PAY IT OFF OR WRITE IT OFF

Stock markets across Asia have fallen after news of the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il renewed fears of political instability in the region.

Economists have warned the Independent Commission on Banking (ICB)'s plans to ringfence UK banks' retail and investment divisions could threaten economic growth.

Managers from Liontrust, Rathbones, Old Mutual and other top groups give us their views.

Invesco Perpetual's head of investment Neil Woodford said his favoured defensive blue chip names have recently delivered some confident trading updates, despite tough macroeconomic conditions.

Aberdeen Asset Management CEO Martin Gilbert and group head of equities Hugh Young have sold shares in the business for a combined total of over £6m.

THE BIG QUESTION

Schroders' Jenny Jones has increased cash in her £824m US Mid Cap fund to 9%, warning valuations in US markets are favouring large caps.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

Outspoken investor Jim Rogers this week gave his forecast for the gold price, while Goldman Sachs analysts outlined their six key trades for 2012.