Between the period of May and September, the market has been relatively flat. Spooner says that although only one out of five of the group’s stocks has had an increase in its share price over the period, there is a chance that the next wave of company reporting could give them a boost.

Merlin Entertainments: -2.4 per cent

Merlin Entertainments reported positive results last week, with revenue growth 6.7 per cent higher than the same period last year. A strong sterling against the group’s main trading currencies resulted in a total growth of 3.8 per cent over the full year, and profit growth was in line with management expectations. Although the share price fell by 2.4 per cent, there was a positive summer trading performance across all operating groups, with Legoland having a particularly high revenue growth of 13.8 per cent compared to 2013. Merlin’s performance over the summer has left it confident in its outlook for the remainder of the year.

Marston’s: -0.9 per cent

With a broadly neutral effect from the World Cup and higher drinks sales in pubs offset by weaker food performance, the company still made progress. Marston’s share price fell by 0.9 per cent during the period, but the Indian summer we appear to be having could lead to more people visiting the group’s 2150 establishments. The business management’s strategy, known as the F Plan, continues to deliver results and they believe the group remains on track to complete 27 new-build pub restaurants in the current financial year. We believe that consumer spending remains relatively robust, despite the lack of wage growth and so these factors should help the business as it is reliant on the UK consumer to provide 99 per cent of its revenue.

Halfords: +4.9 per cent

As the UK’s leading retailer of automotive, cycling and leisure products, sporting events such as the Tour de France, which this year came to Britain looks to have contributed to a boost in cycle sales. The company’s sponsorship of the Deloitte Ride across Britain which took place at the beginning of September could increase sales even further. Additionally, last month the company consolidated its position in the bike market by buying out the successful Boardman cycle brand and its car maintenance business is also improving. According to the company, the UK cycling market has been growing by 5 per cent per annum due to a sustained interest in cycling, and the 4.9 per cent increase in the share price over the period reflects this trend.

Nichols: -6.9 per cent

Soft drinks group Nichols reported a positive trading statement during the period, which stated that UK sales grew to £43.8m, and the group anticipates its full-year performance to be in line with expectations. We expect to see a similar trend in the group’s next set of results to that of the second half of 2013, with the summer sun contributing to UK sales growth. The 6.9 per cent fall in share price over the 20 weeks could be due to stronger sterling rates against both the US Dollar and the Euro, negatively impacting Nichols’ international sales.

Kingfisher: -25.9 per cent

Home improvement retail group Kingfisher reported two poor trading updates during the period, with the impact of the Ukraine crisis, a challenging French market and a slowing Chinese economy, dampening earnings forecasts. This led to the group having concerns around the interim results reported at the beginning of this month. However, retail profit was up 17.7 per cent, due to the group capitalising on the better weather conditions and encouraging signs in the smaller tradesman market. B&Q also delivered its best sales growth in over a decade. Despite this, the group’s share price fell by 25.9 per cent over the summer months as concerns in foreign markets persist.