With the sovereign debt crisis in full maelstrom and the bailout of Dexia bank unlikely to be the last of its kind, the threat of inflation would seem to be a long way from many people's minds.

European sovereign debt contagion, lacklustre growth in developed economies and inflation in the East are all weakening investor sentiment. But what is the real threat to your clients' investment portfolios?

The ETF market is the latest segment of the industry to ask itself this question. It is a path which in the last decade has been trodden by the structured investments and split capital investment trust sectors.

ASIA'S NEXT BIG BUY

TIME TO RETURN TO EQUITIES?

Speaking at a press briefing in Hong Kong last week, two leading Asia-based economists gave opposing views on the future of the Chinese economy, equity market and property sector.

The autumn party conference season inevitably brings the issues of tax to the forefront of the political agenda, and this year looks set to be no exception.

WHAT'S THE BEST SAFE HAVEN?

"The future is not about equities, the future is about income." So said Stephen Drew, head of credit at Thames River, at the group's annual investment conference last week.

LESSONS FROM LEHMANS