Analysis

What started as a valuation-driven rebound following the excessive de-rating of Asian equities in late 2008 has generated additional momentum on the back of more compelling evidence of an economic turnaround.

From where we sit at the half-way point of the year, it seems that to advocate an argument on whether the market is bullish or bearish is as finely balanced as it has been for a long time.

Thinking back to 20 years ago, there was a buzz of excitement in the investment world as investors seeking above-average returns ventured in a handful of exotic economies.

It has been a challenging year for investors in global mining and energy markets.

The perception is the European Central Bank has been an outstanding laggard in its policy responses, that it lacks a clear mandate, and has too many people (22) sitting on its governing board to be aggressive.

The market lows of early March were followed by a swift turnaround in risk appetite, fuelling a sharp rally in equity and credit markets in April and May, ahead of some profit taking in June.

As job losses mount, it's time to dispel some myths. The rapidly rising unemployment rate is causing many consumers to curb spending and repair their overleveraged balance sheets.

Seismic changes in the way the US tax authorities intend to tax the returns on American senior-citizen-based life settlement funds have caught many fund managers on the hop

It would be an understatement to say that global equity markets have been volatile in 2009.

With the corporate bond market now recovering, a higher exposure to credit is likely to offer significant potential for maximising returns.