Ryan Hughes, head of investment research at AJ Bell, picks eight funds and investment trusts with different risk levels covering bonds, global equities, infrastructure, healthcare and dividends.Cautious investors: Personal Assets Investment Trust (PNL)5-year annualised return: 6.68% (source: Morningstar)I'm sticking with the Personal Assets trust for the third year in a row, particularly as the ec

Japan's stock market enjoyed a recent surge following the resignation of increasingly unpopular prime minister Yoshihide Suga.The Nikkei 225 index reaching a 31-year high in September as the whole Tokyo stock exchange cheered Suga's departure.Japan bulls are hoping the arrival of new PM Fumio Kishida can provide the impetus for a fresh rally, though markets are trying to work out just how his lead

Although the Japanese economy and its corporates haven't escaped the effects of coronavirus, the number of COVID-19 cases has been relatively contained in Japan and the government has not had to resort to the extreme lockdown measures seen elsewhere. This likely explains why the Japanese stock market has been relatively resilient compared to others globally.Yes, the pandemic-driven postponement of

As we approach the New Year it is a good time for investors to think about their portfolio choices and check that they match their appetite for risk. Here are four fund ideas for specific types of investors.Royal London Short Duration Global High Yield (BD0NHK8)Cautious investors have benefited from strong returns this year as bonds have performed strongly. Looking ahead, the government is indicat

Tech names and a tailwind from Far East markets powered the outperformance of F&C Managed Portfolio Trust (FMPG) in the six months to 30 November 2017, a period that builds on the investment company's impressive long-term track record.Chairman Richard Martin appears optimistic on the outlook for 2018, though investors might heed his warning markets have 'had a remarkable run since the great financ

The Japanese economy appears to be finally cranking back into growth mode after as 'Abenomics' and financial stimulus by the country's central bank take effect.Reforms, introduced by prime minister Shinzo Abe, are matched by improving corporate governance and are broadly supportive of Japanese shares.Companies are also flush with cash, meaning there's scope for material dividend growth and the mar