At uncertain times like this it’s worth reminding ourselves of the fundamentals of share investing.

1. Do your homework before buying… don't buy or sell on rumour, hunch or impulse.

2. Balance the risk and reward factors… look closely at past performance and future prospects and remember the sleep test. If the worry of your shares falling keeps you awake at night, don't buy them.

3. Keep checking after you've bought… investment conditions, company management and objectives can change.

4. Be patient… don't expect to become wealthy overnight..

5. Don't forget shares can bring income and capital appreciation.

6. Be alert to trends… try to put political, economic, scientific events through an investment filter and implications for companies.

7. Be prepared for unexpected events….review the situation promptly before taking any action.

8. Don't try to back every horse in the race… it is far better to hold a smaller portfolio of shares which you know well and are comfortable with than to invest in a larger number of companies in the hope of picking more winners.

9. Check the environment… be reassured the economic and market prospects look fair for the company, for the year ahead. Don't buy a share just because the price looks cheap.

10. Take a loss quickly… don't let pride or stubbornness prevent you from accepting a mistake and correcting it.

11. Consider upgrading your portfolio at regular intervals… check your portfolio every six months.

12. Follow the market… don't try to beat the trend. In bear markets, be cautious; in a fluctuating market, think twice; in bull markets, take greater risks.

13. Take a profit… it is better to make a little less profit by selling too soon than to take the greater risk of overstaying the market in a stock which is overpriced.