Share sector reports
Latest Sector reports
23 May
Broadcasting and entertainment
Telecom operator BT's imminent launch of its new sports channels is prompting talk of a price war that in turn is weighing on BSkyB's share price. We see the satellite broadcaster's retreat as an opportunity, although would be wary about the prospects of the sub sector's other heavyweight constituent ITV.
16 May
Electronic and electrical equipment
Massive restructuring leaves the UK electronics industry leaner, better focused and actively hunting growth in emerging markets. A run of contract delays is shaking investor confidence and the sector as a whole faces a tricky second half. Targeting genuine organic growth stories and selective value opportunities looks the best policy.
09 May
Leisure goods
Retailer caution on stocking at a time of fragile consumer confidence means the risks to forecasts are high. Our preference on the whole is for cash-generative firms with geographical diversity of earnings and balance sheet strength.
02 May
Industrial Transportation
This is a highly cyclical sector geared in to global macroeconomic activity. With the data remaining spotty, a selective approach is best and the offshore and shipbroking sub-sectors look to offer the best opportunities.
11 Apr
Support services
We particularly like the asset rental firms but suggest a selective approach with a close eye on valuation, growth and self-help potential to improve profit margins.
04 Apr
Real estate investment and services
Real estate has its problems due to the UK's economy but this diverse sector has its attractions as well, notably London offices, student accommodation and property lettings.
28 Mar
Aerospace and Defence
A selective approach is best amid spending and economic uncertainties. The big caps look the best value.
07 Mar
Non-life insurance
Record low interest rates are depressing investment returns while the regulatory burden continues to increase. The sector's appeal lies largely with the yields offered by some firms.
28 Feb
Technology hardware and equipment
Technology cycles can be vicious but several enormous growth trends underpin current optimism. Connectivity is one and savvy stock picking could produce the goods for selective investors willing to take on the risks.
Important information
Sector Reports and featured tips, including Stocks in the spotlight, are provided by Shares Magazine and Hargreaves Lansdown may not share their views. These reports are designed to help investors make their own investment decisions. They do not constitute a personal recommendation to invest. If you have any doubts as to their suitability you should seek expert advice. Please be aware that the value of investments can fall as well as rise so you could get back less than you invest.
Market latest
FTSE 100 | FTSE 250 | All Share
| FTSE 100 | 6,652.82 |  |
-0.66% |
| FTSE 250 | 14,443.69 | |
-0.44% |
| FTSE All Share | 3,507.63 | |
-0.61% |
| Dow Jones | 15,294.50 | |
-0.08% |
| NASDAQ | 3,459.42 | |
-0.11% |
| Xetra DAX | 8,282.95 | |
-0.83% |
| Paris CAC 40 | 3,967.33 |  |
+0.00% |
| Nikkei 225 | 14,612.45 | |
+0.89% |
| Hang Seng | 22,613.42 | |
-0.25% |
Hang Seng disclaimer l Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes
FTSE 100
| Meggitt | 528.75 | |
+1.25% |
| Smiths Group Plc | 1351.00 | |
+1.20% |
| Babcock International Group | 1164.00 | |
+0.87% |
| Aberdeen Asset Management | 479.00 | |
+0.80% |
| Marks & Spencer Group plc | 475.90 | |
+0.80% |
| Eurasian Natural Resources Corp plc | 256.60 | |
-3.13% |
| Next plc | 4582.00 | |
-2.30% |
| Aggreko Plc | 1720.50 | |
-2.16% |
| Polymetal International plc | 651.75 | |
-2.03% |
| Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc | 330.35 | |
-2.02% |
| Lloyds Banking Group plc | 53,546,498 |
| Vodafone Group plc | 20,938,353 |
| Barclays plc | 10,119,897 |
| HSBC Holdings plc | 8,805,456 |
| BT Group plc | 8,613,218 |