Mark David Hartley
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Articles by Mark David Hartley
Near 5-year lows, here’s what the experts say about Greggs shares
Greggs' (LSE:GRG) shares have had a rough couple of years. Since 2025, the price has slid from around 2,800p to just over 1,600p today. That drop reflects a mix of weaker consumer confidence, rising costs and possible over-expansion just as the UK economy cooled. Even so, when I look at the broker research, most of the professionals are not throwing in the towel. They're broadly cautious, but still leaning towards recovery rather than permanent decline.
Here’s 1 FTSE 100 stock I’ll happily hold for decades Original
The FTSE 100 is an ever-changing list of the UK’s leading companies, updated every quarter in March, June, September, and December. While many stocks come and go, the ones I’m most interested in are those that stick around. These stalwarts provide an ideal foundation for a portfolio aimed at compounding wealth over multiple decades. They may not deliver the loftiest returns or feature the highest yields, but their resilience is what makes them attractive.
Are BT shares a buy ahead of tomorrow’s Q1 trading update? Original
It’s fair to say the BT (LSE: BT.) share price has been choppy in recent months. Now hovering just below 200p, it’s been swinging between roughly 173p and 242p over the past year. For a brief moment it looked like it would hold above 200p, but it slipped back in May after the company reported softer revenue and higher-than-expected infrastructure investment. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
How much could £20k invested in a Stocks and Shares ISA grow over time? Original
On April 6, 1999, the UK introduced the Stocks and Shares ISA to replace Personal Equity Plans (PEPs). Both were created for similar reasons — to encourage citizens to build long-term wealth by investing in the stock market. Today, ISA account holders can invest up to £20,000 a year without being taxed on any capital gains. And it’s not just for individual stocks and shares — the full list of eligible assets includes: Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
3 under-the-radar UK growth shares that are quietly beating the S&P 500 in 2026 Original
The US tends to dominate the market when it comes to growth shares. The tech-heavy S&P 500 is packed full of bloated megacaps with high valuations. Yet it’s only up about 10% this year. Meanwhile, back home, the FTSE 100 is more popular for high-yielding dividend stocks. That’s because UK investors have historically been more income-inclined. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Could Rolls-Royce shares lock in another 34% gain before Christmas? Original
I’ve been digging into analyst forecasts for Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR.) shares to see what kind of gains might be on the cards by Christmas. From my research of 20 analysts, the 12‑month average price target sits around 1,450p-1,490p. Sixteen rate it a Buy, four a Hold, and none a Sell. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Investec vs Aberdeen: which is the better income stock to buy? Original
I’ve been weighing up new income stocks to buy in an effort to boost the average yield of my portfolio.
Here are 3 factors I assess when considering stocks with a high dividend yield Original
When I started building an income portfolio, I made some shocking mistakes. Most of them were the result of one thing: greed linked to a high dividend yield. In some ways, that’s the intention of a high yield — to attract investment. Essentially, the company is rewarding you for choosing it and making a financial commitment to its success. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Here’s how much a 40-year-old would need to put in the stock market to retire comfortably Original
Investing in the stock market feels risky to many people. We’ve all seen the headlines: the dotcom crash, the 2008 financial crisis and, more recently, the wild swings in AI stocks. It’s easy to think the market’s just a casino. However, smart investors ignore the noise and focus on steady, stable shares that compound over multiple decades. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Want to retire rich? Here’s how to identify the best UK shares for long-term wealth Original
When I’m trying to find the ‘best’ UK shares to help me retire rich, I don’t actually look for one magic stock. I focus on companies that perform well through good times and bad, and keep investing when others are cutting back. Often they’re the sort of ‘boring’ companies that quietly keep hospitals stocked, shelves filled, or factories running – year after year. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Up 35% in a month! What’s going on with easyJet shares? Original
The past few weeks have felt like a boardroom drama for easyJet shares. The airline finally accepted a fourth takeover bid from US fund Castlelake, only to have Apollo Global Management swoop in with a higher offer. Apollo’s new bid values the airline at about 715p per share, well above Castlelake’s 690p. Naturally, that “delivers a superior outcome” for shareholders, as the board stated. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
With a 6.5% yield, 10,000 shares of this FTSE 250 bank could deliver £3,530 of passive income this year! Original
When I think about finding new stocks for my passive income portfolio, the FTSE 250 often comes to mind before the FTSE 100. Yes, the companies are smaller, but many are well-established businesses with long trading histories. For me, the key draw is that they tend to compete for investor attention by offering higher yields and shareholder-friendly policies. That makes the index a rich hunting ground for income seekers like me. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Could this 6%-yielding dividend stock deliver life-changing SIPP income in 20 years? Original
UK shares have long been the go-to option for investors targeting income via a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) in retirement. The FTSE 100 lists many industry-leading blue-chips with strong cash generation to fund growing dividends. There’s already been chatter that shareholder payouts could reach record highs of £88.8bn this year. For retirement-focused investors, the tax benefits of a SIPP offer a great way to get the most out of those payouts.
