Private investors outperform professionals

In the eight months to end July, private investors sold £8bn of cyclical shares, such as financial, industrial and energy stocks; while purchasing £2.1bn of defensive stocks, including utilities and consumer goods. Capita says these stocks, such as tobacco and beverages, are less exposed to troubling market disturbances. The £5.9bn net equity holdings sale reduced private investor UK Plc share to 11.96%, from 12.15%. Capita Registrars director John Roundhill says private investor strategy has proved correct. “For several months our research has shown a steady sell trend by private inves...