The latest Investing Matters Podcast with Jean Roche, Co-Manager of Schroder UK Mid Cap Investment Trust has just been released. Listen here.
I think BLND is betterer. If you are looking for exposure to this sector (land and buildings), you could also consider HMSO, that's Hammerson PLC, not Her Majesty's Stationery Office. I think everyone should have some BLND, HMSO or LAND in their portfolio for a strong recovery. They are significantly discounted now and offer great growth potential with very good earnings, especially when office and retail lets pick up again.
That 7% yield is out of date. From http://www.rexam.com/files/presentations/290709/rights_issue_release.pdf "The Board has reviewed the dividend policy and will not declare a 2009 interim dividend but intends to recommend a final 2009 dividend of 8 pence per share" 4@150p for 11 held, nil-paid rights allocated 30th July (tomorrow). I am in.
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Oilexco-Incorporated-TSX-VENTURE-OIL-1018373.html
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article6682979.ece
Asking people to take a week or more unpaid vacation isn't that big a deal. Honda, JCB and others did it. If my company offered me a month off on those terms I'd take it and go on a trip or do some jobs about the house. BA have also asked if people want to volunteer for part-time duties or 'career breaks', e.g. 6-12 months. Unite is getting its knickers in a twist because they crave the PR but these ideas may suit many people and will stave off compulsory redundancies. It's fairly obvious to me that if they are doing less business, they don't have the same staff needs.
"...an increased flow of work for several years to come", said Ric Traynor, executive chairman. http://www.sharecast.com/cgi-bin/sharecast/story.cgi?story_id=2816518