David Stevenson

Buying into the world’s leading specialist insurance market is a risky business – and you need a big initial investment. But the rewards can be highly lucrative. David Stevenson reports.

You should still steer well clear of banks, says David Stevenson. But there are some real gems elsewhere in the sector. And one in particular looks very attractive.

Big investors have been piling in to commercial property recently. But you shouldn’t follow suit, says David Stevenson. There’s a much better way to profit. Here, he explains how.

As the global economy has slowed and energy demand has fallen, the price of coal has collapsed. But it is by no means a fuel of the past, says David Stevenson. Here, he explains how to profit from coal’s bright future.

Warren Buffett has invested $80m in a South Korean mining project. David Stevenson looks at what’s got the world’s most famous investor so excited, and asks whether you should follow suit.

The strong yen has hammered the Japanese stock market to a 28-year low. With stocks so cheap, now looks like a promising time to buy in. David Stevenson explains why, and looks at the best ways to invest.

This year, ‘Tax Freedom Day’ falls on 29 May. But it will be nearly another month before you’ve paid your full share of government costs. David Stevenson explains what it all means for you, and how you can fight back.

The price of copper can reveal where the global economy is heading next, says David Stevenson. Here he looks at what ‘the smartest metal in the world’ is saying now, and where that leaves you as an investor.

British farmland prices have almost trebled in the last decade. And unlike residential property prices, they’re still rising. So have we hit the peak, or is buying farmland still a good idea? David Stevenson picks one way to profit whatever happens.

As the world strives to satisfy its hunger for edible oils and biofuels, demand for palm oil is outstripping supply. And it is likely to stay that way for several years, says David Stevenson. Here, he picks the best way to invest in this booming commodity.

One commodity has a good record of forecasting the stock markets. And the message it’s sending now is clear. David Stevenson explains what it is, and how you can protect your investments.

Commercial property has rallied since plunging from the highs of 2007. But the recovery is faltering – and now’s not the time to be buying back in. David Stevenson explains why, and picks a much more attractive play on the sector.

Expensive stock markets and dangerously upbeat investor consensus are a sure-fire recipe for a sell-off, says David Stevenson. That’s when the bears can make their move.

A risk that many investors have forgotten about could be about to come back and bite us, says David Stevenson. Here, he looks at the threat rising food prices pose to global markets, and what you can do about them.

Despite stockmarkets celebrating the latest Greek bail-out, Greece is still bust, says David Stevenson. And when the reality hits, gold will really take off.

If war does break out between the West and Iran, the effect on the world economy will be disastrous. David Stevenson picks a stock that should help protect your wealth should the worst happen.

Canada may have breezed through the Great Recession, but it didn’t escape the global house price mania. Now its property bubble may be about to burst. And that presents opportunities for canny investors to profit. David Stevenson explains how.

Markets may be weary of hearing about Greece, but it is still a serious threat to Europe’s financial stability. And time is running out. David Stevenson explains how you can protect your wealth against a default.

One of the world’s key leading economic indicators – the Baltic Dry Index – has tumbled by 60% in the past month alone. Is there a simple explanation, or do we need to be worried about it? David Stevenson investigates.

Australia has one of the biggest house-price bubbles in the world. And it’s about to burst, says David Stevenson. Here, he explains how you can cash in.

This tech stock is out of favour with investors. But it’s exactly the sort of solid defensive stock to buy in today’s tricky market, says David Stevenson. And right now, it’s downright cheap.

Financial stocks have taken a pounding since the economic crisis began. So investors are rightly nervous about them. But there are now some great bargains around, says David Stevenson.

The latest US unemployment figures are good news for America’s economy and stock markets, says David Stevenson.

It’s been a tough Christmas for Britain’s retailers. Things won’t get any easier – indeed, it could be the worst year since 2008. However, says David Stevenson, the fear surrounding the sector has left at least one high street stalwart looking cheap.

Traded Life Policy Investments (TLPIs) or ‘death bonds’ are a bet on when someone will die. If that wasn’t bad enough, they’re high-risk too, says David Stevenson.

Dividend cuts may sound like bad news. But they can actually signal the perfect time to buy. Here, David Stevenson tips one sector hit by cuts that still offers inflation-beating returns and great value.

The number of Americans signing on for the first time has fallen. But what does that mean for stocks? David Stevenson explains.

The latest US unemployment figures have come in much better than expected. David Stevenson explains what that means for stocks.

While most European governments are mired in recession and debt, one country has its finances under control and is enjoying healthy growth. David Stevenson explains how to invest in Europe’s economic success story.

Don’t be fooled by today’s big rally. European’s banks are still in big trouble – they’re fast running out of cash. That means more bad news for the sector’s shareholders, says David Stevenson.

With the economy still precarious, defensive blue-chip stocks are looking ever more attractive. And they don’t come much safer than utilities. David Stevenson tips the best stocks to buy now.

