If you'd invested in: Swallowfield and CMC Markets

If only...

Swallowfield (Aim: SWL) supplies personal care and beauty products to brands around the world. Founded in 1876 in Wellington, Somerset, where it still has its headquarters, the firm operates factories in Devon, China and the Czech Republic. It enjoyed a "very successful" first half: the 28 weeks ending 7 January saw a profit of £2.2m on revenue of £39.7m, up from £1.19m and £27.55m for the same period the previous year. The shares are up by more than 100% in the last 12 months.

Be glad you didn't

CMC Markets (LSE: CMCX) is a provider of spread betting and contracts for difference (CFD). Results for the six months to September 2016 showed a 29% fall in profit compared with the same period the previous year, with the number of trades down by 9%. An announcement by the Financial Conduct Authority in December that it would impose stricter rules on the CFD market sent shares in the whole sector down, and CMC was no exception. The shares have fallen by 45% over the course of the last 12 months.

Start your trial of MoneyWeek today

Get unparalleled financial insight, analysis and expert opinion you can profit from.

Start your trial

Sign up for MoneyWeek’s free twice-daily newsletter.

Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.

Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.

Sign up