We're in a bull market, wealth managers (mostly) agree

Asset prices will continue to rise, say wealth managers who attended the Citywire Wealth Management Retreat in Hampshire last week - but there's less agreement as to what will drive it and how sustainable it is.

Alan Sippett, head of research at Heartwood Wealth Management, says the rally is underpinned by better than expected corporate profitability, though he warns that a poorly executed exit from stimulus packages could test bond markets - with a knock-on effect on equities.

Meanwhile Charles MacKinnon, chief investment officer at Thurleigh Investment Managers believes equities could be 20% higher this time next year, as companies that survived the crisis are in relatively good shape.

Others are less sanguine. David Miller, head of alternative investments at Cheviot Asset Management, expects equity indices to be directionless in the medium term - but with big opportunities for savvy stockpickers.

Where do you stand on the debate? Add your comments below.