Analysis

Government interference in capital markets has never been so great in the post-war era and the contradictions within asset values are becoming ever more apparent.

It has been over a year since the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Credit spreads, which skyrocketed during the crisis and remained high early this year, have retracted somewhat.

The consensus view for the UK's economic outlook in recent months has been that while the worst was over, progress would be slow and consumers were in line to struggle in 2010 burdened with high unemployment and rising taxes.

Corporate bonds have staged a remarkable recovery since the end of the first quarter this year.

Recent market volatility should serve as a reminder that while the risk of a prolonged recession has been averted, there is still uncertainty about the strength of recovery and the possible exit strategies from unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus...

Recent strong price gains across commodity markets, especially base metal equities, now urge caution to some degree.

The past eight months have been remarkable for European equity markets.

Gold is entering a new era. In the past gold has been thought of primarily as a safe haven, but now it is recognised as a preserver of wealth by both institutional and private investors, relevant whatever the economic weather.

Positive net retail sales over seven consecutive months show investors are shifting back towards sector

Increasing optimism over the future direction of the economy helped propel the UK equity market to a record quarter.