividend or buyback
Peter Temple
12.03.07
Dividend or buyback - both return money to shareholders, but the certainty of a dividend is worth more than a buyback program that can get lost in market movements.
- How to evaluate takeovers
Peter Temple
06.03.07
Uncertainty dogs most takeover bids and can leave private investors at a disadvantage. Peter Temple weighs up the probable outcome of Warner's bid for EMI.
- Trading on the margin
Peter Temple
26.02.07
Margin, or the notional trading requirement as it's known in spread betting, magnifies the potential risk and return of a trade. Peter Temple explains how to work it out.
- Tales of unexplained price movements
Peter Temple
19.02.07
When the price of a FTSE 100 company moves inexplicably, it's often being pushed around by program trading. Be careful before you go head-to-head with the City's computers.
- Ethical rises and shines
Peter Temple
14.02.07
The portfolio has outperformed the market substantially again this month.
- Each-way bets with convertibles
Peter Temple
12.02.07
Convertibles are hybrid investments; conventional corporate bonds packaged with an option to buy shares in the future. They make a good each-way bet, says Peter Temple, especially in bear markets.
- Plotting buy and sell triggers
Peter Temple
06.02.07
Moving averages cut out market noise and enable investors to make clear buy or sell decisions. Peter Temple introduces the classic combinations and signals like the 'golden cross'.
- Why do interest rates move markets?
Peter Temple
31.01.07
Higher interest rates slow down the economy and growth in company profits, says Peter Temple. When interest rates are high, gilts become more attractive compared to stocks.
- Speculating on shells
Peter Temple
24.01.07
Once a cheap way to get a listing on the Stock Exchange, cash shells are now the mother of all speculations and proof that high risk doesn't necessarily mean high reward. Peter Temple explains.
- Checking the quality of management
Peter Temple
16.01.07
Return on Equity (ROE) can indicate if a company's managers are doing a good job. It's a ratio comparing profits with the funds shareholders have invested in the business.
- Dealing in gilts
Peter Temple
09.01.07
Gilts, or government bonds, offer a level of certainty that is unusual in financial markets, says Peter Temple. And they aren't any more difficult to pick than shares.
- No space for Davenham
Peter Temple
08.01.07
There's no obvious reason to sell any of the companies in The Analyst's Income Portfolio.
- Interpreting house prices
Peter Temple
03.01.07
House prices impact the whole economy including the stockmarket, but the surveys that report them often disagree and need careful interpretation, says Peter Temple.
- The year markets turned upside down
Peter Temple
28.12.06
Peter Temple can't remember a year like 2006, when markets in left-leaning countries did best and BP and Glaxo languished at the bottom of the FTSE 100. It can't go on, he says.
- Dollar gains and China pains
Peter Temple
22.12.06
It's been a good end to the year for the portfolio, but The Analyst is worried the dollar will rebound.
- What's the contract for difference?
Peter Temple
19.12.06
Traders sometimes progress from spread betting to contracts for difference, but what is the difference? Peter Temple explains that a CFD is more like a souped-up share, than a souped-up spread bet.
- Ethical Portfolio up 144%
Peter Temple
15.12.06
The Analyst is so pleased with his ethical picks he's tolerating a 'sleeper'.
- Analyst breaks golden rule
Peter Temple
11.12.06
Weeks after adding Johnson Service to the portfolio, the company issues a profit warning.
- Dividends demystified
Peter Temple
05.12.06
The system by which companies pay dividends confuses many investors. But if you are investing for income, you need a basic working knowledge.
- Dodgy DCF
Peter Temple
28.11.06
Discounted cash flow is widely used by analysts to value companies and work out price targets. Peter Temple explains how to discount cash flow and why he doesn't trust the calculations.
- Peter Temple's f-word
Peter Temple
22.11.06
For some charting is just superstition, but Peter Temple says it is grounded in well-established statistical techniques and deserves a place alongside fundamental analysis in the investor's toolbox.
- Interpreting director dealings
Peter Temple
15.11.06
If the directors of a company are buying its shares - it's good news. That's if you know how to identify significant buys using these simple rules for interpreting insider trades, says Peter Temple.
- Are big companies best?
