Equities

Lloyds Banking Group CEO António Horta-Osório is to return as group chief executive on 9 January 2012 after a period of medical leave.

Findlay Park CEO James Findlay said US political parties' inability to make difficult decisions is provoking ‘disgust' among corporate management.

Kames Capital is set to appoint Peter Shaw as co-manager of the £361m UK Equity fund on 1 January.

Tom Dobell, manager of the £7.2bn M&G Recovery fund has rejigged his portfolio extensively since the financial crisis to take advantage of opportunities as they emerge.

HOPE OVER REALITY?

The US economy is at risk of being drawn into another recession next year because of contagion from Europe and inaction from policymakers, Schroders' Wes Sparks has warned.

Goldman Sachs' global markets team has revealed six key trading recommendations for 2012, based on forecasts of a deeper recession in Europe, a slowdown in the US and below trend growth in China.

Thomas Cook shares jumped 47% on Thursday in anticipation of an announcement the travel giant has secured the £100m loan it needs to avoid going bust.

Newton's Simon Laing has joined Invesco Perpetual as head of US equity fund management.

Markets moved lower on Monday as fears over Greece and Italy remained despite the imminent formation of a Greek coalition government.