Is this a cancer - or a bad bout of flu?

Markets should remain sickly for some time to come, but it's not a complete catastrophe. Martin Spring looks at how investors' increased aversion to risk could create some interesting opportunities.

The crisis that began in the dodgiest sector of global finance mortgage lending to high-risk borrowers in the US is now spreading to other sectors, and across the globe.

Central banks are providing emergency assistance to financial institutions -- Europe's pumped out the equivalent of nearly $100 billion in a single day. A handful of investment funds have been wiped out by collapsing asset values, while others have frozen withdrawals by their investors. Stock markets have fallen in response to spreading nervousness.

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MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.