Focus on fundamentals for best equity opportunities

Increased volatility earlier this year in the bond and foreign exchange markets triggered a vicious sell-off in global equity markets. But despite tumbling share prices, not much has changed for the companies themselves. As a result we have found little cause for prolonged pessimism, and indeed these corrections often make for excellent buying opportunities. In such volatile times, however it is necessary for investors to focus more than ever on company fundamentals and valuations. With the European market trading on a P/E ratio of just under 12 times for 2007, and seeing forecast earning...