Here’s how to target £5,000 annual passive income by investing in dividend shares Original
Earning passive income from dividend shares seems like a simple concept: buy the highest-yielding stocks and sit back while the cash flows in, right? Not exactly. Without careful planning, it could all go awry. Let’s look at one strategy that simplifies the more complex parts. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Should I buy this FTSE 250 dividend stock for the eye-watering 10% yield? Original
I’ve been following Greencoat UK Wind (LSE: UKW) for some time now, as it’s one of the most promising renewable energy stocks on the FTSE 250. The big attraction is the yield, which has recently ticked just above 10% — a goldmine for income investors. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Are Barclays shares on track for another 200%+ gain in the coming 2 years? Original
Barclays (LSE: BARC) shares soared from around 150p to over 470p between 1 January 2024 and 1 January 2026. That’s about 210%, representing more than a three-fold increase in price — spectacular growth in anyone’s books, particularly for a FTSE 100 bank. Only NatWest Group came close, with about 193% growth in the same period, while Lloyds and HSBC trailed. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
3 second-income shares tipped to grow dividends by 10%-20% over the next 3 years Original
Are you trying to build a second income on the stock market? If so, dividend stocks can be a solid starting point. Here are three UK dividends stocks that could supercharge an income portfolio in the coming three years. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
How a Stocks and Shares ISA can save you from the weak, inadequate State Pension Original
If you haven’t already considered a Stocks and Shares ISA for retirement, you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. At just £12,548 a year before tax, the UK State Pension is far below the average UK salary. Despite this, many Britons rely solely on it for retirement. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Up 115% with a 6.3% yield and P/E of just 7.8! This is my favourite new FTSE 100 dividend stock Original
If you aren’t familiar with the FTSE 100 investment bank Investec (LSE: INVP), I don’t blame you — it only recently joined the index. Over the past five years, its share price has more than doubled as the group’s reshaped itself around specialist banking and wealth management. Today, the shares trade around 606p, up 115%, with a market-cap of roughly £5.6bn. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
This 6%-yielding FTSE share is at a 12-year low and looking a bargain! Time to consider buying?
Each investor has their own strategy — some aim to lock in low prices while others want to earn steady income. Value investors hunt for shares that look cheap versus their earnings and assets, while income investors focus on dividends that seem sustainable and ideally growing over time. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Near record highs, this key indicator says the stock market could be moments away from a crash Original
The Shiller CAPE ratio is a popular indicator used to measure the stock market’s stability. Right now, it’s giving us some bad news… but don’t panic: it’s not all doom and gloom. CAPE stands for ‘cyclically adjusted price‑to‑earnings’ — basically, it’s a valuation metric that measures how over-hyped the market is. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Near record highs, here’s what the experts say about the Rolls-Royce share price
The Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR.) share price is up more than 1,360% in the past five years. It’s fair to say that kind of growth is unprecedented for a FTSE 100 industrial name. Financial anomalies like this typically attract a varied and conflicting response from experts. Many analysts are championing the incredible turnaround, while others view it as optimistic profit chasing. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Would it make sense to buy more Lloyds shares after a 14% price surge?
LLoyds Banking Group (LSE:LLOY) shares have had an excellent run lately, climbing almost 14% in the past 30 days. Not bad for a bank that spent much of the first half of 2026 flip-flopping between 90p and 100p. With the share price now near an 18-year high, many investors may be wondering if they missed the boat. But zoom out and Lloyds is still miles from revisiting its all-time high of over 500p. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
With a 7.5% yield and P/E of just 12.4, is now the best time to buy Legal & General shares?
Legal & General (LSE: LGEN) shares have been struggling the past five years, falling behind peers M&G and Aviva. Over that period, M&G’s delivered roughly 137% total return and Aviva around 224%, while Legal & General has managed about 70%. The reason? A mix of macro headwinds, property exposure, and investor rotation into faster-growing rivals. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
£5,000 invested in Diageo shares just 3 months ago is now worth…
Over the past few years, calculating any returns on Diageo (LSE: DGE) shares has usually led to disappointment. But for the first time in ages, the stock has enjoyed a rare period of growth. The shares are up 13% in the past three months. On 7 April, they were trading around 1,387p each — now, they’re worth over 1,564p. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Here’s how £500 a month in a passive income portfolio could grow to £87,547
Passive income can come from property, side businesses, index funds, or dividend shares. But each route has different trade-offs. Property usually needs a big upfront deposit, maintenance costs, and time to manage tenants. A business can take less capital at the start, but it often demands real effort before it produces anything. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Here’s how I aim to build a second income with 7%+ yielding dividend shares
Investing in companies that pay dividends is similar to holding cash in a high-interest savings account. The money you invest creates more money while you sleep, like a second income. The difference is, the stock market provides opportunities to earn far higher returns than any savings account. That’s because highly profitable companies tend to have a lot of spare cash to spend, and returning it to shareholders is a great way to attract new investors.
