Europe

Crispin Odey has likened his portfolios to a "hot curry", as equities' serene progression puts markets at odds with the manager's bearish views.

Nearly all countries are spending less on their defences but Victoria Leggett, portfolio manager, European equities at Union Bancaire Privée, argues recent threats mean not increasing Europe's defence spend is no longer an option for the region

An improving performance trend for European assets versus US assets is a key theme investors should be focusing on currently, says Toby Vaughan, head of fund management - global multi-asset solutions at Santander Asset Management UK

Fund managers have backed Italian banks to continue driving European equities higher this year, aided by a more supportive macro backdrop and beneficial domestic reforms.

Five growth gems

Investors in Richard Pease's Henderson European Special Situations fund are to vote on its transfer to Crux Asset Management on 28 May, with the manager himself moving over at the start of June.

Positions in European consumer staples have outperformed in run up to the European Central Bank's quantitative easing programme, as investors look to mimic the highs of US and UK equity markets, according to Polar Capital's Nick Davis.

SWMC Small Cap European fund manager Jamie Carter has taken his gross market exposure to a record high in the view smaller companies are being overlooked by investors in the "mad scramble" to buy European equities.

Vanguard's Australia director John James is to take over its UK and European operations to replace Thomas Rampulla, who will return to the group's US office.

Kames Capital has cut the annual management charge on Stephen Snowden's (pictured) Investment Grade Global Bond Fund in an effort to align its with European peers.