Christopher Palmer of Henderson Global Investors talks about the news emanating from the Eurozone on the back of the big meet between Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel. He also discusses his outlook on India and where he sees India headed by year-end.
US and European stocks fell for a third straight day on Wednesday and gold soared to another record high as investors shed riskier assets and sought safety on growing fears of a possible US debt default.
Japanese shares plunged more than 14% on Tuesday as fresh explosions rocked a damaged nuclear plant and triggered a rise in radiation levels, sending investors fleeing from riskier assets such as equities and commodities across Asia.
Shares in Asian developed markets rose and the dollar and Swiss franc eased on Wednesday as investors bet that China's latest interest rate rise would not derail hopes of a sustained economic recovery.
An improving global economy, solid corporate earnings and even easing fears about euro zone debt have been more than enough to rationalise the rising hunger for riskier assets now prevalent on financial markets.
US stocks ended solidly higher on Wednesday after European debt fears eased and sparked a broad advance, led by banks and commodity-related shares.
Japan's Nikkei share average is expected to gain on Thursday, after hitting an eight-month intraday high the day before, following gains in US stocks and as a successful bond auction in Portugal eased fears about the eurozone's debt crisis.
Oil prices rose to a 27-month peak on Monday as upbeat European and US manufacturing data and forecasts for cold weather reinforced optimism about economic and energy demand growth.