The outlook for returns from European shares for the next few years is not exciting, though the level of dividend yields is likely to support current prices, thereby limiting the downside risk in these markets.

One of the themes emerging from the Chinese press in recent weeks has been their call for the world economy to become “de-Americanised”. This was especially apposite during the debt ceiling crisis when it appeared possible that the US might default on a repayment of Treasury debt, because Congress would not extend the debt ceiling.

Syria is a secular state, but the religious breakdown of the Syrian population is approximately 74% Sunni Muslims, 16% Shia Muslims, 10% Christian (source – CIA World Factbook). However, the al- Assad family which has ruled Syria since 1971 are Alawites (one of the branches of Shia Islam), and government positions are mainly held by Alawites.