Equities

IA lowered the yield hurdle from 110% to 100%

Improvements in AI are pushing the boundaries

There has been significant momentum behind Asian markets in recent months. The MSCI AC Asia ex Japan rose 13.4% in US dollar terms during the quarter, the best start to the year since 1992.

Recent geopolitical turmoil and concerns about the Trump administration's ability to enact promised fiscal reforms have led speculators to push up the yen versus all currencies once again.

US bank stocks have rallied hard since the US elections in November with the S&P bank index climbing 24% from election day.

Dividends well supported

Joins Andrew Neville

Earnings growth is projected by some market strategists to bounce back in emerging markets in 2017 following five lacklustre years, writes James Donald, head of emerging markets at Lazard Asset Management.

Hit by accounting scandals

Improving corporate dynamics