Equities predicted to give best returns

Charles Rawson, fund manager at Exeter Asset Management Prior to and immediately after 11 September, market performance reflected global recession fears. These fears were justified as the world's three largest economies, the US, Japan and Germany, dipped into recession in the course of the year. The UK managed to sustain reasonable growth however, driven by robust consumer demand. UK retail sales were buoyant and house prices rose sharply in 2001. The massive monetary easing, particularly after 11 September, fuelled a liquidity-driven rally in the closing months of 2001. Emergi...