Europe

Beware global risks

Even if Greece finally leaves the single currency, the financial shock will be both manageable and short-lived as European equities have already started their QE powered rebound, says Paul Wild, manager of the JOHCM Continental European fund

ING Investment Management has rebranded to NN Investment Partners after its parent company listed it as part of a wider IPO last year.

European equities have shot to the top of investors' list of priorities since the start of the year, but which global funds have positioned themselves to ride the rally?

Stock markets' positive reaction to the European Central Bank's quantitative easing programme proves that UK investors are not being swayed by headwinds facing the country, says Alan Custis, manager of the Lazard UK Omega fund

While the auto sector has been declining for a number of years, car suppliers are beginning to benefit from global consolidation, says Nicolas Walewski, manager of Alken Asset Management's European Opportunities and Absolute Return Europe funds

UK investors may be unsure about the impending general election, but events elsewhere could provide a boost to the economy in the coming months, explains John Redwood, chairman of the investment committee at Charles Stanley Pan Asset.

Crispin Odey has likened his portfolios to a "hot curry", as equities' serene progression puts markets at odds with the manager's bearish views.

The M&G Episode Income fund has seen a substantial shift in asset allocation over the past 12 months, boosting returns to drive it up the sector rankings.

Nearly all countries are spending less on their defences but Victoria Leggett, portfolio manager, European equities at Union Bancaire Privée, argues recent threats mean not increasing Europe's defence spend is no longer an option for the region