Asia

Chris Bailey, head of direct global investment at Close Brothers Asset Management, urges investors to look again at Japan as a guide to investing closer to home.

Fitch has cut China's local currency rating from AA- to A+, amid concerns the country is not doing enough to address its soaring debt levels.

Japan's currency has fallen to its lowest level against the US dollar since May 2009, as the Bank of Japan (BoJ) shifts to a more radical monetary easing policy.

With Japan having announced a long-awaited programme of aggressive easing policies this morning, Artemis Global Select manager Simon Edelsten details four myths about investing in the country.

JAPAN

Premier's David Hambidge is expecting the FTSE to break through a record high this year, following an unprecedented start to 2013.

ON JAPAN

Matthew Dobbs, manager of the £448m Schroder Asian Alpha Plus fund, argues the case for Asian equities, with five compelling reasons why investors need long-term exposure to the region.

Neptune's Doug Turnbull is holding his largest ever position in financials in anticipation of a rally for the sector, driven by looser monetary policy and reform.

Aberdeen Asset Management is to raise the initial charge on a number of emerging markets funds to 2% in order to stem inflows and avoid liquidity issues.