With strong words to support the Euro, Mario Draghi, the European Central Bank president, quelled fears over the future of the Eurozone. However, the bailout negotiations in Cyprus revealed cracks in this 'floor' supporting the region and markets. A 'Banking Union' has been undermined, imbalances within the region magnified and...

Like Jennifer Lawrence's fall at the Oscars, unexpected but a chance to shine 'comedically,' Italy's elections have shocked investors but provided attractive entry points to strong international firms, insulated from domestic woes (as well as offer up some funny one-liners from candidates). The possible...

Markets have shrugged off improvement in the Eurozone because more is needed for stability. Rising demand for German goods, an improving business climate and stability in Spanish housing should have given markets cause for celebration. However, after the substantial rally we've seen, and the headwinds yet to be...

Huge strides forward in Europe and subsequent market rallies have raised hopes for the region. So is the road to recovery now clear or are significant risks still present? Crucially, what are the key areas of conflict we should be watching closely and which are 'red herrings'?

As investors price into the markets only two options for Europe, politicians feel the pressure to avoid a break-up of the monetary union as we know it and instead embark on the second scenario, full scale fiscal unity. European countries must share their budgets to share their burdens;...

From Greek election elation to Spanish rescue concerns, a clear road to recovery has remained elusive. Greece continues to gamble with its eurozone membership with the misguided belief that it can soften demands for austerity, without threatening its bailout. Instead, it is the lack of a sufficient firewall, rather than...

As the euro zone crisis intensifies and global markets reflect investor concerns, we ask ourselves, is a Greek exit from the euro on its way? Crucially, preparations have already begun to protect shareholder interest, companies are robust and policy in the U.S. and China aims to maintain the upward momentum....

As French and Greek voters make their feeling about spending cuts loud and clear, we ask ourselves: why has there been such a strong swing to anti-austerity/pro-growth, how does this threaten the survival of the euro and is a Greek default still possible? The deepening slump has

There is still much to be decided before EU leaders can claim to have provided a comprehensive and credible plan to end the sovereign debt crisis. The rescue fund itself has met with significant obstacles, with demand in doubt and delays to capital raising leading to question marks over its...

As the outlook for growth continues to deteriorate, whilst the price for goods and services remain stubbornly high, the risk of stagflation returns. This would be a tough scenario, where policy options tackling one of these issues would only worsen the other. This creates substantial downside risk for stock valuations...

The markets expect a Greek default and time is running out. However, banks still haven't recognized enough of this loss, highlighting the pent-up risk in the sector. Deep-seated skepticism continues to drive market volatility and this will continue until a credible plan is on the table.

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As the U.S. launches $400bn 'Operation Twist' in a desperate attempt to kick-start the economy, concerns arise over how effective this will be. It's true that something needs to be done and inflation restricts the options open to the Fed but the strategy has a poor track record...

As banks all over the world slash jobs, we ask ourselves -- will this produce more streamline firms ready to generate significant profits, or is it a sign of the poor outlook for the sector? Unfortunately, stifling, repressive regulation and a false bubble has driven this move, and severe headwinds...

Over the last few days we have seen a tremendous amount of volatility in the markets, epitomizing the lack of clarity with which many investors have struggled. The contagion continues to spread as we hear rumors of a possible downgrade of French...

The deadline for delivering a deal to allow the U.S. to continue to borrow and spend, August 2nd, is approaching. Mirroring issues in the EU, a problem of debt cannot be solved by yet more debt. With the threat of a downgrade looming, any rise in interest rates...

Whilst at GAIM, the largest hedge fund conference in Europe, it was hard to ignore both the issues the hedge fund industry face and the opportunities from which they can profit. So how can you, as an investor, handle hedge fund investing? Be strategic, be sensible and speak...

Debate has been raging as to whether the Greek economy can avoid bankruptcy. Just how big is the problem, what are the options and how is this impacting financial markets?

Background to the Problem
Greece is around €300bn in debt. Putting that into context, its...

From the world's best performing index in the first three months of this year, to a laggard this quarter, the Russian index has offered dramatic returns as well as downside risk. What has driven investor sentiment and what are many investors missing?

The World Leader Slips...

As "super-injunctions" are labelled "pointless" by the rise of 'new' social media sites, the world seems a smaller place for those wanting to hide potential transgressions. Indeed, such accusations can have broad ramifications, as the head of the International Monetary Fund this week steps...

The classic "safe-haven" investment has seen a strong uptrend in its value since the autumn of 2008. Risk aversion, inflation fears, falls in the dollar and demand from the east have all been credited as drivers of...