Merrill Lynch

COMMODITIES

Global fund managers have become significantly more confident on the outlook for growth, according to a survey by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Fixed income managers have taken advantage of pricing opportunities in the high yield space to move back into the asset class, after outflows hit record levels in June following the Federal Reserve's tapering talk.

BONDS

The summer months are always the ideal time to take stock of the investment climate year-to-date - and to consider prospects for the second half.

Liquidity in fixed income is a topic that investors have increasingly focused on since the onset of the credit crisis, and rightly so.

Banks across the world have rallied sharply in the last 12 months, the shares featuring among the best performing stocks in many indices but, after a sharp climb, are there any opportunities left for investors?

Bill O'Neill has left Merrill Lynch Global Wealth and Investment Management to join UBS.

EMERGING EUROPE

Managers are setting up portfolios for a pull-back in equity markets, looking at put options and moving more defensive as several indicators post sell signals.