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Global Markets Weekly 20 January 2014 - Coutts

Bonds - A flatter, smoother road ahead

World economy: back in synch -EFG INTERNATIONAL

2014 is set to be a year in which we will see a synchronised global economic upturn – with all major regions and economies posting positive growth for the first time since 2007.

Is abolishing income tax the best way to rebalance our economy?

We hear thoughtful suggestions that the UK economy could be rebalanced if income tax was abolished (loud cheers all round) with VAT increased to, say, 33% - 38% (cue: stunned silence).

Emerging markets launch ratings agency

ARC said it would introduce new financial risk ratings to sit alongside long-established debt grades such as the top triple A rating.

Banking regulation meets law of unintended consequences

The knock-on effects are widespread and not always intended

Well-off women have better and safer sex: Wealth and social standing mean a more satisfying love life, says new study

Those looking to improve their sex life may think key factors are sexual chemistry, physical attraction and energy.

The European proposals for next year's bonus round - Withers

The European Banking Authority approved the draft regulatory technical standard on the definition of material risk takers which will apply to all firms under the scope of the CRD IV.

Super-rich shaping world property market

Private wealth is increasingly shaping the world's real estate markets and the use of private equity in major property deals worth at least US$10 million has nearly trebled since 2009.

Developed Market Strength Persists - Market comment, LGT

Developed Market Strength Persists The once much-feared “Fed taper” triggered strong and broad gains in developed equity markets – the US economy is finally seen as robust enough to eventually continue to grow even without its monetary

Saxo Bank publishes its investment outlook for Q1 2014

Having maintained world growth at acceptable levels throughout the current crisis, emerging Asia will become the world’s primary weak spot in 2014.

BofA Merrill Lynch: Greek banks’ changes positive

Regulatory changes should allow Greek banks to increase CT1 ratio prior to the release of the Blackrock review results.

"Weather forecast for tonight: Dark” - George Carlin

ECU's Investment Blog - Shaky Legs and Hidden Strength! - Neil Staines

Jump in City hiring as firms bounce back

Recruiter Astbury Marsden found 1,336 new jobs in December, up 67 per cent on the same month of 2012.

Coutts' commentary - Global View from Asia - Eurozone in the ascendancy

The typical way to get out of debt problems in the past was not to grow your way out, but instead by default or inflation….be warned.

AXA Wealth pinpoints ‘golden boomerang’ generation

The findings suggest there is an opportunity for financial advisers to help investors consolidate their assets or pool savings within a family to get the most out of their investments.

RBS faces fury over bid to smash bonus curbs: Bailed-out bank wants rewards that are worth twice salaries

The bank, 80 per cent owned by the taxpayer following its 2008 bailout, is expected to revamp its pay policies after the European Union imposed a cap on banker bonuses.

Alastair Conway on his first year at James Hay and the anniversary of the RDR

One year on from the RDR and 11 months in his present role, Conway says he is not surprised that the doomsday prediction of advisers deserting the industry en masse failed to materialise.

Rate expectations by Tim Price

Warren Buffett, ‘How inflation swindles the equity investor’, May 1977.

97% of Financial Firms Don’t Think Enough Has Been Done to Prevent Future Crash

Furthermore, just 12 per cent of respondents believe that regulators fully understand how the financial crisis happened in the first place.

Is this the last happy new year for bankers’ bonuses?

The residents of the Square Mile and Canary Wharf are preparing themselves for what, for many, could be the first sizeable bonuses since the start of the crisis.

Comment, Analysis & Research