Threadneedle's Brazier: The UK sectors which could take a pre-election hit

Threadneedle's head of UK equities Simon Brazier has flagged the energy and telecom sectors as being at risk in the run up to the 2015 general election.

In a speech to delegates at the Morningstar Investment Conference this week, Brazier (pictured) said political influence is a major factor to consider in equity investing. "Politics does have an impact on share prices. But because of the current electoral position, it is very difficult for Conservatives to respond to Labour's criticism. "Labour's price fixing on utilities is farcical - Centrica is down 20% since Ed Miliband announced that move [having fallen 3% on the day]. Annuity provider Partnership was down after the Budget, as was bookmaker William Hill, but the Conservatives had...