In the following features, we pick out the key issues for the year ahead to help you make the best investment decisions in 2011. These features are available in this week's issue of the Investors Chronicle (cover date 17-30 December), or you can read them online now with an IC Advantage subscription (starting from just £12.50). Take a two week free trial now.
■ : Politicians not markets may call the shots in 2011.
■ : The economy should avoid a recession next year – but only if companies finally start to open their wallets.
■ : The coalition's austerity package might be deeply unpopular, but it could lead to a market re-rating.
■ : Is the elixir of quantitative easing coaxing hyperinflation back into being?
■ : Stock markets have a had a bumpy ride in 2010 – and while the case for buying equities is strong, there’s still plenty that could hinder further progress.
■ : Blue chips look a safe bet for 2011.
■ : Aim's performance outstripped all others in 2010, but can it be maintained?
■ : We explore whether US shares are pricey or cheap.
■ : The honeymoon period might be coming to an end, so what are the risks and opportunities?
■ : The new government plans an assault on the UK's banks.
■ : Good sector selection can be the key to outperformance. We pick out the parts of the market that are shaping up as interesting hunting grounds for 2011.
■ : We preview what to expect next year from one of the hottest commodities in the past decade.
■ : Supply shortfalls, increasing labour costs and a wave of consolidations will feature prominently throughout the resource sector next year.
■ : The thirst for oil is rising, but so is the price.
■ : The outlook for corporate debt looks more stable next year than for a host of sovereign bonds.
■ : Experts think the pound could be one of 2011's strongest currencies.
■ : Will 2011 be the year buy-to-let makes a comeback, or the year house prices fall 15 per cent?
■ : This year has seen the launch of a number of low-cost active funds, and the trend looks set to continue.
■ : London Stock Exchange executive Nicolas Bertrand talks about what the exchange is doing to improve the trading experience.
■ The National Employment Savings Trust aims to solve the pensions crisis but could have detrimental effects on workplace pension provision.
■ : We combine technical analysis with a historical perspective to give a broad outline of how major markets and asset classes should perform next year.