Peter Temple
08.11.06
Or is small beautiful? Peter Temple examines the age-old argument and plumps for smaller companies, at least for that part of your portfolio you want to risk on trying to beat the market.
- Primary Health shown the door
Peter Temple
03.11.06
The Growth Portfolio continues its outperformance trajectory, but uncertainty sees the disposal of PHP.
- Futures pricing and spread betting
Peter Temple
01.11.06
Many investors new to spread betting and contracts for difference are unaware that in many cases, products like this are based around futures prices, explains Peter Temple.
- Cutting and running
Peter Temple
20.10.06
Learning to cut losses and run profits is one of the hardest lessons to learn in the investment game, but one of the most valuable, explains Peter Temple.
- Genus up and Vindon rumbling
Peter Temple
19.10.06
The Analyst oversees a subdued month for the Ethical Portfolio with, in absolute terms, a rise of 2.6%.
- Lies, damned lies and commentators
Peter Temple
17.10.06
It's not the statistics that are at fault, but commentators who puff up the significance of the smallest statistical movements. Used more cautiously, economic numbers can be a useful guide, says Peter Temple.
- Vodafone and BT top income list
Peter Temple
16.10.06
Such is the dearth of good income stocks that Vodafone and BT are the only companies on the watchlist.
- The PE ratio unravelled
Peter Temple
10.10.06
Most investors have heard of the price earnings ratio and many use it, but how many of us appreciate its every subtlety? Peter Temple explains how to use the PE ratio and some of the common pitfalls.
- Growth Portfolio surprises
Peter Temple
09.10.06
Although the tide is supposed to be against small companies, the Growth Portfolio has done what it has always done, and grown since the last update. Growth, says The Analyst, takes time.
- The name is bond, government bond
Peter Temple
03.10.06
Many investors find gilts puzzling, but they're not says Peter Temple as he sets out to explain how gilts work. If you buy a stock and hold it to redemption, you know exactly what you'll get.
- Gold and Fidelity not glittering
Peter Temple
02.10.06
Temporary falls in gold sees The Analyst stashing Krugerrands. It's no time to sell Merrill Lynch Gold and General, he says, but he's not so sure about newfangled Fidelity Global Special Situations.
- Unit trust or investment trust
Peter Temple
27.09.06
Open ended, or closed? The notion that unit trusts are for beginners is a fallacy - plenty of expert investors have them - though there are perhaps more ways to play the market with investment trusts.
- No news was good news
Peter Temple
25.09.06
Recent gains in the Ethical Portfolio were driven by expectations of good results for many of its companies, but now they have delivered, The Analyst is disappointed with the market's reaction.
- Keeping good company
Peter Temple
20.09.06
When was the last time you thought about the nature of a company? The attractions, and risks, of shares all stem from the legal status of this cornerstone of capitalism, says Peter Temple.
- British Energy sell-off hits portfolio
Peter Temple
18.09.06
Long term, the Income Portfolio has done very well, but over the last six months it's barely ahead. When there are fewer income stocks around you slip down the quality curve, The Analyst moans.
- The use and abuse of indexes
Peter Temple
13.09.06
We take indexes for granted. Their levels are reported every day but investors seldom look beyond the headlines. They should, says Peter Temple, because indexes can affect the very stock you buy.
- Measuring portfolio performance fairly
Peter Temple
11.09.06
The Growth Portfolio is handsomely beating the market, but precisely how handsomely depends on the calculation you make. The Analyst explains his sums, and suspects not all fund managers are as honest.
- Finding security in savings and investments
Peter Temple
06.09.06
Investments give you security and working out what kind of investor you are is the key, says Peter Temple in the first instalment of our new guide. The fact that it's interesting and fun is a by-product.
- 'Pedestrian' portfolio leaps ahead
Peter Temple
29.08.06
Having rebalanced the Ethical Portfolio, The Analyst is happy. Not only is it up over 113.2%, but the portfolio is less risky. Even a change in management at CBG won't shift his smile.
- BAT spurred on by rumour
Peter Temple
21.08.06
The model Income Portfolio is beset by rumour: Lloyds falls back as takeover rumours die down, and BAT gets a lift. But there's no need to second-guess The Analyst, the portfolio is up 108%.