Here’s how I aim to build a second income with 7%+ yielding dividend shares
Investing in companies that pay dividends is similar to holding cash in a high-interest savings account. The money you invest creates more money while you sleep, like a second income. The difference is, the stock market provides opportunities to earn far higher returns than any savings account. That’s because highly profitable companies tend to have a lot of spare cash to spend, and returning it to shareholders is a great way to attract new investors.
2 of my favourite FTSE 100 stocks are flying this week! Time to buy more?
With the UK’s political and economic outlook shifting, I’ve been thinking carefully about rebalancing my portfolio lately. While screening for ideas, two FTSE 100 shares caught my eye: Reckitt Benckiser (LSE: RKT) and BAE Systems (LSE: BA.). Both shares have had a decent run in the past month, with Reckitt in particular achieving notable growth. But most importantly, the current macro environment indicates favourable growth prospects for both companies.
The BP share price could return 47p on the pound in the coming year, according to 1 analyst
I was planning to rebalance a few stocks in my portfolio this week and was happy to see a bullish rating on the BP (LSE: BP.) share price from RBC Capital. Analyst Biraj Borkhataria outlined why he feels the stock is significantly undervalued – a view I share. According to reports, he reiterated his Buy rating on the stock earlier this month (1 July 2026) with a price target of 700p. That would equate to a spectacular 47% gain from today’s level around 475p.
Here’s how much an investor needs in a Stocks and Shares ISA to target £15,000 of passive income a year
There’s a lot of conflicting advice around when it comes to stock market investing, but one thing many people agree on is the benefits of a Stocks and Shares ISA. Like a Cash ISA, it offers significant tax benefits — but, in my opinion, the key advantage is the flexible investment options. Rather than settle for a moderate cash return, investors can put a wide range of assets in their ISA to target outsized gains. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
How you can target £100 a week in passive income from FTSE shares
If you’ve grown tired of the AI-driven rollercoaster ride that is US stocks, it might be time to consider FTSE shares for dividend income. An historical focus on income means UK-listed stocks tend to pay higher dividends than their cousins across the pond. That makes them ideal for investors who prefer to live off their investments, rather than just watch them grow. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
I’m searching for the FTSE 100’s best dividend stocks to buy in July. Have I found them?
When hunting for stocks to buy, it’s important to always consider current geopolitics and macroeconomic factors that might impact performance. Interest rates, oil prices, and political uncertainty all feed directly into share prices and dividend safety. Here’s what’s impacting stocks this month. Oil prices have fallen sharply from the $90+ levels seen in June, reflecting easing geopolitical tensions or demand concerns. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Here’s how to invest £300 a month in the stock market to target a State Pension-beating second income
Investing regularly in the stock market harnesses the power of compounding — your gains generate their own gains, creating a snowball effect over time. A large enough pot of dividend-paying shares can deliver passive income that exceeds the UK State Pension. The key is consistency. Even modest monthly contributions can grow substantially over decades, especially when reinvested dividends buy more shares, which then pay more dividends.
£5,000 invested in easyJet shares just 1 week ago would now be worth…
The easyJet (LSE: EZJ) share price has jumped a massive 12% since just last week, climbing from a low of 545p on Thursday (2 July 2026) to over 610p today. That means a £5,000 investment at last week’s low would have returned around £600 in just a few days! Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
£5,000 invested in easyJet shares just 1 week ago would now be worth…
The easyJet (LSE: EZJ) share price has jumped a massive 12% since just last week, climbing from a low of 545p on Thursday (2 July 2026) to over 610p today. That means a £5,000 investment at last week’s low would have returned around £600 in just a few days! Should you buy easyJet Plc shares today? Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
A year later, they’re still down – is it time for me to dump my Greggs shares?
Greggs’ (LSE: GRG) shares have been stuck below 1,800p for over a year now. That’s left many investors, including me, wondering if there’s any hope of recovery. Should we keep holding on – or is it time to sell and chase better opportunities elsewhere? To answer that question, I need to figure out if this is a temporary hiccup or a more fundamental problem. So I’ve been digging into the latest results and analyst views to get a clearer picture.
