P226 CEEFAX 226 Sun 22 Dec 22:46/39 1/10 -,,* UNIT TRUST PANEL The MONEYFILE Unit Trust Panel has been recruited from a number of independent advisory firms in an attempt to offer a path through the unit trust jungle. Unit trusts, it must be emphasised, can fall in value. Neither the panellists nor the BBC can accept responsibility for recommendations made. Selections shown and opinions expressed are those of the persons named and are not necessarily shared bz the BBC. * Investors are recommended always to seek professional advice before bu:ing. MoreP226 CEEFAX 226 Sun 22 Dec 22:40/49 2/10 UNIT TRUST PANEL * DECEMBER's panellists have chosen: US USA Japan Gilts Other Hayes * * * Lansdown * * * * Laurence * * * * Searli * * S = speculative * Selections are geared for growth on a 12-month view and are considered worthy of inclusion in a balanced portfolio. MoreP226 CEEFAX 226 Sun 22 Dec 21:44/41 3/10 UNIT TRUST PANEL Peter Hayes (Plan Invest Group) * DECEMBER commentary: UK: We have reached an interesting stage. The US market is very high and has to absorb a number of new issues. Leave alone for the time being. Japan: Japanese trusts have recovered well in recent weeks. I recommended some in September and now seems right to invest more in that market. Try: Abbey Japan, Fidelity Japan. MoreP226 CEEFAX 226 Sun 22 Dec 22:13/47 4/10 UNIT TRUST PANEL Peter Hayes (Plan Invest Group) * DECEMBER commentary (continued): USA: Looks attractive, and there is the prospect of sterling weakening against the dollar, so a currency gain is possible. Try: M&G American Recovery. Europe: European funds should not be ignored either. But choose established ones with a record of performance, not just the latest one launched. Try: Oppenheimer European Growth, Hill Samuel European. MoreP226 CEEFAX 226 Sun 22 Dec 21:44/47 5/10 UNIT TRUST PANEL Stephen Lansdown (Hargreaves Lansdown) * DECEMBER commentary: UK: Who would have thought the market would have reached even greater heights during the autumn? In the long term there are bound to be temporary setbacks, but generally the market looks good for further gains. Europe: Shares still look cheap and currencies undervalued. Japan: Cautious in the short term, but the yen is likely to rise against the pound. Some blue chips are attracti6j. MoreP226 CEEFAX 226 Sun 22 Dec 21:15/12 6/10 UNIT TRUST PANEL Stephen Lansdown (Hargreaves Lansdown) * DECEMBER commentary (continued): USA: There is every possibility of bette corporate profits in 1986, and if the improvement in trade and Budget deficits seen in November continue it could be a worthwhile place to be. Honk Kong: The market still offers good potential. Other: Other markets, commodity and energy trusts should bj avoided. MoreP226 CEEFAX 226 Sun 22 Dec 22:34/29 7/10 -,,% UNIT TRUST PANEL Keith Laurence (WestAvon Financial) * DECEMBER commentary: UK: Although some consolidation is to be expected, the market should bj well supported in the medium-to-long term. Henderson Income & Growth and Gartmore Income are recommended. USA: The market should go higher. Now should be a good time to invest, as the dollar is unlikely to go much lower. M&G American & General and S&P American Income & Growth are two to go for. MoreP226 CEEFAX 226 Sun 22 Dec 22:58/51 8/10 UNIT TRUST PANEL Keith Laurence (WestAvon Financial) * DECEMBER commentary (cont): Japan: A strong yen should help reduce interest rates, which were recently increased sharply. Thus this market, which has missed out where all other markets have risen, should now follow an upward trend. Buy Wardliy Japan and Schrodjr Japan Smaller Companies. Gilts: Hold for income. Other: Europe is still a good place to invest. Sun Life European and Brown Shipley German Fund are recommended. MoreP226 CEEFAX 226 Sun 22 Dec 22:44/54 9/10 UNIT TRUST PANEL Mark Searle (Richards Longstaff) * DECEMBER commentary: UK: After a good advance, a time for caution. USA: As the dollar falls, Wall Street should recover. Interest rates may bj reduced to stimulate the economy. Hedged funds are the best bet. Japan: In the short term, there may not be much excitement. In the longer term, the Japanese economy seems set to offer the best secure growth. The yen is likely to strengthen further. MoreP226 CEEFAX 226 Sun 22 Dec 22:27/41 10/10 -,,% UNIT TRUST PANEL Mark Searl (Richards Longstaff) * DECEMBER selections: US : Mercury Recovery Touche Remnant Income & Growth USA : M&G American & General S&P American Income & Growth Japan: EFM Tokyo Fidelity Japan Intl : Perpetual International Emerging Companies More