Who's for stuffing?

At the end of every year I like to spend a pleasurable weekday evening, just before Xmas, supping a glass of red wine and looking at 52-week price returns data.

I realise this does not sound much like fun for any normal person but trust me, the numbers tell some wonderful stories. My chief source of mirth comes from identifying the sectors, indices, ETFs and individual shares that have performed terrifically (the shooting stars) and those that have disgraced themselves. I have a motive, in true contrarian style, to buy the dogs that have a decent business but have been unfairly sold down, and to identify the shooting stars due a thorough kicking in 2011. So, let me introduce my Xmas and New Year stuffing list. As one looks down the list of 52-we...