Limited Gains

Headlines say stock gains limited amid geopolitical uncertainty and all stock picks this week are 76% BUY, 13% HOLD and 11% SELL.

1. BUY Hostelworld

Top performing stock pickt this week is BUY Hostelworld Group by Berenberg with a tip performance of 13%.

Hostelworld is a Dublin-based online travel agent specialising in the youth and budget hostel market.

Hostelworld share price launched at 199p in 2015, rose to an all-time high of 406p in 2018 and is today at 113p.

Berenberg upgraded its advice to BUY from HOLD and upped its’ target price from 145p to 171p stating the transformation of the companby into a social travel platform, improved revenue growth, and strong positioning against AI disruption.

In Stockomendation four analysts: Berenberg, Shore Capital and Canaccord Genuity with BUY and Steve Moore says AVOID. There are no active UK fund manager short positions.

2. BUY Antofagasta

Second top performing stock pick this week is BUY Antofagasta by Goldman Sachs with a tip performance of 8%.

Antofagasta is Chilean-focused mining group. Copper production represents over 96% of its revenue. Founded in 1888 and headquartered in London, the company operates four mines in Chile that produce copper concentrate, cathodes, molybdenum, and gold.

Antofagasta share price launched at 11p in 1988, rose to an all-time high of 3,893p where it is today.

On 15th April the company issued its 2025/26 production report in this RNS stating a solid start to the year, with its mines running efficiently and costs well controlled, even though copper output was a bit lower than last year because of planned mining schedules and operational factors. This lower copper production was partly balanced by stronger output from other metals, which helped keep overall performance resilient. The company says production should improve as the year goes on as conditions at its main mines get better, and it highlights that its major expansion projects are progressing as planned. Management also stresses that the business remains focused on safety, cost discipline, and reliable operations, and is confident about longer term demand for copper despite ongoing cost pressures in areas like energy.

Berenberg lowered its advice to HOLD from BUY stating tht it saw the companby as more of a long-term opportunity.

In Stockomendation four analysts with four different ratings: Goldman Sachs has BUY; Berenberg says HOLD; Deutsche Bank says SELL and ODDO BHF is NEUTRAL. One open UK fund manager short position, view that here.

3. OVERWEIGHT Hays

Third top performing stock pick this week is OVERWEIGHT Hays by Barclays with a tip performance of 7%.

Hays is a British recruitment company. Founded in 1867, it is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

Hays share price launched at 54p in 1993, rose to an all-time high of 456p in 1999 and is today at 33p.

On 16th April the company released its’ third quarter trading statement in this RNS. The figures in the statement show a business that is still operating in a weak hiring environment, with overall activity lower than last year. Permanent recruitment remains the main area of pressure, while temporary and contracting work is more stable but not growing strongly. The company is offsetting softer demand by running leaner: consultant numbers are lower, productivity per consultant is higher, and costs are being tightened, which helps protect profitability. Cash has moved the “wrong” way over the quarter due to normal seasonal effects, but this is not presented as a structural issue. Taken together, the numbers point to trading that is still subdued but no longer worsening sharply, with management relying on cost discipline and efficiency gains to ride out a slow market rather than expecting a near term demand rebound.

Barclays placed this tip on 16th April reiterating its’ OVERWEIGHT rating but decreasing the target price from 103p to 44p.

In Stockomendation five analysts with five different ratings: Jefferies has UNDERPERFORM; Barclays with OVERWEIGHT; Jon Smith says WATCH; Deutsche Bank says BUY and Steve Moore has AVOID. Three open UK fund manager short positions, view those here.

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Disclaimer: The contents of this article should not be considered financial advice. Pricing data correct as at 17th April 2026.