FTSE

EMs

A brace of broker downgrades released today has knocked London's leading share index off its six-month high.

ETHICAL

Henderson's John Bennett has overhauled the Henderson European Focus trust, introducing more risk into the portfolio through active bets against the benchmark.

With volatility set to dominate again this year, experts predict which sector or geographical region will surprise on the upside.

London's leading index has been impacted by both ‘black swan' events and heightened volatility over the past 12 months.

UK equity managers who were overweight defensives at the start of the year - or earlier - had to be patient at first, but were rewarded at the start of July when cyclicals fell firmly out of favour.

The FTSE 100 was trading 1.8% lower at 3pm as US markets slipped at the open following a poor Italian debt auction and signs of division re-emerging among eurozone leaders.

The UK's leading share index shed almost 100 points on Monday, with shares across Europe and the US also plunging, as investors fretted over the outlook for Europe once again.

European markets have opened the week in positive territory, with the FTSE 100 rebounding from a period of extended losses.