Henderson's Chris Burvill has forecast global equities could rally by as much as 20% in 2012 if more positive economic data continues to be seen from major economies.

The number of stocks on the US stock market has reached its lowest level since 2009 as companies cut back on share sales and buy back equity at the fastest pace in four years

Stocks in Asia rallied overnight as reports of slowing Chinese growth increased speculation the government would act to ease lending curbs and avoid a hard landing.

HSBC chairman Douglas Flint has called time on the eurozone sovereign debt crisis and said it is set to be over in a "reasonably short timeframe".

Liontrust is set to launch an Asian Income fund on 5 March, managed by Mark Williams, who recently joined the group when it acquired emerging market boutique Occam.

Eurozone bank dividends are poised to fall below the levels seen after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, as regulators push for lenders to bolster capital.

The UK fund management industry faces complete transformation if the financial transaction tax - or Tobin tax - is implemented, commentators have warned.

Veteran investor Jim Rogers said he is sceptical about the prospects for the US economy this year despite a recent string of positive economic data from the country.

Equity returns were poor in 2011 during a rollercoaster year for markets, but there were a number of bright spots in the alternative investments space.

ECONOMICS