In the hands of concentrated managers, portfolios can outperform benchmark indices even in the highly efficient US equity market

UBS’s brand value has surged by almost a third over the past 12 months, giving it a clear lead over its rivals

Northern Trust’s long history gives it an advantage over younger rivals, believes wealth management boss Steven Fradkin, who sees the firm’s future competitors as processing and technology companies rather than private banks

The US economy appears healthy but stocks are expensive compared to Europe and investors are concerned equities’ six-year bull run could come shuddering to a halt

The eurozone is perilously close to slipping into deflation while there are fears that the Fed’s huge quantitative easing programme could lead to high inflation in the US. How worried should investors be?

Swiss banks are seeing their reputations take a battering as they face up to US charges of tax evasion, yet they have no option but to comply with the authorities

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

The Fed’s potential tapering of quantitative easing is just one reason why it is vital portfolios are hedged against currency risk, while private investors can benefit from fluctuations