Europe

Ignis Asset Management's Stuart Thomson has identified five countries across Europe which could be the epicentre for the next leg of the region's financial crisis.

The rally across much of Europe has passed Spain by so far this year, with the country's chief index lower than at the start of 2013.

Equity investors selling down dividend plays in expectation of a tapering of US QE have misjudged some high profile stocks, according to Threadneedle's Dave Dudding.

Portugal's financial crisis worsened today as the country's bond yields spiked above 8% and shares plunged, following the resignation of several key politicians.

EUROPEAN EQUITIES

Eurozone countries face a decade of deflation and stagnation if governments fail to tackle debt and slow growth plaguing the region, Standard Life Investments' global strategy head has said.

It is "inevitable" Italy will need an EU bailout in the next six months, according to analysts at the country's second largest bank.

James Hambro & Partners has seen assets under management break through the £1bn barrier after strong flows in the last twelve months, the group reported today.

CONTRARIAN

A lack of growth in global productivity is even more of a worry than the impact of rising interest rates, according to Hermes Sourcecap CEO Andrew Parry.