hsbc

Investec's stockpicking veteran Alastair Mundy has bought into Royal Bank of Scotland after a change of sentiment towards elements of the UK's beaten-up banking sector.

Bruce Stout, manager of Murray International Trust, examines how companies in Europe, Asia and Latin America are changing their attitudes towards equity income investors.

UK BANKS

Now is the time for income-seeking investors to look at UK banks again, ahead of their return to the dividend register, said Schroders' Nick Kirrage.

CONTRARIAN INVESTOR

ASIA

Despite negative press, structured products still form part of many wealth manager portfolios. Joanna Faith looks into their appeal.

The UK's Serious Fraud Office has revealed it is investigating payments between Barclays and Qatar Holding during the credit crisis, in yet another blow to the bank.

CONTRARIAN

HSBC is in talks to settle with US regulators over a money laundering investigation, but increased regulatory scrutiny has led to S&P cutting the bank's credit rating.