Spain

Spanish boutique asset manager March Gestión de Fondos (MFG) is poised to enter the UK market with the launch of three funds.

Bob Jolly (pictured), head of global macro at Schroders, reviews a year in global bond markets and asks what themes could characterise the asset class in 2013.

7IM's Alex Scott has begun switching out of corporate debt in favour of Spanish and Italian bonds on a large proportion of the group's funds, ahead of any rise in government bond yields.

Eurozone leaders have agreed a plan by the Spanish authorities to restructure four of its major banks.

European markets were flat in mid-morning trading today as investors paused for breath amid fresh rumours Spain is about to request an official bailout.

Fidelity's Ian Spreadbury has snapped up some Italian and Spanish sovereign debt, as well as corporates in both regions, to provide his funds with some extra yield.

EUROPE

Spanish banking giant Santander has seen its profits tumble by more than 90% in the third quarter after bad property loans in Spain battered its books.

Schroders' Nick Kirrage, co-manager of the £1.1bn Income fund, looks beyond the headlines in troubled Europe and finds some surprises in the region's hard numbers.

European markets have made steady gains throughout the day, fuelled by reports Spain will ask the eurozone for financial aid next month.