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Home run
Managers are looking further afield due to ever diminishing returns but, says Joanne Ellul, this should not be at the expense of UK equity income
Brave new world
Gregor Watt reports on the market turmoil from the Greek deadlock after the country’s general election but says fund managers are looking ahead of the crisis and see a glittering chance for intrepid investors
Is emerging market debt worth the risk?
Emerging market debt is gaining popularity among fund managers but as the asset class is linked to currency, Joanne Ellul asks if it is too volatile for the average investor
Into Africa
Emerging market pioneer Mark Mobius is convinced that Africa has great long-term potential, reports Joanne Ellul
Point of difference
The absolute return category is growing in popularity but also in complexity, making it difficult to compare funds like for like, says Gregor Watt
Absolute return
Deleverage climate yields prospects
Energy meter
Oil prices look set to stay high but there are still problems to face for global energy funds, reports Joanne Ellul
Fast track
An increased focus on fund management charges could see the UK follow in the footsteps of the US, which has seen a surge in low-cost trackers. Gregor Watt reports
Are tech stocks fit to burst?
Is Facebook’s startling $1bn purchase of two-year-old company Instagram proof that a technology bubble is about to pop? Joanne Ellul reports
Bill Mott: We are in the biggest financial experiment in history
PSigma income manager Bill Mott says the global economy is walking a tightrope and that the current plan of action could result in a black swan event
Small wonders
For those brave enough to invest part of their savings in the UK stockmarket, 2011 could be summed up as a roller-coaster ride and the start of 2012 has not been without investment shocks either - witness Tesco’s first profit warning in more than 20 years.
LTRO lifts sector
Chris Salih assesses an upturn
Debt issues
Four leading bond fund managers give their views on prospects and their investment picks
On the Reit track
Property experts say the Government’s upcoming consultation on changes to the tax treatment of real estate investment trusts could result in expansion of the Reit market.
Small change
Joanne Ellul reports on renewed interest in small caps
Is Russia on the rebound?
Joanne Ellul reports on a post-election market rally in Russia.
Is it time to throw caution to the wind?
Recent rounds of quantitative easing by the Bank of England and the European Central Bank’s long-term refinancing operations mean the case for a risk-on trade may be growing. With central banks maintaining their use of extraordinary monetary policy to avert recession or, worse, a deflationary spiral, the value of a cautious stance may continue to be eroded.
A good egg
Our experts differ on whether there is mileage left in gold but they agree that Isa take-up has taken on a renewed shine
Rally round the flag
The European Central Bank unleashed a second round of its long-term refinancing operation last week and revealed it has provided a further €529bn of funding to European banks.
Resilience is golden
European markets have been boosted recently by policy moves and a combination of a permanent €500bn bail-out fund, set to start by the middle of the year, and the availability of low-cost loans from the European Central Bank which have helped to ease contagion fears.
Have GEM closures opened the door for India?
Investors hoping to tap into India’s growth potential are opting for single-country funds due to a spate of soft closures of Gem funds, says Joanne Ellul.
Fund Focus: Asia ex-Japan
Gregor Watt reports that fundamentals are changing for the better in the Asia excluding Japan sector, with inflation falling and attractive valuations
Asia major
Four fund managers discuss their investment strategies in the Asia Pacific market and reveal the sectors offering good value now and the ones with growth potential for the longer term
MM Profile: Ivan Lyons
The Investment Solutions director on why IFAs should concentrate on what they are good at rather than trying to change the world, why he is looking forward to the RDR and his plan to run 100 marathons before he hits 50 Interview by Rachael Adams
Poor service continues to drive platform switching
Fraser Donaldson, Defaqto Insight analyst for funds, looks at why so many users are still switching platform
Building bricks
Prospects for capital growth in the property sector may appear bleak this year but fund managers believe there is still room for income.Property net retail sales almost halved last year to £508m, down from £1.8bn in 2010, according to figures from the Investment Management Association.
F&C rejects separate SRI sector
F&C and Kames Capital have warned against creating a separate IMA sector for sustainable and responsible investment funds.
Insynergy waits for public to catch up on India
Insynergy Investment Management is considering launching a specialist themed India fund once consumers become more comfortable investing in the country.
Fund firms screen out SRI
Aviva is the latest mainstream investment house to pull away from offering specialist sustainable and responsible investment funds.
The hidden truth
Advisers have backed calls for total investment costs, including admin and dealing costs, to be included in fund factsheets.
FE Adviser Fund Index
Over the past three years, the FE Adviser Fund Index benchmark portfolios have weathered challenging market conditions.
Stockpicker's psychology
Why times of market turmoil are a good entry point for long-term, emotionally resilient investors
Face value
Last week’s news that Facebook will list on the US stockmarket has again raised questions about the valuations of the latest generation of technology companies but, away from the headlines, many tech funds have been quietly generating decent returns.
New horizons
Anaemic growth and the sovereign debt crisis in Europe have encouraged investors to look to emerging markets in search of returns.
Defensive pays off for UK equity income
James Smith looks at the UK equity income market, which remains a safety-first environment delivering sustainable dividends and long-term growth.
Cash on delivery
The economic outlook means dividends are providing an even greater portion of total return on equities. Gregor Watt reports
Misery loves companies
Economic pain is not going away but the corporate sector is facing the headwinds in rude financial health
Calculated risk
Mike Morrison, head of pensions development at Axa Wealth, says it is vital that advisers help clients work out their attitude to risk if investors are to realise their long-term financial goals
