Good afternoon!

Our old friend the software bug has made an unwelcome reappearance today, after a long slumber. So I've had to re-create today's report, as the original corrupted. Sorry about that.

I haven't been through the detail yet, from yesterday's Autumn Statement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer. However, the bits I have seen seem to possibly impact shares in ambulance-chasing companies, with a clampdown on the widespread misuse of whiplash claims.

£NHL has put out a response today, saying that the proposals might affect them, but there's not enough clarity yet. I see that shares in Slater + Gordon, the hapless Aussies who foolishly overpaid for Quindell's main business, are collapsing, they're currently down 51% to only A$0.94. Just a few months ago when they were doing the Quindell deal, their shares were between $6-8. What a complete disaster. What on earth were they thinking?

Other companies that might be impacted that I can think of, are £FRP which does some personal injury legal cases, and perhaps £REDD ? Another one which might be affected is £GTLY as it is another legal services business.

All in all, I shall be avoiding the legal services sector for the foreseeable future, until it becomes clearer what the impact of these changes is likely to be.

Another area hit by the Autumn Statement is buy-to-let, where (quite rightly in my view) the Chancellor is concerned that buy-to-let landlords are hoovering up properties, and crowding out first time buyers. So Stamp Duty is being hiked on properties not bought by owner-occupiers. I bet plenty of landlords will find a way round that, by putting properties in relatives names, and claiming they live there, that already goes on a lot to avoid tax, I believe.

So £ALD is one company that might be harmed by a reduction in buy to let mortgages, and I'm sure there are others. If you can think of other companies and sectors affected by the changes announced yesterday, then please do post comments below.

Another key focus for the Govt seems to be increased housebuilding, so that should generally stimulate companies in the construction sector - not just builders, but building supplies.

The deferral of cuts to so-called tax credits, and increased spending on police & defence, should also boost aggregate demand…

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