Gold

Gold's slide into a bear market has accelerated this morning as prices fell a further 5% to a two-year low of under $1,400.

Gold and resources funds continued to struggle in the first quarter of 2013, as investors remained in risk-on mode and opted for equities over safe havens such as the precious metal.

Cyprus' plan for an unprecedented 10% tax on savers has been dubbed a "monumental error of judgement" by one commentator, but it does leave some assets looking attractive.

US regulators are scrutinising whether prices are being manipulated in the world's largest gold market, based in London.

Investors question whether gold has lost its shine as China growth picks up and US shows signs of recovery.

Gold has suffered the longest run of monthly falls since 1997 after the metal declined for the fifth month in a row in February.

The price of gold has fallen through $1,600 for the first time in six months as investors continue to pile into risk assets such as equities.

Ani Markova, co-manager of the Smith & Williamson Global Gold and Resources fund, has warned investors the gold may take some time to break out of its current trading range.

2012 was a particularly tough year for some sectors, notably commodities and gold, as fears over global growth weighed on demand for materials.

Private bank and wealth manager C. Hoare & Co has shifted its asset allocation focus from the US to Europe for 2013 ahead of an expected boost for the single currency.