Commodities

Nationals round-up: A look at ethical investments, predictions about commodity prices and a guide to Junior ISAs...

European ETP activity fell last week as equity markets finished higher, having dipped mid-week. The Eurostoxx 50 finished up 4.1%, while the S&P 500 was up 2.1%.

Cowen and Lyxor both present weekly summaries showing that risk reduction remains in force as uncertainty turns into fear and pushes indices below or close to year-to-date lows.

The latest figures for inflows into commodity ETPs show clear signs of a weakening interest, Barclays Capital reports.

The eurozone will dominate the week ahead, and a rating cut from the European Central Bank is on the cards, says Barclays Wealth equity strategist Henk Potts.

European ETP investors shifted into defensives in August and out of risky assets in response to market volatility, Deutsche Bank reports.