fund manager views

The synthetic versus passive debate still leaves some investors confused. Vanguard's Neil Cowell explains how managers can move beyond the question.

Ratings agencies went hell for leather downgrading financial hybrid bonds recently. And with upcoming regulatory changes, next year could prove tricky for bank bond investors. Rathbones' Bryn Jones explains why.

Plunging energy prices have led to concerns over the future profitability of resource firms. But some high yield names can still thrive, argues Hermes' Ron Daigle.

China's plans to widen access to its A shares market for international investors have been held back, but rules are set to be relaxed soon. Hermes manager Jonathan Pines explains why he has been loading up on A shares in anticipation.

Growth expectations are so low investors have been engaging in worryingly risky behaviour - but the recent market shake-out could mean the end of complacency, explains FOUR Capital's Chris Rodgers.

Environmental Markets

Lack of profitability among EM corporates has dragged the sector down in the last several years, but the poor performance has reached its trough and the only way is up, argues Emma Bullock from Saunderson House.

Software, chemicals and industrial suppliers are among the under-appreciated European stocks that can survive the worst of the slowdown, explains Swiss & Global's Can Elbi.

Debt levels remain extraordinarily high, and UK growth is being driven by debt-fuelled consumption and the wealth effects of overheating residential property, says Miton's Eric Moore.

The risk that Europe is facing a Japan-style 'lost two decades' is increasing, and the euro will likely fall further, says UBP's Jean-Sylvain Perrig.