Guide to investing in technology

With more and more smartphones being tapped at on the train and the global community becoming smaller, the hunt for new technologies is ever-changing.

But how can investors get a piece of the pie? Well, this selection of articles aims to underline what is going on in the sector and how you can make a healthy return.

Would you bank with Apple?

It may be the first choice for many people when it comes to technology, but one in 10 would bank with Apple if it offered financial services products, according to new research.

Facebook unbound

The imminent stockmarket listing of Facebook will value the company at 100 times earnings. Are we witnessing a re-run of the internet boom and bust of a decade ago?

How to access technology shares

Investors anxious about the risks of backing high-valuation technology stocks can diversify their holdings through technology funds. Indeed, with many of the big-name IPOs, they may have little option but to invest this way.

Do the Buffett rules justify a bite into Apple?

Warren Buffet has 10 golden investment rules, but if you apply each one to Apple does it make the stock tempting?

How to get a stake in chip technology

ARM Holdings has been a success story over the last three years as it has increased its market share, but can it continue and which other chip-makers are fighting for a slice?

Under the radar: UK tech firms to look out for (Part II)

In the second part of her look into those unheralded British firms in the technology sector, Jessica Furseth highlights five more tech tiddlers that investors should take a closer look at.

Under the radar: UK tech firms to look out for (Part I)

The likes of Apple and Sony may spring to mind when you think of technology, but some of the more unheralded British names may just be able to offer investors exposure to the sector. In the first of two parts, Jessica Furseth outlines five firms to keep an eye on.

Where is the world's technology capital?

If your mind goes to gadgets and microchips, the answer to this question will be Asia. If you immediately think of software, the USA is where it is at. But pinning down the global technology capital is not as easy as you may think.

Picking the best technology shares

UK technology shares have had a chequered history, so investors looking for the next big thing have to dig a little deeper. Nick Louth investigates which firms offer you decent exposure to the sector.

British innovation: Six exciting prospects

Small firms often dominate big thinking, and none more so than in the technology sector. Jessica Furseth pinpoints six market minnows that - with a bit of luck - could be just right for investors with grand designs on investment returns.

Premium alternatives in healthcare software

The healthcare niche has been a stellar performer within the software sector over the past few years, and company valuations show the sun is not expected to set on this segment any time soon. Jessica Furseth finds out which firms could cure your portfolio's ills.

IQE: Leading the way with crystal technology

IQE, a manufacturer of compound semiconductor technology, has its chips in a host of cutting-edge technological devices and with big-name partnerships signed, it could be set to outshine its more illustrous tech sector rivals.

Inmarsat (ISAT)

Satellites have come a long way since Sputnik, and are more in demand than ever thanks to the roll out of 4G mobile broadband.
Should you bring Inmarsat into your orbit?

Profit from Pearson's digital dominance

You don't have to be high-tech to capitalise on Pearson's technology triumph as education is moved into the 21st century. The media group is poised to corner the market on electronic books and for investors this means the chance to ride the scientific wave.

Do British tech firms sell too early?

In the aftermath of Hewlett-Packard's takeover bid for Autonomy Corporation, Esther Armstrong asks if UK tech firms lack courage in their convictions and what this could mean for investors in the sector.

ARM Holdings (ARM)

You own their products without even realising it. ARM’s chips power the world’s smartphones, games consoles, and iPads. But could it be your best bet on tomorrow’s technology?

Stock to Watch: IQE

Shares in microchip wafer supplier IQE have been on a rocky road since the spring and while they won't be immune to any further market volatility, Edmond Jackson says its fundamentals are shaping up well as a long-term stock to watch and trade.

Add weight to your portfolio with tech firms

Consumer products and technology stocks are leading the markets at the same time, a rarity says Ken Fisher. Here he highlights some shares in both sectors that could boost your portfolio.

Synchronica (SYNC)

Mass market mobile messaging services targeted at emerging economies seems like a good business play. But can Synchronica turn volume into real profit?

Stock to Watch: Volex

Although rising input costs could be a factor, Edmond Jackson says Volex's share price looks undercooked at present, and you could reap the benefits of the repositioning of what looks to be a growth share.

Should tech funds be back on your radar?

The average tech fund is well ahead of more broadly-based equity funds. But after the misery of the dotcom crash, can they win back the hearts and minds of investors?

Stock to Watch: Premier Farnell

Although it doesn't have the most comforting balance sheet, electronic components distributor Premier Farnell could be a useful addition for long-term buyers, says Edmond Jackson.

Are we set for another tech bubble?

A renewed buzz around tech stocks of late has come on the back of heightened IPO activity and new developments. But are we set for another boom and bust, asks Esther Armstrong.

Stock to Watch: Microsoft

With international share dealing coming into better reach for private investors, and risks that the coalition government's deficit-reduction plan is trapping the UK in stagflation, Edmond Jackson draws attention to the international software giant.

Technology returning to the fore

After years in the doldrums, technology is starting to push the right buttons with canny managers, finds Fiona Hamilton.

Autonomy Plc (AU-)

Once beloved of investors for its volatility, dotcom pioneer Autonomy is of interest to investors to this day because of its, er, volatility.Autonomy is still standing and still doing its thing of hel

Julie Meyer talks about Technology Investments

ulie Meyer, founder and CEO of Ariadne Capital. In this iLight we talk with her about her wide-ranging experiences in the technology field and what she has learned pre- and post-internet bubble burst.

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