£2,130 buys 1,000 shares in this 10%-yielding FTSE 250 passive income stock! Original
It’s well-known that the UK stock market’s a treasure trove when it comes to passive income stocks. The FTSE 100’s littered with mega- cap, high-yielding dividend gems such as HSBC, Legal & General, Imperial Brands and BP. But many investors overlook the smaller FTSE 250, believing the more-domestically-focused index to be less reliable. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
As the AI trade and weak jobs data hits the S&P 500, I’m taking Warren Buffett’s advice
The S&P 500’s somehow holding its position just below a record high of 7,620 points, despite AI jitters and a weak US jobs report. Since 14 May, it’s made almost no movement. In this week’s report, US non‑farm payrolls rose by just 57,000 in June, well below the roughly 113,000 economists had expected. But with further rate hikes now less likely, markets enjoyed some mild growth. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
The BP share price slips below 460p as oil stabilises. Is now a good time to buy?
The BP (LSE: BP) share price is once again back below 500p, trading around 458p, as I write. That’s a sharp pullback from March, when it briefly traded above 600p. But with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio above 30, the stock doesn’t look dirt cheap on simple metrics. So I’m asking myself, is this just about oil, or are deeper company issues weighing on sentiment? Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Here’s 1 key reason I think an ISA may be a better option than a SIPP for retirement
A Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) is often the first account people consider when thinking about retirement. That makes sense, since the account is designed specifically for retirees (the word pension’s right there in the name). But that doesn’t mean it’s right for everybody. The UK offers a range of investment accounts with various benefits, some of which may be more appropriate depending on individual circumstances. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
AstraZeneca share price edges higher on Enhertu drug gains cancer treatment approval. What are analysts forecasting?
AstraZeneca’s (LSE: AZN) share price rose this week after after the EU approved Enhertu for adults with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive solid tumours. In layman’s terms, that means the drug can now be sold in the EU to treat certain adults. Specifically, those whose cancer has spread or cannot be removed with surgery, as long as the cancer has a specific marker called HER2. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Here’s how much second income 1,000 Rio Tinto shares delivered over the past year
When calculating how much second income an investment pays out, there’s a few ways to look at it. Many investors count just the dividends as income, even if the stock made notable capital gains. That’s because cashing out any stock gains would deplete the number of shares held. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
How many 6%-7% yielding FTSE 100 dividend shares do you need to target £100 a month in passive income?
FTSE 100 dividend shares remain a simple way to build passive income, but the maths is what really matters. To reach £100 a month, an investor would want to generate £1,200 a year. That means choosing shares with a sensible yield and a dividend record that can be trusted. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
What investors need to know about the new 22% Stocks and Shares ISA tax
If you’re a British investor using a Stocks and Shares ISA, you’ve probably heard about the new 22% tax. But don’t panic just yet. For most investors, the new tax won’t have a significant impact. Still, it’s worth knowing what’s changing, so this is what you need to know… Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Here are 2 FTSE shares I’m excited about this July — and 1 I’m avoiding
When screening FTSE shares, I try to identify those with real growth potential rather than just hype. I’m looking for companies with genuine 10-20-year potential. That means assessing true value, market resilience and structural integrity. I need to know they’re in it for the long run. Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Looking for cheap stocks to buy under £1? Here are 3 quality UK businesses to consider
When we talk about ‘cheap’ stocks to buy, it’s easy to focus on how many we can buy rather than what we’re actually buying. Owning thousands of low‑quality shares rarely turns into good long‑term returns. I’d rather ask whether the business is profitable, cash‑generative and sensibly valued. With that in mind, here are three UK stocks priced below £1 that, to me, look more like potential bargains to consider than dangerous penny shares.
Here’s how £10 a day invested in the stock market can cut down retirement age by 5 years
Investing £10 a day can be a realistic way to build a retirement fund, especially inside a Stocks and Shares ISA. Essentially, all ISA gains and income are tax-free, within the current £20,000 annual allowance. Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice.
Could these high-risk/high-reward penny stocks triple their value in the next decade?
Penny stocks sit at the sharp end of the risk/reward spectrum. They’re often small, fast‑moving businesses with limited track records, which makes it tough to look confidently 10 years ahead. But a few names are already reasonably established and still trade at what I’d see as ‘early‑stage’ valuations. One example is Michelmersh Brick Holdings (LSE: MBH). Before you decide, please take a moment to review this report first.
Which British dividend shares could supercharge a passive income portfolio in 2026?
Working towards passive income in the stock market takes time, and I don’t think anyone should start by chasing the highest yield. For me, the better thing to focus on is whether a company can keep paying and growing dividends for decades. That’s why I like businesses that have been rewarding shareholders since my father was young, not just stocks that look tempting today. If I’m thinking 20-30 years ahead, I want durability, not drama.
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