Markets

The FTSE 100 has reached its highest level since March following positive consumer data from Germany and signs of improving growth in China.

Old Mutual Global Investors has made four appointments to its sales team, days after Skandia confirmed it is cutting 20% of its sales force.

A transatlantic banking watchdog would protect American and British taxpayers from bailing out banks which are too big to fail, under new plans.

Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) has appointed Rob Williams as head of distribution.

Aberdeen Asset Management's Hugh Young said dotcom-style bubbles are forming in some Asian income stocks as valuations look increasingly stretched.

The Governor of the Bank of England said he fears active exchange rate management could potentially start a currency war among some of the world's leading economies.

Fidelity's Anthony Bolton has predicted a turnaround in China next year as the economic cycle shifts in the country's favour.

GOSLING'S GROUSE

Panic about house prices, asset bubbles and China caught our readers' attention this year, with the views of leading hedgies and controversial industry figures featuring in our list of the 20 most read stories of 2012.

For months now, in the build-up to the end of year RDR deadline, fund providers have been anxious to tap into adviser and client demand for risk-rated, multi-asset portfolios.