As Brazil overtakes the UK as the world's sixth largest economy, Maria Merricks looks at the key drivers behind its investment potential.
With volatility set to dominate again this year, experts predict which sector or geographical region will surprise on the upside.
The British economy just managed to achieve growth in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR).
The UK economy has "significantly weakened" with domestic demand at a two-year low, but a recession is not inevitable, the latest quarterly survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) concludes.
We ask investment experts for their forecasts for 2012.