As the New Year progresses, we are encouraged by improvements in the US economy, as demonstrated by Q3 growth in GDP and other leading economic indicators.

In the chaos of 2008, more or less the only investments that made money that year were conventional government bonds, where yields hit historical lows and total returns for gilts were over +12%.

The most important driver for markets is the perception that monetary policy is tightening across the globe. Some of this is healthy tightening, as we have seen in China.

Manager sees businesses increasing earnings doing best in ‘anaemic growth' environment

After a return of more than 20% sterling terms in 2009, European equity market valuation is back to more normal levels at 12x forward earnings, but still attractive on historical terms with a 4% expected dividend yield.

This week's Conjecture panel discusses investment potential in structured products

The stock market adage to "Sell in May and go away, don't come back until St Leger's day" is one that will no doubt be used again this year. However, with the general election campaign under way, the phrase may have more relevance now than in May.

It has been a positive start to the UK's 2010 dividend-reporting season with many companies re-instating or raising dividends.

JPM manager achieves top returns with ‘two-dimensional' approach to investment

Sterling hit a 10-month low against the dollar last week, to the clear surprise of many advisors.