Bank of America (BofA) is urging investors to use the recent US equity pullback as an opportunity to selectively build long exposure. As part of its research note, BofA has also named 10 stocks it believes are best positioned to outperform in Q2 2026 as macro and geopolitical headwinds begin to stabilise. The call comes amid heightened volatility triggered by geopolitical escalation and policy uncertainty. For example, the S&P 500’s recent decline below 6,600, according to BofA strategists, has begun to ‘kick‑start policy panic’, although technical indicators have not yet reached levels typically associated with full capitulation. BofA notes that…

We will all get to the stage when we want to stop working, living not from a salary but income generated by our investment portfolios. It’s one of those landmark moments in life; one you’ll probably have been thinking about long before you pull the trigger. Transitioning a growth-oriented portfolio into one that provides steady income for retirement involves shifting from maximising capital appreciation to a strategy that prioritises income generation, risk reduction, and capital preservation. You probably won’t make mass changes all at once, it’s usually sensible to do it gradually, over several months or even years. Funds, stocks…

Stability has been replaced by volatility as stock market investors face elevated uncertainty ahead. Conflict in the Middle East is dominating the market mood, sparking oil price spikes and inflation worries. Fragile economic signals, stock valuations, and policy unpredictability are additional balls for investors to juggle. Markets remain volatile because: These pressures mean markets can rally on good news but remain vulnerable to sharp pullbacks. History may not be an accurate guide to future performance but there are certainly valuable lessons to be learned from the past, not least, to invest through cycles rather than trying to time them. So,…

In our latest podcast, Sharesify’s Steven Frazer and James Crux welcome Laura Foll, co-manager of investment trust Law Debenture (LWDB). This trust is a rare breed in the current investment trust space. With a unique operating model that may be partly responsible for the shares trading at a premium to NAV, Laura talks us through this model. Moreover, she explains what she believes its advantages are. 47 years of dividends We then touch on the manager’s thoughts on its ‘Dividend Hero’ status (47 years and counting). Laura explains why she believes that is a big attraction for retail investors. Steve…

Barclays analysts have highlighted a select group of global technology leaders poised to benefit from what they describe as ‘an unprecedented buildout of artificial intelligence infrastructure.’ According to the bank’s projections, annual AI‑related capital expenditure from hyperscalers and leading AI laboratories could exceed $1 trillion before peaking in 2028. This would reflect one of the largest investment cycles in history. To assess the breadth of the opportunity, Barclays compiled a universe of more than 400 public and private companies spanning 19 digital and power‑infrastructure categories—from advanced semiconductors and custom accelerators to power systems, networking, and thermal management. In addition, the…

Investors could find themselves paying higher taxes when new dividend tax rates come into force from 6 April 2026. But there is a simple way to avoid the increase by making use of tax efficiency investing products. As announced in last year’s Budget, some investors will see a two-percentage-point increase in the rate of tax they pay on dividends earned from shares and funds invested in shares, including investment trusts and ETFs.  Changes to dividend tax Currently, basic-rate taxpayers pay 8.75%, higher-rate taxpayers 33.75% and additional-rate taxpayers 39.35% on dividends that exceed the annual tax-free allowance of £500. From 6 April,…

Initiation of coverage POLAR CAPITAL TECHNOLOGY TRUST (PCT) 504.25p Market cap: £5.62 billion Benchmark: Dow Jones Global Technology Index Snapshot Source: Polar Capital Technology Trust Profile Polar Capital Technology Trust (PCT) is one of the best, broadly-based tech funds around, and the sole tech fund specialist in the FTSE 100. Run for nearly 20 years by lead manager Ben Rogoff, he is supported by a team deep with technology sector experience and expertise, combining to deliver an excellent record of superior investment returns over multiple investment and economic cycles. The trust believes that AI is reshaping industries, economies and the…

A potential diplomatic breakthrough between the US and Iran could unlock a significant shift in sector leadership, according to analysts and fund managers. Select sector and geographic themed ETFs could rally if President Donald Trump’s strikes an Iran peace deal. Wolfe Research analyst Chris Senyek this week highlighted that while the US administration’s messaging on the conflict has been inconsistent, Trump’s decision to walk back on comments regarding striking Iranian energy infrastructure have sent global stocks higher so far this week as oil prices fell sharply and bond yields eased. Senyek says Wolfe Research is ‘looking for further progress to…

Gold has lost nearly $1,000/oz (per ounce) in less than a month as conflict rages in the Middle East, leaving many investors confused. For years, gold has been the ultimate safe haven for investors during extreme global events. In the early months of the Covid pandemic, it shot-up around 35%, and more than doubled during the great financial crisis of 2009/2010. Now, as geopolitics again creates turmoil for nations, economies and financial markets, why is the price of gold plunging? Brutal correction Gold prices continued their sharp decline in trading on Tuesday, marking a 10th straight session of losses as…

Investors in Smiths (SMIN) are being asked some tough questions as the FTSE 100 multi-national engineering business reshapes its business. Today’s announcement confirmed sweeping changes that will see parts of the business sold. In addition, there will be a fresh £1.5 billion capital return to shareholders. This comes alongside seemingly solid half year trading. That all sounds positive, so why have the shares plunged, down more than 8% in morning trading? Smiths (SMIN)Price: £21.52 (-8.4%)Market cap: £6.71bn Profit growth amid portfolio overhaul For the six months ended 31 January, Smiths posted a 5.6% rise in headline operating profit to…