Europe

All 14 vehicles in European peer group hit double-digit returns over the past six months, bouncing back from a difficult 2008

The markets have continued to move positively, driven in part by second-quarter results which have so far been relatively supportive.

As 2009 has progressed, I have become increasingly confident about the positive direction of European equity markets.

Equity markets in the second quarter bounced in response to the unprecedented policy actions around the globe.

The perception is the European Central Bank has been an outstanding laggard in its policy responses, that it lacks a clear mandate, and has too many people (22) sitting on its governing board to be aggressive.

Estonia should be a prime focus for emerging market investors for 2009, says Hadley Barrett, CEO of Oxford Sustainable Group.

After a strong performance from most equity markets since the lows of March 2009, it is reasonable to expect a degree of consolidation in the short term.

A number of risks still remain on the European Continent but high yielding stocks, left behind by the recent bounce, will provide opportunities says Newton's Tom Beevers.

Even a slip to fourth quartile has not persuaded Fidelity manager back towards highly leveraged cyclical stocks

Old Broad Street Research has given new ratings to 14 funds, including 13 As and one AA.