China’s economy grows!

European stocks weak despite tailwind from Chinese output data   Economic and human cost of new Covid-19 variants weigh on investor sentiment China’s economy, the world’s second-biggest, grew 6.5% in the fourth quarter. European equity markets struggled for direction on Monday as strong economic data from China vied with concerns over a double-dip recession in…

Swiss private bank buys stake in Australian wealth manager.

‘Australia is one of the most attractive and fastest growing wealth management markets worldwide’ Swiss private bank EFG International will acquire 51% of the Australian wealth manager Shaw and Partners for up to A$61m (£32.7m, $43.2m, €38.2m) via a combination of cash and EFG shares. The deal is subject to regulatory approval in Switzerland and…