Low rates boost to smaller companies

The lower interest rate environment will be an added boost to smaller companies, according to Susannah Lloyd, manager of the Baring UK Smaller Companies fund. She said: 'First, we expect to see much-improved sentiment among consumers and investors as the year progresses. We have already started to see an easing of US monetary policy and expect this process to continue as Greenspan takes firm steps to stabilise the US economy. 'Sentiment in the US and the direction of its equity market undoubtedly sets the tone for other markets worldwide. It acted as a significant drag on performance ...