Sanlam's Kooyman says independent thinking can help investors take advantage of pockets of value.

Reinhart and Rogoff's study of 250 past financial crises over the last 800 years found public sector debt increases on average 86%, growth takes 4.4 years to recover and real estate six years.

This is about the election, but please do not let this put you off.

Investors seeking growth opportunities in the UK equity market are becoming increasingly frustrated by talk of a double-dip recession, rising political uncertainty and bearish expectations.

After a difficult 2009, 2010 has started well with many firms growing their dividends by more than expected.

Despite the recent woes in the economic environment, the default risk of European structured finance securities and their ratings has so far been largely unaffected, writes S&P's Andrew South.

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