Against a ‘challenging’ market backdrop, CT UK Capital and Income (LON:CTUK) underperformed its benchmark in the half to March. However, the UK equity income trust raised the H1 dividend by an inflation-beating 5.1% to 6.2p. This extended the fund’s long-standing track record of dividend growth. In fact, this AIC ‘Dividend Hero’ is on course to deliver a 33rd consecutive annual dividend increase. New manager Dominic Younger is anticipating a higher level of income receipts in H2. Why the trust lagged in H1 H1 figures showed a net asset value (NAV) total return of 0.6%, lagging the FTSE All-Share Index’s 8.9%…

Shares in The Works (WRKS) rallied 6% to a six-month high of 57p after the books-to-toys retailer delivered another earnings upgrade off the back of strong Q4 trading. The raised outlook demonstrates that CEO Gavin Peck’s ‘Elevating The Works’ self-help strategy is paying off. Selling affordable, screen-free activities for the whole family, The Works recently closed its loss-making online operations in order to focus on its successful bricks-and-mortar business. Another EBITDA beat Thanks to robust revenue growth, product margin improvements and cost-cutting, The Works now expects adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 3 May 2026 to come in at £14…

In our latest podcast special, James Crux and Ian Conway are joined by Abby Glennie, manager of Aberdeen UK Smaller Companies Growth Trust (AUSC). Our guest discusses the trust’s successful stock selection-led investment process. This involves compiling a shortlist of potential investments using a screening tool known as ‘The Matrix’, which reflects quality, growth and momentum-based factor analysis. Abby explains why face-to-face meetings with management of potential investments is so important to her and co-manager Amanda Yeaman. She also talks small cap liquidity, M&A, and recalls key lessons learned from legendary stock picker Harry Nimmo. Get involved If you want…

Car buying platform Autotrader (AUTO) increased sales and profits for the year to March 2026 despite a difficult industry backdrop. The cash-generative automotive marketplace also unveiled plans to return around £600 million to shareholders in FY27. So why were Autotrader shares among FTSE 100’s worst performers today? Well, FY26 results came in shy of consensus estimates, while FY27 profit guidance was also light relative to analysts’ forecasts. Autotrader also flagged flat revenue in April 2026, which it pinned on ‘a lower run rate and a lower price increase’. Growth engine Group revenue ticked up 4% to £624.3 million in FY26.…

Investment trust Schroder UK Mid Cap Fund (SCP) has launched a tender offer for up to 100% of its share capital at net asset value (NAV) less costs. The tender gives shareholders including Saba Capital the option of a full cash exit while preserving the FTSE 250-focused trust for those who want to stay invested. The board and investment manager Schroders are confident in the £238 million cap fund’s strategy. In fact, they believe there are ‘attractive long-term investments’ within the UK mid cap sector, which is a source of potential ‘multi baggers’ according to manager Jean Roche. Following the…

In our latest podcast, Steven, Ian and James discuss UK inflation data, global fund manager sentiment and upcoming results from Nvidia (NVDA). Our markets watcher Ian warns inflation hasn’t gone away and explains why global fund managers are ‘all in’ on equities according to a recent survey. He also discusses the latest positive update from engineering and distribution group Diploma (DPLM). James walks us through the latest consumer news. He tells us why Marks & Spencer (MKS) has moved from recovery phase to growth. He also rounds up results from pork-to-poultry processor Cranswick (CWK), electricals retailer Currys (CURY) and boot brand…

Shares in S&U (SUS) rallied after the specialist motor and property financier said the turnaround in its fortunes ‘continues apace’. Controlled by the Coombs family, S&U reported that Q1 FY27 trading remains ‘healthily above budget’ with net interest margins improving. S&U’s resilience is all the more impressive given the impact on consumer confidence arising from war in the Middle East and political uncertainty in the UK. Profits ahead of budget For the uninitiated, Solihull-headquartered S&U is a motor finance and property bridging loan provider. Its Advantage motor finance business lends on a hire purchase basis to lower and middle income…

Investors were tripping over themselves to buy Dr Martens (DOCS) after the iconic British footwear brand announced a return to profit growth. FY26 results confirmed the footwear retailer’s Levers for Growth strategy is gaining traction. Reduced discounting and a pivot to a ‘truly consumer-first’ business model are paying off for the FTSE 250 firm. Positive strides Dr Martens’ adjusted pre-tax profits powered 61% higher to £55 million for the year to March 2026. Profit growth was delivered despite a 29% drop in revenue to £764.9 million as the boot brand pulled back on clearance activity. The retailer said the move was designed…

In our latest podcast special, Steven Frazer and James Crux are joined by Simon Barnard, manager of Smithson Equity Fund (BLBNK48). Smithson invests in small and mid cap companies with superior operating numbers. Our special guest discusses Smithson’s transition from an investment trust to an open-ended fund. Barnard explains why he is sticking with his strategy of investing in high-quality global small and mid-cap companies. Investment trust to an open-ended fund switch He talks about the steps he has taken to improve the fund’s performance. Barnard then explains why he is seeing lots of value opportunities within his preferred parts…

Shares in Currys (CURY) sparked higher after the electricals retailer raised FY26 profit guidance off the back of strengthening revenues and cash flows. Despite a tough consumer backdrop, the FTSE 250 retailer continued to win market share in the UK & Ireland and Nordics last year. There was also relief as the washing machines-to-laptops seller insisted the process to appoint a successor to outgoing CEO Alex Baldock is ‘progressing well’. Profits spark higher For the year ending 2 May 2026, Currys now expects to deliver adjusted pre-tax profits of around £191 million. That is ahead of the previously guided £180…