From a UK smallcap investor perspective - thank heavens 2024 is almost over, with the AIM index falling -6% YTD vs the FTSE All share up 5%.
Similarly, I've had a tricky year - seeing my portfolio decline -6% in H1, but fortunately bounce a little in H2 to eek out a 7% return YTD on the back of strong performances from Eleco and Activeops.
Nonetheless, investing is a long term sport, and personally I'm far more concerned about rolling 5-year returns than discrete 12-month periods.
That said, it's now time to rub Aladdin's lamp again and try to pick some interesting UK smallcaps for 2025 - particularly as I've (perhaps stupidly) thrown the gauntlet down to rock star stock picker Paul Scott.
Each of us has wagered (last of the big spenders) a round of beers down the Mary Shelly in Bournemouth - to see whose top 20 selections generate the highest overall return next year.
Anyway, mine can be downloaded below.
Happy Christmas everyone and very best with all the investing.
My picks: ELCO, AOM, IXI, AGFX, TRB, CML, MBH, MPAC, VLG, WATR, ESYS, VCT, CVSG, AVG, GHH, TRCS, FIN, SUP, ONC, HVO.