While most of the world continues to struggle with Covid-19, China is well on the road to recovery. World Bank forecasts suggest the Chinese economy will grow nearly 8 per cent this year, twice as fast as the UK, Europe and America.
Industrial activity is already picking up fast in the People s Republic, evidenced by rising imports of oil, coal, steel and other bulk commodities.
The trend may seem frustrating to nations still facing lockdowns and other tight restrictions but it is good news for businesses involved in international trade, such as Braemar Shipping Services.
Midas recommended the shipbroker in May last year, when Braemar shares were 99p.
After the year that we have just had, everyone is hoping and praying for better times ahead. Coronavirus has cast a shadow over all our lives – its reach broader and deeper than anyone would have expected.
Looking ahead, however, there are real reasons for optimism. A Brexit deal has been done, vaccinations are being rolled out across the UK and business sentiment is improving.
Midas top picks for this year will benefit from economic recovery but do not depend on it. The firms are also varied in nature – and influenced by different trends among both consumers and firms.
Midas top picks for this year will benefit from economic recovery but do not depend on it
This time last year, Boris Johnson had just won the General Election by a huge majority and it seemed as if a new era was about to begin.
A few cases of a strange virus had been reported in China, but few people noticed. As far as most economists and stock markets were concerned, the virus was an Asian problem.
That all changed as February drew to a close and Covid-19 began to hit Europe. Lockdowns became the new normal and shares plummeted.
Fast lane: Car racing video game maker Codemasters has more than doubled its share price in a year