With 2006 almost half over, it’s time to look at the winners and losers in the share price league. Robert Walters is leading the pack so far. Despite slipping in the past fortnight, the finance specialist has gained more than 40% since 2005 year-end. In February, it reported a solid rise in profits. In May, it said that net fee income for the first four months of 2006 was up 25% on 2005. Cash-rich, Walters has been buying back shares, thereby boosting the price.

The IT sector has seen mixed fortunes. SThree, which floated in November last year, has risen more than 30% in 2006, helped by a recent upbeat trading statement.

But Parity, a rival in the IT sector, takes the wooden spoon. In March, Parity reported a bigger-than-expected loss and said it needed to ask shareholders for money to ensure its survival. Its shares have lost 70% since the start of the year.

Spring Group is another casualty. Shares are down about 36% so far this year, in the wake of a reported loss for 2005.
MSB International shares have risen more than 30%, boosted after a takeover approach was announced in March. Quantica, which is up about 16% in 2006, is the suitor but is yet to issue formal confirmation.

Meantime, Hays shares have risen more than 20%, despite some recent broker downgrades. The company will make a trading update this week, covering the year to June 30.
“We’re still optimistic but prefer Michael Page to Hays,” said an analyst at UBS. “This is despite some worries about worldwide slowdown, with Page having exposure to overseas markets.”
Northern Recruitment is down more than 20%. On 12 May, the company warned of delayed revenue for its call centre business.