I am interested in what others think will be crucial long (or short) term thematic plays (ie the things that give the shares you fancy a real sweetener).

For example, in my understanding houses are at a shortage (not enough are being built, and demand is high) = buy shares in house builders.

Another would be that the population is getting older, so buy shares in things that older people require (zimmer frames, cakes etc!). Another would be that shares are rising (buy stockbrokers).

Yes, people need things that technology will bring but perhaps not at 30 or 50 times earnings.

I don't want people to trot out loads of different shares that they are trying to ramp (boring !)... please restrict your self to one sector and one share.

I will set the ball rolling : MCcarthy & Stone a builder of retirement homes (ie lack of property in the UK and appeals to the growing grey population). Also trades on a PEG ratio of well below 0.5 (represents good value long term) and pays a reasonable dividend.

Let's be having you!

fundamentalist

The reason I made a second post was to prevent this thread sliding into the ether never to be seen again!!
Thanks for your interesting comments re MCTY. IMHO there will definately be consolidation in the sector and that should benefit all construction/building cos. I think MCTY are reasonably insulated from the interest rate increases since most purchasers are trading down their properties to buy retirement homes and therefore do not need mortgages.