Gold

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.

Peter Webb, the manager of the two worst-performing funds of 2012, has described his frustrations in trying to sell many of the "illiquid" positions he inherited on the portfolios, and his hopes for a turnaround in performance this year.

A bet on the demise of the eurozone has caused sizeable losses for John Paulson, the hedge fund boss renowned for making millions from the US financial collapse.

Argonaut's Barry Norris has said he will never invest in a gold stock again, after selling out of his stake in Swedish-listed company Nordic Mines at a 75% loss.

MARKETS