Analysis

This year began broadly as expected, with most believing that the losses of 2008 would take years to recover from.

The first few trading sessions of 2009 were surprisingly bullish continuing the momentum of a late December rally.

On the whole, 2009 is likely to be remembered as an extremely good year for risky assets, with equities as well as corporate bond markets posting stellar performance, albeit not without considerable volatility.

Unlike the London housing market that seems to rise every year, the stock market had another year of wild gyrations.

In 2009 we have seen a gold rush. Walking down the High Street, you will be fortunate not to trip over the signs of those eager to buy it.

There has rarely been a dull moment this year. A 20% fall in the UK equity market by early March has given way to close to a 50% bounce.

In recent months, the corporate bond market has been firmly in positive territory. Relevant indices have risen to their highest levels of 2009.

Hail Dorothy, the wicked witch is dead! In the classic movie, the Wizard of Oz, this is the ending of one era and entering of another.

Top 10 groups in sector gained at least 56% over past 12 months, with more than half seeing gains of 30% or more

Over the course of the year, the Japanese stock market has continued to rise from its March low point, helped by a general improvement in investors' risk appetite and the release of more positive economic data.