- Markets to fall in September
Peter Temple
15.08.06
Companies often pre-announce their results, especially if the news is bad. Following their lead, Peter Temple, writes a 'pre-announcement' for the whole market, and it's bad news, he's afraid.
- Analyst turns to Autoclenz for growth
Peter Temple
13.08.06
Amid a mass of lower quality new issues, The Analyst believes he has unearthed a gem. Autoclenz may not be glamorous, but it's highly profitable and will pay a good dividend too.
- Analyst turns to Autoclenz for growth
Peter Temple
13.08.06
Amid a mass of lower quality new issues, The Analyst believes he has unearthed a gem. Autoclenz may not be glamorous, but it's highly profitable and will pay a good dividend too.
- Whingeing banks should reform themselves
Peter Temple
08.08.06
If you listen to HSBC you'd think it was the debt consolidation companies that are responsible for spiralling debt. It's not. It's the banks. That's why debt consolidation is the growth industry.
- In praise of active management
Peter Temple
07.08.06
Active management is more expensive than index tracking, says The Analyst, but so far it has worked in his model Fund Portfolio. It's up 63% since inception against 43% for the market.
- Analyst buys REH on weakness
Peter Temple
31.07.06
It's a cardinal rule, says The Analyst, not to buy more shares in a falling stock, but he's taking profits on CBG Group to buy more Renewable Energy Holdings shares for the Ethical Portfolio.
- Defensive holdings beat market
Peter Temple
24.07.06
Simple companies that pay a good dividend have propelled the model Income Portfolio up 105%. Now some of them may be attracting interest from private equity buyers.
- Dobbies powers Growth Portfolio
Peter Temple
18.07.06
Despite The Analyst's explosive performance, he's keeping his powder dry. He's put a tight stop-loss on the portfolio's second biggest gainer and is not planning any more buys until the summer's over.
- Market skating on thin ice
Peter Temple
17.07.06
Judging by the price chart, the stockmarket is recovering well from setbacks in May and June. The odds are 2:1 in favour of rises in August, but Peter Temple remains unconvinced.
- All go at Rio Blanco
Peter Temple
11.07.06
Chris Eager, CEO of Monterrico Metals, talks about the company's copper project in Peru.
- Bullish on Fidelity and fallen sectors
Peter Temple
10.07.06
With a large slug of his Fund Portfolio in Fidelity Special Situations, emerging markets, US smaller companies and gold, The Analyst has much to think about. He's down 10% since his last update.
- Art versus mart
Peter Temple
04.07.06
Although modern art is fetching record prices at auction, if it's returns you're after, you're better off in the stockmarket, or stamps, or coins, or books, says Peter Temple.
- Deep green, or dull green?
Peter Temple
03.07.06
Since 2002 the ethical index has risen just 7%. But ethical works, says The Analyst, so long as you avoid flashily self-conscious stocks. Deep green, or dull green - he doesn't care. He's up 100%.
- Growth Portfolio defies market
Peter Temple
20.06.06
While the stockmarket lost ground last month, the Growth Portfolio put on 5% thanks to a timely sale and some very special situations. But The Analyst is in no hurry to spend his growing cash pile.
- One bounce doesn't make a summer
Peter Temple
19.06.06
Taking in the bigger picture, the recent sell-off looks like a blip, says Peter Temple. But he expects the market to test 5500 again. If it holds, the worst could be behind us.
- REIT for conversion
Peter Temple
13.06.06
We still don't know for sure which of the existing roster of companies will convert to the new format when the REITs regime for property companies starts up in January 2007.
- No panic for armchair investors
Peter Temple
12.06.06
The Analyst expects the FTSE 100 to fall to 5000, or even 3700. But that shouldn't rattle income investors. High yields tend to prop up share prices when markets fall, he says.
- After the shake-out
Peter Temple
05.06.06
The Ethical Portfolio is a thumping 47.6% ahead over three years but it hasn't escaped the shake-out. The Analyst's instinct - to buy into weakness - flies in the face of conventional wisdom.
