Equities

Emerging markets specialist Somerset Capital is to add an India fund to its suite of products in 2015, to be run by its newest hire.

In a year in which active management has struggled severely, Asia-focused funds have emerged as the only major equity grouping in which the average manager has beaten the benchmark.

A 'lost generation' helps boost housebuilders

Aberdeen CEO Martin Gilbert has said the group is seeking to accompany its ongoing dividend hikes with a share buyback plan despite a "very difficult" year for the company.

Some investors love the return potential of frontier markets, while others consider them volatile and expensive.

What ails Japan?

Within the emerging markets space, fears of a hard landing and shadow banking combined with poor performance have led many investors to avoid China.

Andy Ng, manager of the Tokio Marine Asian Equity fund, explains the sectors and themes best placed for growth in a rapidly evolving continent.

Nigel Beidas, co-manager of the Marlborough Extra Income fund, takes a closer look at headwinds and tailwinds for UK companies.

The most recent global economic data suggests a general softening in growth activity - led particularly by Europe.