2003: the intermediaries' view

the biggest issues for ifas in 2003 were precipice bonds, pi insurance and rebounding equities

The welcome rebound in equity markets saw 2003 end in positive territory, the first time since 1999. Bonds fared well in the beginning part of the year, followed by equities with the largest gains seen in the Far East and emerging markets. China became the big story towards the end of 2003, while high yield bonds and emerging market debt were also highlighted by a number of product providers as providing solid growth opportunities. Amid all this came some 48 consultation papers from the FSA with depolarisation still at the forefront of most intermediaries' minds. The biggest challenge for...