Equities

Japan's economy shrank more than initially estimated in the third quarter of 2014, according to revised gross domestic product (GDP) figures.

Investors are continuing to fall into the 'trap' of buying companies with a high dividend yield, according to Invesco Perpetual's Mark Barnett.

Europe's economy is clearly deteriorating, with the stand-off between Germany and the peripheral nations continuing to hamper attempts to reform the region.

Equity valuations have been distorted by asset price inflation following QE, and the market is awash with the evidence, says BBH's Regina Lombardi.

UK equities will struggle to make significant gains as a range of forces will weigh on sentiment in 2015. Investors should shelter in stocks undertaking self-help, argues Aviva Investors' Chris Murphy.

UCITS V rules ‘address problem that doesn’t exist’

Mega-caps may have struggled this year, but the UK is awash with successful self-help situations, says EEA's David Urch.

Poor road infrastructure and a shortage of haulage vehicles is holding back the US recovery. However, growth in other modes of transport has proved a profitable play for some investors, explains WHEB's Edward Franks.

Investment companies fight for recognition

Neil Woodford, private equity investor Jon Moulton and former Goldman Sachs Asset Management chair Jim O'Neill are among those to have backed digital bank Atom ahead of its 2015 launch.