GDP

Weaker than expected economic data from China has caused a sell-off in risk assets, especially commodities.

GDP data published for Q4 2012 afforded a slightly better perspective on the year as a whole.

Economic growth in China slowed unexpectedly in the first quarter of the year, sparking concerns about the strength of the country's recovery.

FIXED INCOME

ASEAN

BRAZIL

CONTRARIAN

ASIA

Baillie Gifford's European equity specialist Tom Coutts said the Italian election was not a game-changer for markets, but has thrown up opportunities for stockpickers as uncertainty hit share prices.

Q4 2012 US GDP has been revised up from 0.1% to 0.4%, though the figure remains the lowest level of quarterly growth seen since Q1 2011.