- British Energy to electrify portfolio
Peter Temple
31.05.06
Even though the portfolio is down it has still beaten the market. Now The Analyst is adding British Energy and culling Center Parcs, in the hope of adding extra spark.
- Tax the bankers
Peter Temple
30.05.06
The Government's aiming at the wrong target by sticking the boot into footballers. Peter Temple would rather give the politicians a kicking - and City bankers.
- If in doubt, get out
Peter Temple
23.05.06
After a profit warning, The Analyst shows Inter Link Foods the door despite its good performance. With the market looking shaky, he delays adding new stock to the Growth Portfolio.
- Summer shake-out for shares
Peter Temple
19.05.06
After a sell-off in the FTSE100, the next targets are second line stocks, says Peter Temple. But with commodities priced in dollars, and bonds looking pricey, the alternatives aren't too attractive.
- Valuing REITs
Peter Temple
16.05.06
There's more to valuing a Real Estate Investment Trust than working out its net asset value, or yield, says Peter Temple - although more technical methods imported from America might best be left to City nitpickers.
- Gold & General drives Fund Portfolio
Peter Temple
15.05.06
Another good month sees the Fund Portfolio rise almost 10%. News from F&C Pacific Growth is not so good, though, and The Analyst finds a contrary 'play' to replace it.
- The direct approach
Peter Temple
09.05.06
If Neteller can succeed in online gaming, it can succeed anywhere says ceo Ron Martin.
- Vindon saves Ethical Portfolio
Peter Temple
08.05.06
Falls for REH and Workspace don't worry The Analyst. Smaller company investors shouldn't let lack of news flow or a little uncertainty shake them out, he says. Meanwhile, rises at Vindon save the day.
- Juicing up the Income Portfolio
Peter Temple
02.05.06
The analyst is troubled by recent performance. Overall the portfolio is up 104.5% against 17.3% for the FTSE, but could he sweat his assets some more?
- Oil traders not to blame for price spike
Peter Temple
28.04.06
George Bush should look closer to home, says Peter Temple. Speculators don't create trends, they jump on bandwagons. Sabre rattling over Iran set this one rolling.
- Stockmarket is 'pregnant with risk'
Peter Temple
25.04.06
The market looks cheap, but justifiably so. Don't let the equity risk premium tell you otherwise. When retail investors pile in on both sides of the Atlantic, take care, warns Peter Temple.
- Growth Portfolio surprises again
Peter Temple
24.04.06
Straight and Dobbies delight, but can it last? The Analyst casts around for companies to take up the running and because the portfolio is concentrated, old favourites must make way for them.
- Are REITs a better property investment?
Peter Temple
18.04.06
The government has been slow to introduce Real Estate Investment Trusts. But now it has, a whole new market should emerge, says Peter Temple.
- Happy birthday, Ethical Portfolio
Peter Temple
10.04.06
At the four year mark, The Analyst reflects on success. His ethical picks have almost doubled. But the feel good factor is tempered slightly by the difficulty of defining what exactly is good.
- In 2020 energy needs will rule
Peter Temple
02.04.06
Fuel and water shortages, and ecological threats - 2020 looks bleak on the resources front. On the plus side new technology could help us extract more oil from proven fields in stable areas.
- Profiting from the grey pound
Peter Temple
31.03.06
Peter Temple's getting on, and so is the rest of the population. By 2020 he predicts huge growth in off-the-peg healthcare, protected housing and specialist advice on how to eke out our pension pots.
- Dumbing down inflation figures
Peter Temple
29.03.06
What kind of world are politicians living in? Asks Peter Temple. They're experiencing 2% inflation rates apparently, while the rest of us are seeing hikes of around 30% for some day-to-day costs…
- Portfolio more than doubles
Peter Temple
27.03.06
The portfolio continues to outpace the market thanks to bid activity for Center Parcs, M&B and a rumoured bid for Lloyds. As The Analyst holds tight he reviews his decision to drop Northern Foods.
- Stop-loss on Dobbies
Peter Temple
21.03.06
Dobbies has done well for the Growth Portfolio, but The Analyst is cautious now and prefers to keep his options open. Meanwhile, water rationing could be good business for Straight and Spice Holdings.
