Investment guides

Mark Slater: How I pick stocks

The top-performing manager of MFM Slater Growth shares his secrets on how he selects the companies that make his investors happy.

VCTs and EISs: The criticisms answered

Tax expert Martin Churchill tackles venture capital trusts and enterprise investment schemes. Are they a sound investment?

Budget 2012: What to expect on pensions and tax

Will the chancellor tamper with tax relief on pensions? Mike Morrison looks at what we can expect on 21 March.

Three routes into commodities

Andrew Pitts profiles three very different ways to access an asset class that is due a change in fortunes in 2012.

Investing in commodities

Commodities are traditionally a good hedge against inflation. Cathy Adams finds out why they are a useful part of any portfolio.

Investing in commercial property

Looking for profitable routes into commercial property? Andrew Pitts profiles three that have caught his eye.

Top investment trust picks and the ones to avoid

Large defensive stocks are key to buoyant investment trust returns in 2012. But which trusts are worth a closer look?

What's the true cost of investing?

TCF Investment chief David Norman tells Andrew Pitts why investors are getting a raw deal from the funds industry.

Gold rally shows no sign of stopping

Jeremy Batstone-Carr sees plenty of mileage in the gold rally, with $2,000-an-ounce a very real possibility.

ISAs vs Pensions

It's all change on pensions from 6 April. Here are some handy tips from Money Observer editor Andrew Pitts on which route could be best for you.