In this special episode of the podcast, Ian and James are joined by Adam Norris, who manages the CT Global Managed Portfolio Trust (LON:CMPG) alongside Paul Green. This trust invests in a range of investment companies, providing investors with exposure to a broad spread of different geographies, sectors, investment styles and investment managers. Our special guest explains how the trust invests and discusses the benefits of its dual share structure, one for growth investors and one for Income. Adam talks us through the most significant changes made to the portfolios last year. And he explains why the trust is changing…

Infrastructure services-to-construction company Kier (LON:KIE) reported forecast-beating FY26 results and upgraded FY27 guidance. Earnings for the current year will be at the top end of the board’s prior expectations, supported by strong order book growth. The FTSE 250 firm also unveiled updated medium-term financial targets. These include double-digit adjusted earnings per share (EPS) growth, an adjusted operating margin of 4% to 4.5% and an average net cash position north of £200 million by FY29. Solid foundations Results for the year to June 2026 showed a 7.5% rise in revenue to over £4.39 billion. Adjusted pre-tax profits grew 8.8% to £136.4 million.…

Shares in Wickes (LON:WIX) rallied after the home improvement retailer reported a ‘significantly improved’ trading trend in Q3-to-date. There was also relief as Wickes insisted it is on track to meet FY26 consensus expectations of circa 10% growth in adjusted pre-tax profits. Led by charismatic CEO David Wood, Wickes is the UK’s second-largest home improvement retailer behind B&Q. The business is segmented into two divisions: Retail (DIY & Trade) and Design and Installation. Significantly improved trend Wickes has seen a ‘significantly improved trend’ in Q3 so far, with retail like-for-like sales accelerating to mid-single-digit growth. Year to DecemberFY26EFY27EFY28ERevenue (£m)1,685.31,752.71,833.3Adjusted pre-tax…

Investment trust RTW Biotech Opportunities (LON:RTW) generated a healthy net asset value (NAV) total return of 16.5% for the six months to June 2026. That performance beat the 15.4% gain from the Nasdaq Biotech Index. However, it lagged the 28.2% rise in the Russell 2000 Biotech Smaller Companies Index. And the trust’s share price total return was a more modest 12% as the NAV discount widened from 12% to 15.4%. Healthy returns RTW Bio benefited as its publicly listed investments rallied in response to a boom in takeovers and initial public offerings (IPOs), positive clinical trials and an improving US…

In this special episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Gabriel Sacks, manager of Aberdeen Asia Focus (LON:AAS). The investment trust offers exposure to Asia’s next generation of market leaders. And over one, five and 10 years, it is the best share price total return performer in its AIC sector. Our special guest makes the bull case for emerging markets. Furthermore, he explains why investors should consider an active trust like Aberdeen Asia Focus for regional exposure. Gabriel discusses the drivers of the trust’s formidable long-term performance and tells our audience where he is seeing the biggest valuation opportunities. He…

Shares in MP Evans (LON:MPE) tested new all-time highs after the sustainable Indonesian palm oil producer posted record H1 results. The AIM-listed food producer also raised the dividend by a bumper 39% to 25p a share. And investors welcomed the news strong pricing for both crude palm oil (CPO) and palm kernels (PK), the group’s secondary product, has persisted into Q3. The high oil price, exacerbated by Middle East tensions and other geopolitical events, is supporting robust demand for alternative fuels such as palm oil. Meanwhile, efforts by the Indonesian and other governments to promote demand for the commodity is…

In this special edition of the podcast, we’re joined by Jean Roche, manager of the Schroder UK Mid Cap Fund (LON:SCP). This investment trust’s strapline is ‘backing tomorrow’s UK market leaders today’. And maths whizz Roche believes UK mid-caps are positioned in a sweet spot for growth. Our special guest explains why investors should consider an allocation to mid caps. She sees a compelling valuation case for UK mid caps. The asset class looks inexpensive on valuation metrics including the price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio. In addition, Jean discusses the FTSE 250’s long-term performance. She also highlights some key misconceptions investors…

The week of 14–18 September 2026 brings a busy run of UK company results, with several reports likely to attract particular attention from UK retail investors. There’s precious little of note across the pond in the US, however, or among EU corporates for that matter. Monday gets underway with Trustpilot, whose half-year results on 15 September will be closely watched for revenue growth, margins and evidence that its turnaround and investment strategy are translating into stronger shareholder returns. Kier, Wickes and McBride also feature on Tuesday, offering insights into UK construction, housing-related spending and consumer demand. Wednesday is arguably the…

In the latest episode of the podcast, the Sharesify gang talk markets climbing a wall of worry, tech earnings and why Primark’s parent plunged this week. Our tech expert Steven discusses this week’s updates from tech infrastructure titan Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) and chipmaker TSMC (NYSE:TSM). James explains why FTSE 100 conglomerate Associated British Foods (LON:ABF) fell this week. Investors clearly didn’t like the FY26 like-for-like sales guidance from its discount clothing chain Primark. And news the cut-price clothing retailer is moving into UK home delivery left some retail watchers miffed. Ian makes the case that builders including Berkeley Group (LON:BKG) are dead money,…

Out-of-favour investment trust Lindsell Train (LON:LTI) has launched a tender offer for up to 20% of the company at a 5% discount to net asset value (NAV). The aim of the tender is to address a persistently wide NAV discount. This discount reflects the weaker recent NAV performance from the global fund managed by Nick Train and Michael Lindsell. The board believes the tender will enable the fund to continue and give the investment strategy more time to recover. The move will also allow shareholders who’ve lost patience with the strategy to exit a portion of their investment. This would…