Sunday newspaper share tips

EACH week, we round up the main share tips from the other Sunday newspapers. For the Mail On Sunday's renowned Midas column

Sunday Telegraph

Shares in property co-investment and development firm Halladale have risen 34% since October, making it the best performer in the property sector. Last week, the group announced a 71% hike in interim pre-tax profits to £1.76 million. The company, which specialises in turning around underperforming properties, still looks good value and investors should buy at 116½p.

Book seller Ottakar's was among a clutch of high street retailers to warn on profits in the wake of a tough Christmas season, sending its shares down 13%. In the five weeks to January 1, like-for-like sales rose by just 2.2% against 3.5% over a 48-week period. Although the launch of the new Harry Potter book will help sales, the competitive pressures will remain large. Sell at 294p.

Transport group National Express issued a bullish trading statement last month, sating pre-tax profits should be ahead of City expectations for 2004. But a recent rally by its shares suggests that most of the good news has already been priced in, with analysts pointing out that rivals such as Stagecoach or Arriva offer better value. Sell at 871p.

Sunday TimesPrudential chief executive Jonathan Bloomer is expected to offer firm evidence on Wednesday that last year's decision to raise £1 billion to pump into the UK savings and pensions market is bearing fruit. The insurance giant will also announce new business figures for 2004 and these should show encouraging signs that the UK market is improving. Total global sales should top £1.7 billion, of which just £690 million is generated in the UK and the continent. Shares have risen to 445p since October but still have further run.