- Some headroom left for market
Peter Temple
20.03.06
With the FTSE clearing 6,000, it could be time to consider switching to defensive stocks. 'Toppy' markets can always go higher but as they do highly rated growth plays look more risky, says Peter Temple.
- Analyst holds on to winning funds
Peter Temple
16.03.06
Even though three of his funds have all but doubled, The Analyst won't sell. They're specialist funds he says, in the portfolio for a reason.
- How to... Pick a fund
Peter Temple
16.03.06
Use funds to reach awkward markets, but don't choose just because of the manager.
- Maverick brain
Peter Temple
14.03.06
Jonathan Straight turned his recycling company from a one-man-band into an AIM listed plc.
- Time for CBG to leave Ethical?
Peter Temple
07.03.06
The Ethical Portfolio is up 93.8% and The Analyst is reviewing whether all his stocks really are 'deep green.'
- Income Portfolio up 94%
Peter Temple
28.02.06
The Analyst applies the 'Dogs of the Dow' system and discovers he could have got even better results…
- Analyst buys on Straight's weakness
Peter Temple
21.02.06
The Analyst senses an opportunity and picks up more Straight shares after a 10% fall. Meanwhile, Dobbies recovers and Primary Health Properties receives a boost from a government white paper.
- F&C Pacific on probation
Peter Temple
17.02.06
The Analyst holds on, but for how long? Also Merrill Lynch Gold & Gen., Jupiter Emerging Europe, Fidelity Special Sits.
- F&C Pacific on probation
Peter Temple
14.02.06
The Analyst holds on, but for how long? Also Merrill Lynch Gold & Gen. Jupiter Emerging Europe, Fidelity Special Sits.
- Incubating tech winners
Peter Temple
14.02.06
Eurovestech's Richard Bernstein puts his success down to hard-nosed accounting.
- Putting a price on reserves
Peter Temple
14.02.06
Valuing mineral resources is an imprecise affair. One way is to tot up what you think they are worth and divide by ten.
- Ethical stocks drive portfolio to new heights
Peter Temple
07.02.06
Up 82%, Ethical Portfolio continues to soar above its benchmarks, with four constituents enjoying double-figure percentage price rises this month. And all this when the market is only rising modestly.
- Centre Parcs joins Income Portfolio
Peter Temple
31.01.06
A good month for the Income Portfolio, with the exception of BAT and Northern Foods. BAT can be forgiven; Northern Foods can't. The Analyst sells it and buys Centre Parcs.
- What really moves metal prices?
Peter Temple
30.01.06
Currency movements, production levels, stockpiles and industrial demand for a start. Peter Temple explains.
- What really moves metal prices?
Peter Temple
30.01.06
Metals, particularly precious metals, have long exerted a pull over investors. The enthusiasm waxes and wanes, but there is usually an investment angle to be exploited. What is usually the case is that existing mines and potential future mine projects have a built-in cost of extracting the finished product, and therefore their profitability or otherwise depends on the price of the metal. This also gives them operational gearing. A gold mine with an operating cost per ounce of $300 is twice as profitable with gold at $500 as it is with gold at $400.
- What really moves metal prices?
Peter Temple
30.01.06
Metals, particularly precious metals, have long exerted a pull over investors. The enthusiasm waxes and wanes, but there is usually an investment angle to be exploited.
- Singing the bull market blues
Peter Temple
24.01.06
It's rare for gold and equities to rise together. Peter Temple thinks it's the gold that's undervalued.
- Dobbies on probation
Peter Temple
23.01.06
This month the portfolio stayed still against a rising market. Most constituents had good news to report but sales dipped at Dobbies. It's not a reason to panic, says the Analyst, but it might be a reason to think again.
- Ethical pays off
Peter Temple
20.01.06
The ethical portfolio is up 72%. Modesty forbids the Analyst from boasting too much but he indulges himself a little. It's not often your portfolio rises 13% in a month and you do good at the same time.
- Fund Portfolio up 43% - boosted by gold
Peter Temple
18.01.06
Merrill Lynch Gold, and gold in general are high performers at the moment, both as a commodity and as a US$ hedge. Only when Gordon Brown wants to buy again will The Analyst be ready to sell…
- The truth about pensions maths
Peter Temple
02.01.06
Pensions planning is brutal. Start at 20 and you'll need to save around £600pm to get £35,000pa. Leave it until 40 and it's around £1,100pm. But unless you're a civil servant, the alternatives aren't great.
