Analysis

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.

After a strong performance from most equity markets since the lows of March 2009, it is reasonable to expect a degree of consolidation in the short term.

Government's scheme divides sector predictions on future buy-ups despite programme creating extra demand for asset class

Pre credit crunch, the Chinese economy had been expanding at a tremendous rate; China's GDP growth in the mid-teens combined with booming housing and stock markets clearly signalled a case of overheating.

Notwithstanding the recent pullback, equities have rebounded sharply from their lows in March, with economic data indicating a moderation in the pace of GDP decline, while sentiment towards risk assets has improved considerably.

While it is too early to be confident in the timing of an economic recovery in Japan, there are at least some signs that the situation is improving significantly.

A near 30% rally from the lows of early March to the peak on 1st June has been characterised by a fierce debate between investors over cyclicals versus defensives. We feel this misses the point of the rally entirely.