Equities

Asian stock markets finished Monday's session firmer as the latest growth figures from China matched forecasts.

The rally across much of Europe has passed Spain by so far this year, with the country's chief index lower than at the start of 2013.

As investors await the 'great rotation' into equities, Aviva Investors' head of multi-asset retail funds, Peter Fitzgerald, takes a look at what to expect from portfolios if bond markets were to sell off.

Equity investors selling down dividend plays in expectation of a tapering of US QE have misjudged some high profile stocks, according to Threadneedle's Dave Dudding.

A row between M&G's Tom Dobell and the board of an AIM-listed oil group has intensified after the manager called for new directors to be appointed and labelled the current pay deals for bosses 'excessive'.

CHINA

This week has seen further volatile moves in markets - particularly within fixed income as investors unwind positions in government and emerging debt - while Chinese equities also hit the headlines on fears of a slowdown in the country.

The FTSE 100 has continued to sell off in early trading on Monday following further falls in Asia, as investors continue to dump stocks on fears QE will be withdrawn in the US.

The FTSE 100 has halted its two-day slide as investors buy back into equities following yesterday's sharp sell-off, with Lloyds and other financials leading the pack.