LONDON (ShareCast) - There are two unknowns surrounding clothing retailer French Connection. The intention of Baugur, the Icelandic investor that owns a large chunk of shares, and whether founder Stephen Marks will ever act to take the company private. With these caveats, the Telegraph remains sellers of the shares at present.

Given previous disappointments, it was a relief that Hochschild, the world's fourth-biggest silver producer, used yesterday's full-year results to reaffirm its target of producing 26 million ounces of the metal in 2008. On the view that trust in Hochschild's targets will build, the shares should be tucked away, so buy, says the Times. The Independent agrees.

Finance director, David Dyson suggests the biggest challenge facing car dealership Lookers in 2008 is a collapse in consumer confidence. He need not worry too much, say watchers at broker Numis. The Independent reckons the shares are a hold.

At less than nine times 2008 earnings, chemicals group Yule Catto is a tempting recovery play, which also offers the highest dividend yield in its sector: a prospective 7 per cent. However, that allure is outweighed by its balance sheet and yesterday's 14 per cent bounce to 159p. Avoid, suggests the Times.

In the near-term, BPP's core law and accountancy courses provide defensiveness, and direct exposure to financial market weakness is modest, with training for investment banks less than a tenth of sales. BPP's longer-term prospects remain intact. The Times says hold on, while the Telegraph has the shares as a buy.

Trading volumes at emissions exchange operator Climate Exchange increased 128 per cent last year on 2006 and the company holds an 85 per cent market share. It reported a pro-forma pre-tax profit of £850,000 in 2007, after a loss of £5m the previous year, so buy recommends the Independent.



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