Private investors continue to sit on piles of cash, but it is up to bankers to educate them about the need for efficient allocations

Private bankers believe returns will be harder to come by this year and are encouraging clients to increase allocations to illiquid investments such as private equity and real estate in response. But do investors have the stomach for it?

Luxury brands have flourished in recent years, but how will they be affected by the slowdown in emerging markets and the Chinese government’s crackdown on excess?

US stockmarkets have had a shaky start to the year but fund managers remain convinced that the economic recovery will continue and equities should do well

AIFMD should entice a large number of new investors into hedge funds, but will the high entry costs of complying with the new directive mean only larger fund providers will be able to offer these new vehicles?

Investors are drawn to the dramatic rise of the Asian consumer, but is the best way to access this trend via regional companies on the way up or through established global brands?

A normalising economy and a supportive regulatory framework is expected to entice growing numbers of wealth mangers back into hedge funds, although it is likely to be a gradual process

Equities, especially in emerging markets, should enjoy a good year as the global economy improves, although volatility is likely to increase