dollar

Speculators increased bets against sterling to record levels even after the formation of the new coalition Government, as worries escalated over the health of the UK finances.

THE ALCHEMIST

Santander's Hak Salih has been increasing his fund's exposure to defensive stocks, believing the UK economy will remain volatile for a number of years.

Barclays Wealth has added multi-currency hedged share classes across its entire Dublin-domiciled GlobalAccess fund range.

ON THE US

Baptism of fire sees UBS Global Allocation manager Andreas Koester deliver top-quartile returns through sharp market correction

John Chatfeild-Roberts' Jupiter Merlin team has re-introduced Thames River's Global Bond fund into its £664m Balanced portfolio on the belief currency calls can enhance returns in 2010.

Since the start of the year, sterling has weakened materially against the US dollar, and slightly against the euro. For owners of UK equities this is a mixed blessing.

Gartmore head of Asian equities says China is nowhere near ready to end its two-year peg on the dollar

Jupiter manager believes low-rate environment will continue to be supportive for bonds as investors continue to search for yield in 2010