With the West’s economies stagnating, hopes are resting on China to keep the global economy going. But China has troubles of its own, says David Stevenson.

Germany is having trouble selling its bonds. And if the markets are turning their backs on Germany, what does that mean for the rest of the eurozone? David Stevenson explains.

American unemployment data can give an indication of where the US stock markets are going. The latest figures suggest stocks could be heading for a rally, says David Stevenson. But can it last?

Iran is once again in the dock accused of building an atomic bomb. Is a pre-emptive strike the only way to curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions? Or is there a better way? David Stevenson reports.

The big energy suppliers tend to be unpopular with consumers. But for shareholders, it’s a different story, says David Stevenson. Here, he picks two good value energy stocks to pick up now.

The retail sector is in big trouble. But there are still opportunities out there. David Stevenson picks one good-value retail stock for your portfolio.

This Lloyd’s-listed insurer has a strong balance sheet, is raking in new business and is offering a yield of nearly 7%. It’s one to snap up now, says David Stevenson.

After looking like a disaster zone for years, Britain’s commercial property sector has been picking up recently. But don’t be fooled into getting back in, says David Stevenson. There are better bets elsewhere.

Italy must pay almost 5% more than Germany to plug its budget hole. For how much longer can this go on?

Insurers have been unfairly marked down as toxic financial stocks. But they are in much better shape than banks, says David Stevenson, and there are bargains to be had in the sector. Here, he picks one cheap, high-yielding insurer to buy now.

Oil and gas companies dominate the FTSE index. But for investors, bargains are hard to find. So which one should you buy? David Stevenson picks Europe’s best value oil share.

No matter how bad the economy gets, people will always need healthcare. Britain’s pharmaceutical sector has great growth potential and the best stocks are cheap. David Stevenson explains which shares to buy now.

After a grim few years there are signs of life in Britain’s commercial property market, says David Stevenson. But can they be trusted and what’s the best way to profit from the sector?

Canada’s economy has weathered the global slowdown better than most. But that doesn’t mean it’s a safe haven for your money. David Stevenson explains why Canada is more vulnerable than it might look.

Yet more British people are jobless and inflation is rising – that means the Misery Index is on the up. David Stevenson explains what this means for investors and tips one share that should beat the squeeze.

British satellite broadcaster BSkyB has enjoyed a surge in sales recently. But now isn’t the time to buy. David Stevenson explains why investors should look elsewhere.

‘Profiteering’ British energy suppliers are in the firing line again. But like it or not, our gas and electricity bills aren’t going to fall in the near future. And buying these stocks is still the best way to hedge against that. David Stevenson explains why.

China’s economy may be slowing, but its currency can be seen as a safe haven. With China still set to do better than most of the rest of the world, the renminbi should rise in both favourable and unfavourable markets. So should you pile into a currency fund? David Stevenson investigates.

The latest unemployment numbers from the US look encouraging, dropping to their lowest since mid-August. So what does that mean for US stock markets? David Stevenson explains.

Alcoa, the aluminium giant which kicks off America’s corporate earnings season, has seen its latest profits plummet. David Stevenson examines what this signals for the US economy.

The US has traditionally been a poor place to find decent dividends. But that might be about to change. David Stevenson explains why, and picks two stocks to add to your watch list.

The most expensive funds are not necessarily the best performing. But how do you know which are the best value? David Stevenson explains what the priciest fund managers don’t want you to know.

The Bank of England thinks inflation will slip back as food and fuel prices start to fall. But the bad news is that ‘core’ inflation is rising faster than CPI inflation, says David Stevenson.

The Bank of England is to start printing money again in the hope of boosting the economy. David Stevenson explains what it’s all about.

Britain looks like it’s heading for another recession. Hard-pressed consumers are cutting back – even the mighty Tesco is feeling the pinch. So are its shares worth buying? David Stevenson investigates.

Estate agents are bailing out of the property business in their droves. That’s a sure sign that the housing market is still in deep trouble. David Stevenson explains what’s going on.

A global recession is looming. But there is a silver lining: savvy investors can pick up bargains on the cheap, says David Stevenson. Here, he tips five defensive stocks to buy when the time is right.

Job indicators are good guides as to how well an economy is really doing. And the latest numbers from the US look encouraging. But beware. They are not quite as good as they seem. David Stevenson explains.

2011 has been a terrible year for insurers. And the short-term outlook doesn’t look too rosy either. So you might think that listed Lloyd’s insurers are the last thing to buy. But now could be just the right time to invest. David Stevenson explains why, and picks his favourite stock in the sector.

The latest American unemployment data suggests there’s every reason to expect that the stock markets may soon fall further, says David Stevenson.

Job indicators are good guides to an economy’s underlying health, and a handy pointer to future changes in the stock market. The latest figures from the US are just out. So what do they mean? David Stevenson explains.

