Equities

Central banks' juggling act in trying to stimulate inflation but cool inflated asset prices is causing "schizophrenic" policy decisions in Europe. The trouble is, low inflation is necessary, argues Andrew Parry from Hermes.

Dividend growth has slowed in recent months, dragged down by FTSE heavyweights. But do not be fooled: some FTSE players are preparing for dividend increases, explains OMGI's Stephen Message.

Allianz Global Investors has brought its US small cap growth strategy to the UK via the launch of a new fund.

Portugal's €5bn bail-out of Banco Espirito Santo is an idiosyncratic event and Europe is still home to some quality banks, explains Carmignac Gestion's Jean Medecin.

Investors are needing continual confirmation of their convictions in order to stay invested, and this is having an impact on emerging market indices, explains Nick Henderson from Skagen Funds.

EMERGING MARKET DIVIDENDS

ENERGY

ASSET ALLOCATION

EMERGING MARKETS

HSBC, the largest listed bank in the UK, has reported a sharp drop of 12% in its first half profits for 2014, as declines in emerging markets impacted the group.