A professional investor tells us where he'd put his money. This week: William Meadon of the JP Morgan Claverhouse Investment Trust picks three favourites.
There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the British economy and stockmarket. But despite all the doom and gloom, the economy is in better shape than many realise. Indeed, in stark contrast to the horror stories and negative headlines, what we're seeing on the ground, at the company level, are a number of bright spots. It's easy to miss these opportunities if you don't tune out the Brexit-related noise.
JPMorgan Claverhouse aims to provide both capital and income growth for its shareholders by investing in a portfolio of 60 to 80 quoted British equities: reasonably valued quality companies with improving prospects. The fund has just announced its 46th consecutive annual dividend increase, the longest of any UK-only investment trust quoted on the London Stock Exchange.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The housing gloom has gone too far
What's more, the Help-to-Buy programme is making house purchases more accessible and, if the scheme finishes as planned in 2023, there should be an increasing number of people taking advantage of it in the coming years. We particularly like Barratt Developments (LSE:BDEV) thanks to its strategy of focusing on areas outside London, where there is less concentrated Brexit risk and, consequently, lower house-price volatility. Barratt's management are experienced, astute operators and although the 8% dividend yield on the shares includes some special payments, even in the absence of these the shares looks attractive.
New managers will boost Glaxo
GlaxoSmithKline (LSE:GSK)
However, a change in management should gradually improve the reputation of the company. In the meantime, investors are being paid generously to wait through the quarterly payment of a dividend currently worth more than 5% of the share price. Furthermore, the recent joint venture with Pfizer's consumer health business highlights the strategic choices available to the company and the management's ability to exploit them.
A top record in infrastructure
John Laing Group (LSE: JLG)
-
What happens if you can’t pay your tax bill, and what is "Time to Pay"?Millions are due to file their tax return this Friday as the self-assessment deadline closes. Though the nightmare is not over until you pay the taxman what you owe - or face a penalty. But what happens if you can't afford to pay HMRC your tax bill, and what is "Time to Pay"?
-
What does Rachel Reeves’s plan for growth mean for UK investors?Rachel Reeves says she is going “further and faster” to kickstart the UK economy, but investors are unlikely to be persuaded
