Analysis

As an astounding year nears its end, it is hard to recall the true despair that existed in almost all markets other than government bonds one year ago.

British pride has taken a knock recently as both Germany and France this month reported their economies had expanded for the second consecutive quarter. Britain is pinning its hopes on the Q4 of 2009 bringing an end to its recession.

In what has been an extraordinary year for global equity markets, sterling investors have profited most from staying at home.

What is normal going forward? Recently, investors appear to be assuming corporate profitability and economic growth will rebound to prior levels as quickly as they disappeared. Many are assuming a ‘V-shaped' recovery and have embraced cyclically driven...

Strong returns from emerging markets prompt surge of investment into funds connected with less developed countries

The euphoric markets that we enjoyed before the credit crunch are probably as unrealistic as the markets that confronted us in the 12 months after the onset of the crunch.

Re-opening of capital markets has been critical to credit health, which has in turn led to the recovery in high-yield markets

I share the view of many people that the huge financial stimulus has overcome the danger of a re-run of the Great Depression. Unprecedented government action across the world has triggered a turnaround in investors' fortunes. Led by Germany and France,...

Credit markets have undergone a dramatic rally across the board since their March low. The more defensive sectors, such as utilities and energy, are now no longer offering anywhere like the compelling value we saw earlier in the year and are trading more...