THE TIPSTER
Although BSkyB and News Corp have been in the news recently because of political upheavals, the big decision has been announced and News Corp has received EC approval for a £7.8bn buyout of BSkyB. BSkyB’s shares have already jumped in response to the news, confirming investor approval. Along with strong promotions such as three months of free Sky broadband, this is a sign that there could be further upside to its price. Capital Spreads quotes 740.6p-741.9p for BSkyB’s shares.
Microsoft’s share price has been on a steady upward trend since the turn of the month. This is possibly in anticipation of its new operating system, which is scheduled to be launched in January. The system will run on chips that require less power, so they can be used in products like smart phones and tablets. Along with its financial results due on 27 January, investors in the IT giant may see a further push into the new year. Capital CFDs quotes $28.05-$28.10.
PartyGaming shares have slumped near their 2010 lows and sit on a strong support at the 210p level following an earnings update earlier this week. The firm said that although earnings should be in line with expectations, poker revenues had fallen. The 20 per cent sell-off this month seems a bit excessive and with the support holding, this might be a stock to put in your stocking for 2011. Spread Co offers a spread on PartyGaming of 210.24p-211.06p.
The seasonally-named US-listed petrochemicals refiner Holly Corporation continues to find new highs for the year, with the stock clearly finding support off the back of the improving economic outlook for 2011. While it may be wallowing well below the 2007 highs, continuing demand for refined products will provide cheer while its low price-earnings (p/e) ratio is also attracting interest. The current IG Index price on Holly Corporation is $39.21-$39.29.
The Turkish benchmark index has seen no shortage of volatility in recent years with annual moves of 50 per cent in either direction being far from unusual. Selling in the last couple of months has taken the shine off what could have otherwise been a bumper 2010 for the index. However, the volatility is unlikely to disappear any time soon as the country continues to build on its key location between Europe and Asia. The current IG Index price for the Turkey 30 index (December 2010 contract) is 81,400-81,525