Europe and Japan perform, Latin America loses favour

Asset allocation strategies at Investec and Standard Life Investments remain positive on most Western geographical regions, but are moving away from Latin America. The strategies for funds at both groups have been to reduce positions in the Latin American countries. Richard Batty, global investment strategist at Standard Life, says: "We are cautious about investing in Latin American countries because of their high weighting in materials and energy stocks, which makes up 40% of the sector. We also believe the oil price recently peaking at $72 (£40) a barrel is unsustainable and the goo...