Artful Investing

March has provided an impressive 3% rise my portfolio value. Strong results from all of my holdings have boosted returns.

Compared with my previous update at the end of February:

Portfolio as of 28th February 2005:

Ben Bailey, 20/02/03 at 178p (485p)
Ben Bailey, 21/06/04 at 390p (485p)
Chaucer Holdings, 06/10/03 at 42.88p (55p)
Chaucer Holdings, 06/04/2004 at 54.75p (55p)
Dana Petroleum, 20/11/03 at 223.75p (515p)
Mayborn Group, 15/03/04 at 282p (290p)
+ cash holdings

I had noted at the time that ..huge advances have been achieved, returns can be expected to calm in later months. Advances in the portfolio as a whole were less than February's stonking performance. This was due to a significant fall in my largest holding, Ben Bailey and a dip in the value of Chaucer shares. Mayborn and Dana made up all of the lost ground however and both now stand close to all-time highs.

Today's values at close of trade 31st March 2005:

Ben Bailey, 20/02/03 at 178p (458p)
Ben Bailey, 21/06/04 at 390p (458p)
Chaucer Holdings, 06/10/03 at 42.88p (52p)
Chaucer Holdings, 06/04/2004 at 54.75p (52p)
Dana Petroleum, 20/11/03 at 223.75p (545p)
Mayborn Group, 15/03/04 at 282p (370p)
+ cash holdings

I promise new reviews for Chaucer, Dana and Mayborn to follow shortly. In the meantime, the shortage of newsflow may result in impatient investors taking their money out of stocks that have recently reported results, like Ben Bailey, Chaucer, Dana and Mayborn and head for the exit looking for the next exciting ride. Some pull-back in value may result. I however see no investment opportunities at present and will hold and continue to wait. Dividends from Ben Bailey and Chaucer are expected soon.

The Artful Dodger