Most of our share tips managed to steer a steady path through last week's volatile markets with the total valuation of our four portfolios showing another useful increase when we carried out our review of progress on Wednesday morning.
True, both the 2015 and 2013 selections recorded fractional falls as a result of a downturn in the price of a couple of tips.
But this was more than balanced by a hefty 2.6 per cent recovery in the 2014 portfolio and a further 1.0% increase in the valuation of the 2012 commendations.
Yet again, safety equipment specialist Halma led the list of gainers with its price climbing to another all-time high following recent results while National Grid tested its year's peak after an encouraging trading bulletin.
We were equally pleased to see recoveries in a number of loss-making recommendations such as Weir, Essentra and Royal Dutch Shell which stand to benefit from any pick up in the oil market as a result of heightened Middle East tensions.
A handful of shares did slip back with Lloyds hit by a Morgan Stanley cautionary note on future dividends and cash-and-carry group Booker running into profit taking after a good run.
Biggest disappointment, though, was challenger bank Aldermore which was ejected from the 2014 portfolio when the shares fell to their published stop loss level on concerns over increased tax measures proposed by George Osborne.
We have moved to add some stability to this portfolio with a fresh recommendation for the heavyweight Standard Life as we remain convinced that its share price will soon start to reflect the company's reliable dividend record.
At the same time, we have added supermarket group J.Sainsbury to the 2012 selections in hopes that it will give a short term boost to the value of the portfolio before it is liquidated at the end of the year.
While all the major UK supermarkets remain under pressure, we are are encouraged that Sainsbury has managed to lift its market share as a result of its convenience store expansion while its latest advertising campaign has been winning plaudits.
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