If you want to know where Britain’s inflation rate is heading, don’t ask the Bank of England. A much better forecast is provided by the general public. And what they think makes uncomfortable reading, says David Stevenson.

Yahoo’s share price has fallen by almost 20% in two months, and is now two-thirds lower than it was five years ago. Yet it’s still not cheap enough for David Stevenson’s liking. There are much better tech stocks around – here’s just one.

‘Baby boomers’ drove a stock boom as they poured money into their pensions. Now they’re selling up to fund their retirement, and a bust is on the way. David Stevenson tips the best way to play the demographic shift.

As the world’s population increases and urbanises, demand for water is going to go through the roof. Water will increasingly become a commodity that will be traded like oil and wheat. That spells opportunity, says David Stevenson. Here, he explains the best ways to invest in water.

With prices still down a third on their 2007 peaks, Britain’s commercial property sector is struggling. David Stevenson explains why and tips a high-yielding share that should deliver profits, no matter how bad things get.

Brazil’s stock market, the Bovespa, has fallen 30% in the last year, as the country’s growth has slowed and debts risen. But while Brazil has problems, its long term future looks rosy. David Stevenson explains why it could soon be worth buying back into Brazil, and picks the best way to invest.

When equity prices fall a long way fast, it often signals something serious is about to hit the ‘real’ world. The next recession is on the way. David Stevenson explains why – and what that means for your portfolio.

Once again, the world’s stock markets have taken a beating. And things are only going to get worse. David Stevenson explains why, and what you should do to protect your wealth.

The latest unemployment figures from the US came in slightly better than expected. That suggests a stock market rally in the short term, says David Stevenson. But what about the long run?

America’s latest unemployment figures have come in slightly better than expected – but the long-term picture is still bleak. David Stevenson examinees the figures, and explains what it means for the stock markets.

US dole queues are shrinking according to the latest figures. That suggests the US stock market could be due a rally, says David Stevenson.

We all know the British economy is sickly. But even a fast-growing economy like Germany has its problems. That’s why investors should stick with defensive stocks right now, says David Stevenson.

Despite the price of every other commodity rising sharply in the last few years, one vital foodstuff has been stuck in the doldrums. But that is about to change. David Stevenson explains why the price of rice is taking off, and what it means for investors.

Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of aluminium. Widely viewed as a bellweather for the wider global economy, it has seen revenues rocket in the three months to June and is fast growing in China. But should you buy this stock now? David Stevenson investigates.

The latest US jobless figures show a slight increase in the number of Americans claiming state unemployment benefits for the first time. David Stevenson looks at the numbers, and explains what they mean for the stock markets.

With the US still the world’s largest economy, what happens there affects the rest of the world too. Now one tried and tested economic indicator is sending out alarm signals. David Stevenson looks at what that means for investors.

Advertising is an industry worth billions. And it’s growing fast as new media evolves and reaches a greater audience. So how can you profit? David Stevenson looks at the sector, and picks the best ways to invest.

The latest US jobless figures show that the number of Americans claiming state unemployment benefits for the first time has fallen. David Stevenson examines the data and explains what it means for the stock markets.

The number of Americans claiming state unemployment benefits for the first time is an excellent indicator of the health of the US economy. So what do the latest figures tell us? David Stevenson explains.

The US dollar has been in decline for a quarter of a century – and the slide looks to continue. But can the greenback be resurrected? David Stevenson investigates, and tips four stocks to buy on a dollar bounce.

Carnival is one of the largest cruise operators in the world with an impressive line of brand names. But with the industry being vulnerable to oil price fluctuations and weak consumer spending, should you get onboard? David Stevenson investigates.

The length of America’s dole queues has an impact on investors everywhere, as the world’s largest economy struggles to recover. So what do the latest figures mean for the US stock market? David Stevenson investigates.

The latest US employment figures have come in better than expected. On the face of it, this is good news. But claims are still 7% higher than they were this time last year. David Stevenson explains what the figures mean for US stocks.

China’s inflation problem is getting out of control. The danger is that, in their efforts to tackle it, the Chinese authorities will cause a sharp slowdown in the economy. That could send shockwaves through world stock markets. David Stevenson explains why, and how to protect your wealth.

British retailers are having a miserable time. Inflation is high, wages are static and consumer confidence is at rock bottom. But there are bargains to be had on the high street if you know where to look, says David Stevenson. Here, he picks one quality retail stock to buy now.

Employment data from the world’s biggest economy, the US, is one of the most widely-watched indicators on the planet. And the most recent figures make worrying reading for the stock markets. David Stevenson explains why.

Given the fears over Europe’s debt crisis, investors could be forgiven for writing the region off. But there is one European country with a growing economy, a strong currency, and healthy companies, says David Stevenson. And there’s a nice simple way to invest in it.

With inflation at its current level, the value of any cash you hold would be halved in less than 14 years. So what can you do? If you don’t mind a bit of risk, you can get an inflation-busting income from the stock market, says David Stevenson.