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

Funds frequently become so synonymous with the managers that run them that if he or she departs or retires, an investor exodus follows. Yet the success of a fund is rarely down to a single person; often a deep bench of analysts and researchers contribute to the running of a successful portfolio.And in the event of a manager resigning, there is generally a long handover period to the new manager to

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is increasingly gloomy on the prospects for the UK and US (see page 7) but there is at least one major economy where it is becoming more positive - namely Japan.In its latest World Economic Outlook it projects 1.3% growth in 2017 up 0.1% from its previous forecast in April.And according to BlackRock's global chief investment strategist Richard Turnill, Japanes

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