- Income portfolio up 86.7% since inception
Peter Temple
28.12.05
Despite another outperformance the Analyst explains the relative merits of callable and straight preference shares as potential replacements for any slow stocks.
- Planning to beat inheritance tax
Peter Temple
21.12.05
If you don't plan ahead, the government will take 40% of your
estate over £275,000. Motive enough to reduce your liability with IHT-free investing and by making gifts ahead of time.
- Touchy-feely investing
Peter Temple
19.12.05
Last time around the portfolio was up 24.8% since inception. This time around it is 30.3% up. Last time the market was up 2.5% since inception. This time it is up 4.3%. In other words the portfolio has continued to outperform the market, rising in both absolute and relative terms. Dividend income has been sparse, with just a £10 dividend from Straight to credit.
- Five rules for buying in the IPO aftermarket
Peter Temple
02.11.05
As it gets ever more difficult to buy new issues at the issue price investors now have to focus on a company's real worth. Peter Temple presents five rules that have served him well.
- In search of the Goldilocks environment
Peter Temple
02.11.05
Making money on new issues is all about timing and optimum market conditions; right now you're most likely to profit from calculating the best short-term return
- Pass the pension
Peter Temple
01.11.05
Our pension funds should not be put up for sale to the highest bidder…
- 'Blunder' investment exits Growth portfolio
Peter Temple
20.09.05
With stop losses in place the Analyst makes the best of a 'blunder' investment and reflects that sometimes no stock is better than a potential recovery stock pretending to be a growth stock.
- London property values
Peter Temple
31.08.05
Does Peter Temple regret leaving the London property market behind? No way.
- Trading the oil price
Peter Temple
31.08.05
Spread betting, contracts for difference and exchange traded funds are all methods of trading the oil price cleanly. Do it this way and you don't have to get your hands dirty weighing up management, political risk and company finances.
- Valuing oil stocks
Peter Temple
31.08.05
Valuing oil stocks is a tricky business involving the analysis of reserves and the computation of cash-flows. Even then investors are prepared to pay wildly different prices depending on where the company operates.
- Where next for oil prices?
Peter Temple
31.08.05
Weighing up the multitude of factors that determine oil prices is no mean feat. With the seemingly unquenchable thirst of India and China, and political instability in Saudi Arabia, the race is on to find alternative sources. The best that can be said now is that the one thing oil prices are not going to be, is stable.
- 82% gain in four years
Peter Temple
15.08.05
Having spent four years in his arm- chair leisurely picking stocks, the Analyst reflects on his successes.
- When ethical is 'deep green'
Peter Temple
08.08.05
The Analyst's own criteria for ethical investing is more demanding than the FTSE 4GoodUK50.
- Travis Perkins exits
Peter Temple
10.07.05
Travis Perkins exits Growth Portfolio and the Analyst puts his hopes in new recruit, Straight plc.
- The old ones are the best
Peter Temple
16.06.05
As Spice Holdings lifts the Growth Porfolio, the Analyst preaches patience for growth stocks.
- Dull stocks shine too
Peter Temple
01.06.05
Picking an income portfolio is all about dividends, but you can make a packet on the share price too.
- Ethical bounces back
Peter Temple
14.04.05
Islamic Bank benefits from the Budget as the portfolio recovers.
- Gold, wonderful gold
Peter Temple
22.03.05
Fund portfolio: The 'barbarous relic' comes up trumps against a dollar in freefall.
- Dividends back in fashion
Peter Temple
10.03.05
Very good news for the income portfolio, but the Analyst is afraid income investing is catching on.
- Investing in Britain
Peter Temple
01.02.05
The growth portfolio is up again, vindicating the analyst's decision to concentrate on the home market.
- Eastern promise
Peter Temple
21.12.04
The Analyst moves investments out of Japan and into China, Korea and Taiwan.
- Too good to last
Peter Temple
15.12.04
With the portfolio 48.6% up, eyeballs-out growth is not always the best stragegy.
