It’s time to take stock of a year of modest losses and some spectacular gains

Irish investors who remained internationally and sectorally diversified have generally done well

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As the 2015 share dealing window closes this week, many investors will look back on what for some will have been a disappointing year with several major indices – not least the FTSE 100 – in negative territory.

But investors who avoided oil and mining stocks are more likely to have done well.

Those who have dug down into mid-cap shares on the FTSE 250 and 350 did have the opportunity to pick ...