Now, who would have thought it? After being regarded as second rate citizens by many hedge funds leading up to and after the crunch, retail investors now hold the main remaining key to accessing some of the world's most sought-after managers.

Sentiment among the US equity managers at Goldman Sachs Asset Management stands broadly in line with the bullish outlook for America's economy that Goldman's global investment research unit issued early this year.

Announcing a haircut on Greek bond holdings would help restore a positive mood to bond markets, which have largely priced in such a move, said DWS Investments' CIO Asoka Wöhrmann.

‘If in doubt, delegate' seems to be the mantra of a growing number of investors this year, as asset allocation portfolios giving managers discretion to shift capital between markets are a popular choice.

As investment styles fell from favour during the credit crunch, and certain asset classes were unloved as a result of Europe's debt crisis, some veteran asset managers have had to change their spots.

CQS was the most recent asset manager to give its London client conference the theme of ‘uncertainty' - around the global economy and asset classes - but it will not be the last.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management has made its unconstrained Goldman Sachs Strategic Income Bond portfolio available to UK investors.

Think of light entertainment on the wireless, and The Archers or Desert Island Discs probably springs to mind well before convertible bond arbitrage and volatility trading.

Many retail investors might not have known the name Laxey Partners before this year.

The eurozone was a crowning achievement for many Brussels europhiles, of which they no doubt felt intense pride. As history shows again and again, it came before a fall.