Even as uncertainty reins in the markets, 2026 has been another bumper year for returns. But, as ever, that does hide plenty of dispersion below the surface; with that in mind, this week’s show looks at two stocks at opposite ends of the scale.One is up over 800 per cent in the year to date – that’s semiconductor manufacturer IQE, which reported interim results on Monday. Michael Fahy is in the studio to dive into the details and ask whether its run can continue.At the other end of the spectrum is Mortgage Advice Bureau, which fell 20 per cent on Wednesday after lowering full-year guidance. Julian Hofmann asks whether there’s any light at the end of the tunnel after it departed from Aim, and will also run the rule over the thus-far better-performing Property Franchise Group.In between, we turn to our Top 50 Funds of 2026. Val Cipriani and her expert panel have compiled our annual rundown of 50 active funds we think may be suitable for a range of investors. Val talks through our picks.Timestamps: 00:00 Intro01.14 IQE14:19 Top 50 Funds26:17 Mortgage Advice BureauListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTubeInvestors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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