Lazard's Custis: Why January's rally is set to continue

ON UK GROWTH

Even though equity markets have calmed somewhat since the third quarter, the eurozone debt crisis is still top of the agenda.

However, the measures of the new governments in Greece and Italy, and the plans for a closer fiscal union, are indicative of a new found political will among European policymakers.  While Europe has made progress, the US economy has also shown steady improvement following its soft patch earlier in 2011. US GDP estimates have been re-raised, while significant dents are being made in the country’s unemployment figures.  The recent pressures on the UK economy, emanating primarily from the eurozone, have put further strain on UK companies. A number of weaker corporates have suffered, as m...