A specialist investment trust and a mining stock allow investors to bet on African large-cap stocks, and a recovery in Zimbabwe.

Merryn Somerset Webb finds out more about the Smithson investment trust – who’s running it, what’s in it, and how much it will cost.

Matthew Partridge talks to Nicholas Wilson of the Gulf Investment Fund about the rapidly changing face of the Gulf states, and the opportunities for investors.

It may feel like there is very little value to be found in the markets. But these three new small-cap investment trusts are betting against that, says Merryn Somerset Webb.

High-profile venture-capital successes tempt ordinary investors, but be careful, says Max King.

BioPharma Credit, a life-sciences investment trust, offers a tempting yield. But the dangers may be high when the credit cycle turns.

This London-listed Reit lets you invest in the growing consumer markets of an exciting continent, says David Stevenson.

Miton Global hunts for rare treasures in the remoter reaches of the market – all you need to do is buy in, says Max King.

If Adam Smith were alive today, the great economist would be left utterly perplexed by the rise and popularity of passive investing, says Merryn Somerset Webb.

Those who say that passive investing represents the “blind” allocation of capital have a point, says John Stepek. But it’s not like active fund managers were very “active” to begin with.