Growth slows

Headlines say UK economic growth slows to 0.3% in second quarter and all stock picks are a mix of 79% BUY, 11% HOLD and 10% SELL.

1. BUY Spire Healthcare

Top performing stock pick this week is BUY Spire Healthcare Group by Jefferies with a tip performance of 7%.

Spire Healthcare Group plc is the second-largest provider of private healthcare in the United Kingdom. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

Spire Healthcare share price launched at 211p in 2014, rose to an all-time high of 394p in 2016 and is today at 223p.

On 31st July Spire Healthcare released its half-year report in this RNS stating a 16% revenue increase in work. Jefferies raised the target price to 286p from 260p and reiterated its BUY rating.

In Stockomendation four analysts: Jefferies and Berenberg with BUY; JP Morgan has OVERWEIGHT and RBC Capital has OUTPERFORM. One open UK fund manager short position, view that here.

2. HOLD Harbour Energy

Second top performing stock pick this week is HOLD Harbour Energy by Berenberg with a tip performance of 6%.

Harbour Energy is a global oil and gas company with assets in Europe, Latin America, North Africa, and Southeast Asia. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

Harbour Energy share price launched at 1,185p in 1988, reached an all-time high of 10,380p in 2011 and is today at 227p.

On 7th August the company released its half year results in this RNS stating stable revenues but increased losses. On the same day the company announced a £100 million share buyback programme in this RNS. As a result Berenberg raised its target price to 2.2p from 2p and reiterated its HOLD rating.

In Stockomendation five analysts: Jefferies and Canacrod Genuity with BUY; Berenberg says HOLD; Goldman Sachs is NEUTRAL and Simon Watkins says WATCH. Three open fund manager short positions, view those here.

3. AVOID Marshalls

Third top performing stock pick this week is AVOID Marshalls by Steve Moore in ShareProphets with a tip performance of 5%.

Marshalls is a UK-based supplier of building, roofing, and hard landscaping products. They are a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. The company operates through three main divisions: Marshalls Landscape Products, Marshalls Building Products, and Marley Roofing Products.

Marshalls share price listed at 68p in 1991, rose to an all-time high of 853p in 2020 and is today at 197p.

On 11th August the company issued half year results in this RNS stating a return to growth. In his article Steve Moore highlights the lower share price compared to last year and questions the prospect for short term growth or performance.

In Stockomendation four analysts: Russ Mould and Deutsche Bank say BUY; Harvey Jones has WATCH and Steve Moore says AVOID. Four open 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 15th August 2025.