SIF Folio: Synthomer update + should I buy Topps Tiles?

This week’s update comes in two parts. First, I must confirm whether the recent Synthomer (LON:SYNT) share price slide has triggered my stop-loss rule. Next, I want to take a look at tile retailer Topps Tiles (LON:TPT), which has recently qualified for my buying screen.

I’ll start with Synthomer, as this is an existing holding that’s recently been falling fast. I may need to take action to stem losses and keep the trade within my rules.

Synthomer (LON:SYNT)

(Buy report: 10 August 2021)

Synthomer is a FTSE 250 chemicals company that supplies “aqueous polymers”. Profits have boomed during the pandemic, as the company is a major supplier of materials for medical latex gloves. Other key markets include adhesives, coatings, construction and textiles.

On 6 December, I noticed Synthomer’s share price falling sharply. After a brief rebound, the decline has continued. At the time of writing, SIF’s holding is showing a 29% loss.

I double-checked the RNS feed but there hasn’t been any news from the company. The slump was caused by a ‘double downgrade’ from brokers at Morgan Stanley,...