After the record highs for global markets in 2017, 2018 was decidedly volatile, characterised by big swings as investors tried to navigate their way through mounting uncertainties. Among the biggest fallers were the trainers and hoodie retailer Footasylum in a very tough year for high street sales. The firm scaled back plans to open new stores, reported a first-half loss in October, and warned of “difficult trading”. The Guardian’s business desk strikes a particularly cautious note in its tips for 2019 – (probably) the year that Britain will leave the EU under circumstances that nobody knows and with implications that nobody fully understands. Julia KolleweIberdrolaAt €7.02, ScottishPower’s giant Spanish-listed owner looks a good bet for 2019.

Source: The Guardian January 01, 2019 07:52 UTC