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The Week in Review

Markets have been weaker than I anticipated given that a Greek exit is hardly a new possibility for markets, and indeed a Greek exit is hardly that significant an event unless the contagion spreads, which I doubt even Germany would allow to happen. Perhaps it is that the polls have spoken and investors await a response from politicians and in the vacuum buyers are absent. Read More...

FXCM Online Dealing - Inactivity Charge

FXCM, the London-based online stockbroking company, has recently introduced an 'Inactivity Fee' on client accounts which looks fair to me. Read More...

The Regular Investor Buys Fidelity China SS & Smith Group

This month, the Regular Investor buys further shares in the Fidelity Special Situations Fund and the FTSE 100 technology group, Smiths Group. These monthly purchases, with real money, should be seen as GillenMarkets's key stock and fund selections at the point in time. The progress of the Regular Investor's portfolios is tracked and reported on at frequent intervals. Read More...

F&C Private Equity Trust - 5.8% Yield

These days, with interest rates so low, it is hard to generate income from your savings or pension monies. However, in the stock markets, it is possible to uncover good quality funds that yield in excess of 5%, and this week I provide coverage of the London-listed F&C Private Equity Trust which offers reaonable growth prospects along with an attractive 5.8% initial dividend yield. Read More...

Update on Johnson & Johnson (Global Franchise Stock)

This week, we review Johnson & Johnson, one of the great growth stories of the past 50 years. Earnings growth has been pedestrian this apst few years but the cheap look great value and provide a starting dividend yield of 3.75%. Read More....

Quote of the Week - J. Anthony Boeckh

"When new money is created on a grand scale, it must go somewhere and have some major consequences. One of these will be greatly increased volatility and instability in the economy and financial system."

J. Anthony Boeckh (Chairman, Bank Credit Analyst 1968-2002, The Great Reflation, Boeckh Investment Newsletter)