Economics

Better than expected results at some of the UK's major retailers gave a lift to UK fund managers today as Xmas numbers beat gloomy forecasts.

US

One of the industry's most widely followed strategists, Albert Edwards, has said depressed European equity markets are a once in a lifetime opportunity for investors following the savage sell-off in 2012.

Solid inflows into its mutual fund business and segregated mandates, as well as positive market movements, helped Jupiter grow its assets under management to over £26bn in Q4.

Managers around the globe have upped their exposure to equities in what Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysts dubbed the 'great rotation' of 2013.

Schroder's mid-cap manager Andy Brough has been given a boost from his stake in fellow asset manager Liontrust after its shares soared 10% in early trading today.

We believe the investment backdrop remains structurally difficult.

The UK's main inflation rate has remained at 2.7% for the third month in a row, broadly in line with economists' expectations, despite steep rises in energy bills.

Music and DVD chain HMV is to call in administrators Deloitte today as the 250-strong chain becomes the latest casualty on the high street.

Shares in Apple fell to an 11-month low overnight after disappointing sales of its latest iPhone.