Markets

Mainstream emerging markets may have remained thoroughly out of favour this year, with developed nations driving global equity returns, but surprises can still be found in the top ten markets of 2013.

Brewin Dolphin is cutting investment services for clients with portfolios valued at under £50,000 due to unsustainable costs.

Japan's Nikkei fell for a second day overnight, while indices around the world also moved lower, as investors pull money out of the market on fears of imminent tapering by the US Fed.

Brian O'Neill, one of the country's longest-serving managers, is to retire from his role running the Henderson Global investment trust next year.

The UK economy has been tipped to breach its pre-crisis peak as early as next year, instead of 2016, as previously forecast, by UK business network the British Chambers of Commerce.

Baring Asset Management has hired former Martin Currie director Duncan Goodwin to head its global resources team.

US politicians have agreed a deal to set spending levels until 2015, on the same day that the 'Volcker rule' curbing bank trading was finally passed by regulators.

The UK could be the first developed country to raise interest rates, with a hike coming as soon as next year, according to Fidelity fixed income head Andrew Wells.

RBS finance director Nathan Bostock is to leave the bank to become deputy CEO at Santander UK.

GLOBAL EQUITIES