Gold

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

Demand for gold coins and bars has fallen by a third, year on year, from a record high in 2011, according to the World Gold Council.

President Obama began his first term in the White House on 4 November 2008 at the height of the credit crisis, vowing to rescue the financial system.

The Royal Mint has launched a range of products to meet increasing investor demand for its bullion coins.

US stock markets saw a third consecutive day of losses following Barack Obama's victory in the presidential election this week.

The Dow shed more than 300 points in yesterday's session as investors questioned re-elected President Barack Obama's commitment to dealing with the US fiscal cliff.

Investment veteran Jim Rogers did not vote for either leading candidate in the US presidential race as he does not think either man can save the economy.