High net worth individuals appear to have finally overcome their fear of banking stocks, but allocations to the financial sector are very selective with US groups much more appealing than their European counterparts

Switzerland’s suspension of secrecy laws suggests global cooperation over tax strategy is possible, but wealth managers need to raise their game if they are to guide clients through this new world

North America and Asia-Pacific have led global levels of wealth to new highs, while indications are that high net worth individuals favour a streamlined approach to management

Neuflize OBC chairman Philippe Vayssettes discusses the relationship the French establishment has with parent bank ABN Amro and how clients are being advised to take on more risk to preserve their wealth

In historical terms, corporate bond yields are at record lows, but with returns from cash and sovereign debt even lower the asset class continues to attract investors

Asia’s rising wealth is making its way into Western markets, and this flow could well increase if the Indian tax authorities continue to target the country’s affluent population

Unicredit’s Manuela D’Onofrio and Lim Say Boon from DBS discuss whether investors should head to developed or emerging markets in their global equity allocations

Ashish Misra at Lloyds TSB is selectively bullish when it comes to the global economy and equity allocations, but is keeping a close eye on political situations in the Middle East and North Asia