China

Manufacturing has begun to contract in the US and China for the first time since the Lehman crisis, raising fears of a synchronized downturn in the world's two largest economies.

SECTOR REPORT

A-HA!

Paul Faulkner interviews Tom Coutts.

Guernsey plans to provide a financial services gateway through which structures, including funds, can be established for investing out of and into China.

F&C's co-head of multi-manager Gary Potter - a self confessed bear on Japan for many years - said the country is turning around for the first time in two decades.

Fitch has cut China's local currency rating from AA- to A+, amid concerns the country is not doing enough to address its soaring debt levels.

CONTRARIAN

James Burns, head of the multi-manager desk at Smith & Williamson, said he sees investment opportunities in Europe, Japan and the United States (US).

Investec Asset Management believes this year's BRICS Summit recently held in South Africa was more about communication between the five countries rather than coordination which is a concept still in its infancy.