Neptune

One of the most basic principles of investing is to invest when no-one likes a market.

Neptune founder and CEO Robin Geffen has ruled out the possibility of a eurozone breakup following a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti.

CHINA

Neptune's Rob Burnett has shifted his £946m European Opportunities fund back to a defensive stance in the view pressures in Europe, the US and China will result in 'vulnerable' markets for the rest of Q1.

Neptune's Felix Wintle has been adding to national and regional banks in his £464m US Opportunities fund, cutting technology and energy stocks after a strong run.

First State's Martin Lau has beaten stars including Invesco Perpetual's Neil Woodford and Neptune's Robin Geffen to see his Greater China Growth fund ranked the most consistent performer over the three years to the end of 2011.

Neptune's Robin Geffen is standing by his overweight US position as he believes the region is unlikely to fall into recession this year as long as another banking crisis is avoided.

EMERGING MARKETS

ON ASIA

With equity markets around the world diving in the latter half of the year amid the turmoil in Europe and global growth fears, a number of funds were hit particularly hard.