Keep one eye on the west and the other on the east

What can investors do but watch and wait? Hunkered down, staring intently at CNBC, they look out for the US markets to show the first signs of a definite economic recovery. Their bank accounts are stuffed with dollars, and when they see a positive-looking market twitch they throw a few handfuls of money into equities. Then they realise it is a fake run, a short-term swell in choppy waters and, with an irritated snarl, they settle down to wait once more. But there are alternatives. Fund managers have been casting around for something investors can get excited about to take our minds off th...