Economics / Markets

Barings' Andrew Cole takes his turn on the PA soapbox

Global equity funds play an integral role as part of any well-diversified portfolio

Sterling fell slightly against most major currencies this morning after the Office of National Statistics reported higher-than-expected unemployment figures.

The Scottish government will be able to issue its own bonds from 2015 in a "historic" devolution of borrowing powers, the Treasury has announced.

Investor confidence in the UK has strengthened considerably over the past 12 months, according to the latest investor confidence survey from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC).

The UK inflation rate dropped to 1.9% in January, marking the first time it has fallen below the Bank of England's target of 2% since November 2009.

It is "not unreasonable" for investors to anticipate a 2% base rate as early as 2016, but increasing rates is still considered a last resort to tame the housing market, according to Bank of England policymaker David Miles.

Important lessons have already been learnt this year

The first few months of 2014 have seen a gold rally. Will it continue?

Britain must see a business recovery before interest rates can begin to rise, according to Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England.