Five mid-cap stocks to watch this year

UK mid-cap companies have been the sweet spot of the domestic investment universe of late, returning around double the amount achieved by the largest UK companies, but where are the best opportunities now?

The FTSE 250 has returned 158% over the last five years to 1 April, versus the 70% achieved by the FTSE 100 index, and even outperforming the more volatile - but often more lucrative - FTSE Small Cap index, which gained 155%. The sector has undoubtedly enjoyed a period of abnormal growth, coming off decade-lows after the crash of 2008/09. So where should savvy investors be looking now? Here F&C UK mid-cap manager Michael Ulrich reveals the five mid-cap companies he thinks can shine the brightest over the next five years. Laird The smart phone manufacturer - which makes parts...