Equity markets

GAM has launched the GAM Star Global Quality fund, a product focusing on developed market equities.

Greek prime minister George Papandreou yesterday survived a vote of confidence in his government, sending Asian markets soaring overnight.

UK shares were under pressure in early trading after sharp falls in the US caused by a sharp rise in inflation.

COMMODITIES SELL-OFF WAS JUSTIFIED

European stock markets sunk into negative territory on Tuesday as concerns over the global economic recovery and an unnerving update on Japan's radiation crisis hit investor sentiment.

Punch Taverns' bondholders are seeking to halt the ailing firm from selling pubs in its estate and instead arrange a debt for equity swap.

Asian central banks are expected to raise interest rates this week to combat the soaring price of oil.

Sales of Global Growth funds on Cofunds hit a record high in January as advisers turn to equities for income at the expense of bond funds.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management has launched the N-11 Equity Portfolio, a long-only fund investing in the securities of the ‘Next Eleven' countries.

Threadneedle's Cormac Weldon has revised upwards his forecast for US GDP growth this year, from 2.5% to 3%, on the back of an improved macro outlook for the region.