INVESTORS looking for a nice long term US holding could do a lot worse that take a browse through the The New York Times.

Aside from the New York Times itself the company, publishes the Boston Globe, and 15 other daily newspapers. It also owns eight US television stations, two radio stations, 35 web sites, and an interest in the International Herald Tribune - but we'll forgive them that.

In the past seven years, shares of the company have sold for an average of 23 times earnings. At present, thanks to three recent soggy quarters, they sell for only 15 times earnings and yield 2.4% in dividends. The stock is trading close to a 52 week low and now could well be the time to take a punt.

Majestic Wine BUY

ITS shareholders may be feeling flat after the end of the festive period, but Majestic Wine still has plenty of fizz if last week's trading update is anything to go by.

The wine warehouse retailer had a sparkling Christmas with like-for-like sales rising by 5.2%.

Strong sales of French and Spanish wines complemented the usual thirst for New World offerings, helped by the group's push into fine wines.

A management reshuffle should allow chief executive Tim How more time to find eight new sites for shops this year if he is to keep his medium-term goal of 200 outlets within view. While the British retail scene is not a fun place to be at present, Majestic has carved out a good niche.