The week’s best shares

Abbott Laboratories

Investors Chronicle

This US healthcare group’s strength lies in size and diversity – spanning nutrition, pharma and medical devices in 160 countries. This member of the S&P 500 is rapidly scaling up for three new Covid-19 tests. Buy. $95.94.

Barclays

The Daily Telegraph

The Big Four listed London lenders have all suffered steep share falls. But Barclays’s investment banking arm is raising debt and equity for struggling firms, and improving returns by accelerating the shift to digital. Buy. 86.51p.

Halma

The Times

This resilient safety and hazard detection specialist is performing well, with demand from the healthcare sector offsetting falls from corporate customers. Shares are pricey, but debt is low and profits rising. Buy. £21.13.

Pennon Group

The Sunday Telegraph

Promoted to the FTSE 100, the water firm has just signed a £4.2m recycling deal, and shares are holding up thanks to an Ofwat-agreed settled price regime. “Best in class” with low debt and improving efficiencies. Buy. £11.21.

Team17

The Times

With Europe in lockdown, sales of downloadable computer games have soared. Team17’s products have a very loyal following and profits are seeing double-digit rises. Highly valued – justifiably. Buy. 550p.

Morrison Supermarkets

The Mail on Sunday

Cementing its reputation as a caring community business and fair employer, Morrisons’ healthy balance sheet is supported by a growing wholesale arm supplying garages and convenience stores. Buy. 188p.