US

BlackRock's chief executive Larry Fink has said the strength of the US dollar could undermine the economic recovery in the US as it puts pressure on US firms.

The unprecedented backdrop and uncertain outlook are likely to lead to significant trading opportunities in the US equities class as the year progresses, says Anthony McDonald, senior investment analyst at City Financial

History shows little relationship between the strength of the dollar and corporate profits, says Gregg Guerin, product specialist at First Trust Global Portfolios

Leading investment firms have told US regulators that the departure of Bill Gross from PIMCO was a "stress test" that the industry has passed.

The M&G Episode Income fund has seen a substantial shift in asset allocation over the past 12 months, boosting returns to drive it up the sector rankings.

Investors fear the US equity market may be the next victim of a soaring US dollar, as the strengthening currency begins to trigger fresh turmoil in emerging markets.

Investec Asset Management's John Stopford has begun hedging US equity exposure in his Diversified Income fund, despite this part of the portfolio being the most significant contributor to performance last year.

The impact of currency headwinds

Why US sector calls add risk

Vanguard's Australia director John James is to take over its UK and European operations to replace Thomas Rampulla, who will return to the group's US office.