Europe

David Hambidge, investment director for pooled funds at Premier, explains why income is one of his top themes for 2012.

Charlotte Richards talks to global equity income fund managers about the benefits (and drawbacks) of the new sector classification, and what is driving the performance of their portfolios and dividend growth

UK stocks were muted mid-morning as investors took profits and fretted once more over the outlook for Europe and the Greek debt deal.

Britain is not "walking away" from Europe, but safety measures must be put in place for EU countries that are outside the single currency, said Prime Minister David Cameron.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed its growth forecasts for a number of major European economies for 2012 due to ongoing concerns about the region's recovery.

UK markets were firmer today, reaching new highs for 2012 as investors went to risk-on mode, despite the threat of a stand-off between Greece and its bondholders.

The UK may have to fork out £17.5bn to plug a funding shortfall at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the organisation warned yesterday it needed additional funds to tackle the eurozone crisis.

Bank of England governor Mervyn King has urged investors and public authorities to pay less attention to ratings agencies, which he said have often "rushed" to downgrade.

Ratings agency Standard & Poor's has downgraded the EU bailout fund to AA+ from AAA.

The decision by Standard & Poor's to strip France of its prized AAA-rating came as no surprise to a number of fund managers.