Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Johannes Jooste, chief market strategist EMEA at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, says the recent plunge in gold prices is linked to investor concerns over broader global economic strength and notable falls in other non-precious metal commodities.

Bill O'Neill has left Merrill Lynch Global Wealth and Investment Management to join UBS.

Johan Jooste, chief market strategist at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management EMEA, says that although recent US GDP data disappointed, the underlying economic trends point to stronger labour market and activity data.

World equity markets saw in the New Year with an exuberant bounce on the back of an 11th-hour agreement between the major US political parties to both raise taxes and cut social benefits, but already investors are questioning whether the deal is enough....

The outcome of political elections to be held in Italy at the beginning in 2013 to appoint the new prime minister is still very uncertain, and is weighting as a relevant risk factor on financial markets.

Wage growth in Russia, prompted by the country’s recent accession to the World Trade Organisation, is boosting consumer demand, making the consumer sector an attractive investment opportunity.

Swiss private banking firm Julius Baer Group is aiming to reduce its combined staff base by up to 17% in more than 50 locations, following the acquisition of Merrill Lynch's international wealth management business outside the United States.