US

Last week, the S&P 500 soared past the 2,000 mark for the first time, surprising those who had expected a reversal of some of the 30% gain seen in 2013.

Contrary to the concerns of some investors, US equities are not overvalued, says Hector Kilpatrick, from Cornelian Asset Management

The US market has confounded some observers this year. After such strong performance in 2013, when the market rose just shy of 30%, many commentators had written the market off or at least condemned it to underperformance in 2014.

Substantial risks do remain in the US market, but steer clear of cyclical sectors and it should be plain sailing, argues Carmignac Gestion's Sandra Crowl.

The US' two main markets climbed to record highs on Thursday, driven by better than expected jobs data.

US EQUITIES

There has been scant reward for investing in US airlines in the past, but a new focus on shareholder returns means airline stocks could soar, explains UBP investment specialist Cédric Le Berre.

Jupiter has launched a US small- and mid-cap fund for Robert Siddles.

Artemis is seeking to launch five US equity funds for Cormac Weldon and his ex-Threadneedle colleagues as members of the team begin work in their new roles.

Google shares moved sharply lower in after-hours trading following a disappointing update, with the negative sentiment that has blighted the sector showing no sign of abating.