Charles Stanley favours consumer cyclicals as economic growth speeds up

UK earnings improving By Jenne Mannion Stockbroker Charles Stanley predicts UK consumer cyclicals will outperform as economic growth prospects improve. So far this year the sector has underperformed but Omar Sheikh, head of research with the group, said a change was signalled with consensus UK GDP expectations for 2000 rising to 2.3% from 2.1% in January. According to Charles Stanley, the leisure, entertainment and hotels sector is up 14% from January levels, while the restaurants, breweries and pubs sector has risen 10%. The general retailers sector is up 8% and transport is 4% higher....