Economics

Test your knowledge of pop culture and business trivia from the decade that brought you parachute pants, power shoulder pads, and Pac Man....it's the Investment Week Christmas Quiz.

PAY IT OFF OR WRITE IT OFF

London's leading index has been impacted by both ‘black swan' events and heightened volatility over the past 12 months.

Stock markets across Asia have fallen after news of the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il renewed fears of political instability in the region.

Economists have warned the Independent Commission on Banking (ICB)'s plans to ringfence UK banks' retail and investment divisions could threaten economic growth.

It is indeed ironic that it was the French Emperor, Napoleon, who once said "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." I wonder whether this thought was echoing in David Cameron's head as he decided to use Britain's veto?

UK equity managers who were overweight defensives at the start of the year - or earlier - had to be patient at first, but were rewarded at the start of July when cyclicals fell firmly out of favour.

With equity markets around the world diving in the latter half of the year amid the turmoil in Europe and global growth fears, a number of funds were hit particularly hard.

THE EUROZONE

A draft prospectus providing details of securities which may be created by the EFSF has acknowledged the breakup of the euro in its list of risk factors.