I’ve purchased some sensible UK shares over the past couple of years and thank heavens for that. As a result of I’ve additionally picked up 5 stinkers.

They’ve caught to the underside of my portfolio, giving off a nasty odour. So why did I purchase them?

With James Bond automotive maker Aston Martin, the reply is simple. As a result of I’m an fool. After the shares dropped 95%, I believed they couldn’t do worse. However they did! They’re down one other 34% over the past 12 months. I’m down 30%.

In my defence, this was a flutter with a tiny nook of my portfolio. I’m solely holding as a result of promoting isn’t well worth the buying and selling fees, and to remind myself by no means to be this cavalier once more.

Just about the identical applies to grocery retailer and robotic tech hope Ocado Group. Its shares are down 40% in a 12 months. I’m solely down 24%. Maybe that counts as success. The share price does sometimes spark into life. It’s jumped 17% within the final month. I do know the second I promote it should fly to the celebs. So I’m caught with it.

5 large FTSE 350 fallers

My filthy 5 contains spirits big Diageo. It’s down 23% over the past 12 months and 35% over two. Falling earnings, stock troubles, Ozempic, Donald Trump’s commerce wars – every part is in opposition to it.

I preserve that means to promote however it’s like being in a kind of nightmares the place you attempt to run however your legs are made from glue. Possibly it should get better. Possibly…

Mining big Glencore is down 12% over one 12 months and 33% over three. China is generally accountable, as its slowing financial system hits demand for commodities.

Pure assets shares are cyclical, and I’d be daft to promote on the backside. I’m due a juicy dividend in June. I’ve earned it.

My remaining FTSE flop is sportswear JD Sports activities Trend (LSE: JD). Its shares are down 20% over the past 12 months, and so am I. They’re down a thumping 50% over two.

I’ve hopes for JD Sports activities shares

JD Sports activities spent most of final 12 months threatening to get better, however it’s on the again foot as soon as extra, after a second underwhelming Christmas. With shoppers struggling, inflation sticky, and Trump’s tariffs threatening non-US coach manufacturers corresponding to Adidas, I don’t anticipate the inventory to abruptly race forward.

However in some unspecified time in the future, I feel it should. JD Sports activities is constructing a worldwide presence, notably within the US, after shopping for retailer Hibbett for $1.1bn. It additionally has robust partnerships with main manufacturers, though that’s backfired with Nike struggling. When customers have cash of their pockets once more, trainers may fly off the cabinets.

There’s a sample right here. I purchased 4 of those firms after a revenue warning. I don’t bear in mind Glencore issuing a revenue warning, however it may as nicely have finished. In each case, issues received worse fairly than higher. Turning firms round takes time.

Am I solely hanging on as a result of I hate banking a loss? In all probability. However, Burberry was my greatest flop however it’s now flying. Possibly the others will too. Investing is a long-term sport and for now I’m protecting the religion. However I’ll tread rigorously round revenue warnings in future.