equities

SMART MONEY

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

WHAT'S HOT

Miton Group - Gervais Williams' fund management company - has announced plans to launch a range of UK equity funds after a positive year for the group which saw assets climb towards £2bn.

Income is the dominant theme among investors at the moment, with the focus on UK equity income spreading to other areas including Asia and emerging markets, according to Adrian Lowcock, senior investment manager at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Neil Woodford, manager of Invesco Perpetual's £20bn Income fund range, has become more cautious on UK equities after a strong six-month showing from the FTSE 100.

The FTSE 100 tumbled nearly 2% in morning trading after the US Federal Reserve spooked markets yesterday by warning it may slow its asset purchase programme.

SOAPBOX

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