Equities

Legal & General Investment Management's head of active equities Robert Churchlow believes a surge in M&A activity is set to boost the UK market.

The annual IMA asset management survey has shown a slump in interest in UK equities as investors look further afield for returns.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has proposed wide ranging reforms and a tightening of the rules around how exchange traded funds (ETFs) operate in Europe.

Moody's has cut Greece's credit rating by three notches following the agreement of a new rescue package for the stricken country.

FIVE OF THE BEST

Business secretary Vince Cable has hit out at what he described as "a few right-wing nutters" holding up a deal to cut US government debt.

Asset allocators are selling down equities to cut risk exposure as markets digest the EU's solution to the Greek crisis, and US debt fears persist.

Eurozone leaders revived hopes for the future of the single currency last week by agreeing €109bn of further aid for Greece, some of which will be funded by bondholders as the country is allowed to selectively default.

J.P. Morgan is set to overhaul its £292m America Equity fund next month, slashing 50% of the portfolio's holdings.

Emma O'Neill, investment research analyst at OBSR, examines the best performing Continental European funds.