- Up 40%
Peter Temple
15.12.04
Despite higher levels of losses, the Analyst is heartened by Phytopharm's potential money-spinners.
- Hey big Splenda
Peter Temple
02.12.04
The Armchair retirement portfolio is up 73% and the Analyst has cash to spend.
- Sticking with Phytopharm
Peter Temple
24.11.04
The Analyst's picks trounce the market but he has doubts about Phytopharm.
- Spotlight on Centrica
Peter Temple
08.11.04
The Analyst on Centrica's special dividend, and slicing profits.
- Funding for a rainy day
Peter Temple
03.11.04
The Analyst sings the praises of funds and ISAs, provided you take the long view.
- Embracing the Koran
Peter Temple
26.10.04
Speculating on a new growth market, the Analyst picks The Islamic Bank of Britain.
- Income portfolio up 5%
Peter Temple
15.10.04
With 'sleepers' waking up, and other constituents reversing trends, income's on the up.
- "It ain't broke"...
Peter Temple
08.10.04
...And with all five holdings in profit, the Analyst's not going to fix it.
- Gold fund glitters
Peter Temple
01.10.04
Picking gold miners is tricky, which is why the Analyst leaves it to Merrill Lynch.
- A jaunty performance
Peter Temple
27.09.04
Accummulating cash, contracts and property purchases - ethical works.
- On the up
Peter Temple
22.09.04
After a positive month, the Analyst introduces Lloyds TSB to the portfolio.
- A downward drift
Peter Temple
10.09.04
The new constituents are holding up an otherwise unspectacular performance.
- Peak period
Peter Temple
03.09.04
With a 54.7% gain, the Analyst is reaching for his pipe and slippers.
- Righting pension deficits
Peter Temple
26.08.04
It's high time companies are held to account for their pension scheme funds. Peter Temple has a solution - but the fat cats won't like it.
- Success beyond equities
Peter Temple
26.07.04
The Analyst's top fund this month bears no relation to the markets. Just as well.
- In profit at last
Peter Temple
24.03.04
Finally the growth portfolio breaks into profit.
- Analyst 'buys' RPS
Peter Temple
04.11.03
It's tempting to tinker but the Analyst resists disrupting a winning formula.
- Special situations
Peter Temple
30.09.03
Fidelity Special Situations catches the eye with a 12% rise.
- Zero visibility
Peter Temple
09.09.03
The Analyst delays buying until the outlook for the market is clearer.
- Torn in two directions
Peter Temple
02.09.03
The Analyst is nervous about the market and embarks on a two-pronged approach.
- Sell, sell, sell
Peter Temple
04.08.03
The Analyst sells Phytopharm, Hacas and Fountains.
- Income gap
Peter Temple
29.07.03
The income portfolio steadily advances against the index.
- Smaller stocks surge
Peter Temple
22.07.03
The growth portfolio puts in a spurt leaving the FTSE100 trailing.
- Cutting profits
Peter Temple
30.06.03
The Analyst must decide whether to sell two profitable shares.
- Still hugging the index
Peter Temple
20.05.03
The growth portfolio has recovered from its dip below the market average.
- Dead cats not for us
Peter Temple
01.04.03
The Analyst postpones buying ethical as the market bounces on war optimism.
- All change
Peter Temple
24.03.03
Wars are inflationary however you look at them, says the Analyst.
- Masterly inactivity
Peter Temple
17.03.03
A raging bear market is hardly the best time to be picking growth stocks.
- Growing again?
Peter Temple
17.02.03
Has The Analyst regained his growth stock picking touch?
- Deep green vindicated
Peter Temple
27.01.03
The Analyst puts his success down to his 'deep green' strategy.
- Time for action
Peter Temple
20.01.03
Not good. The flagship Income Portfolio in the red.
- Steady as she goes
Peter Temple
03.12.02
The Analyst keeps faith with his ethical portfolio's constituents.
- Back in business
Peter Temple
25.11.02
The Analyst is back beating the index after his Alkane adventure.
- Annual update
Peter Temple
08.08.02
The Portfolio is up 18% while the market is down 27% - How?
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