View of the Week: Chinese New Year may set markets back

After Friday's sell-off of riskier assets, the focus continues to be on Europe this week, says Clive Burstow, who left Blackrock last year to manage the Barings Global Mining fund.

Ahead of the European finance minister meeting and the renegotiation of Greek debt, Europe continues to occupy markets as the New Year brings a Chinese national holiday. Steady Q4 growth data from the US as well as the FOMC meeting later in the week may be key in steering away pessimism.

Burstow, currently overweight on gold, sees the haven asset reaching new highs amid enduring investor appetite for diverse portfoliosz.