Artful Investing

As 2005 draws to a close and stock market trading ceases, I've done my sums and calculated my return for the year as +53%. This easily trounces last year's performance of +14% and this year's FTSE 100 index return of +16%.

I'm over the moon with this - it's a result far in excess of what I could have expected at the start of the year. The first challenge for 2006 will be to find a home for the proceeds of my Dana Petroleum sale. Efforts must be stepped up.

Portfolio values, 30th November 2005:

Chaucer Holdings, 06/10/2003 at 42.88p (60.5p)
Chaucer Holdings, 06/04/2004 at 54.75p (60.5p)
Dana Petroleum, 20/11/2003 at 223.75p (917p)
SVB, 12/04/2005 at 24.12p (28.5p)
SVB, 13/09/2005 at 26.75p (28.5p)
Fayrewood, 15/04/2005 at 112.5p (104p)
Fayrewood, 19/04/2005 at 111.5p (104p)
+ cash holdings

I have sold my largest position, Dana Petroleum since and on the final day of trade in 2005, the standings were:

Chaucer Holdings, 06/10/2003 at 42.88p (60p)
Chaucer Holdings, 06/04/2004 at 54.75p (60p)
SVB, 12/04/2005 at 24.12p (30p)
SVB, 13/09/2005 at 26.75p (30p)
Fayrewood, 15/04/2005 at 112.5p (117p)
Fayrewood, 19/04/2005 at 111.5p (117p)
+ cash holdings

I expect big moves from SVB and Fayrewood in 2006. I hope any readers have enjoyed my blog in 2005 and will wish me luck for 2006.

The Artful Dodger