Some say money can’t buy you love, but can it at least get a little bit of happiness? Such a question is priceless for everyone, except possibly for Mark Zuckerberg. In any event, the latest Futurepriority Report 2012: Asia’s emerging wealthy made a healthy stab at getting to the bottom of this question – essentially, which nations’ millionaires are the happiest. Equally, which are the saddest? In tough markets, such questions seem to capture people’s imaginations.

Emerging markets remain better placed to succeed in today’s volatile global economy, though they would benefit from a return to growth in the West

Jacqueline Brabazon, Standard Chartered

As Asia’s wealthiest individuals develop a taste for philanthropy, advisory opportunities are appearing for private bankers

Foreign nations are keen to play a part in the gradual rise of the renminbi as it makes its way along the path to full internationalisation

As global stockmarkets remain coupled together, it is necessary to dig deeper into Asian equities, or explore other asset classes, to uncover investments that do not correlate with the West

Luxury goods are in high demand among Chinese consumers, providing a welcome boost to Western high-end brands

David Lim, Julius Bear

Huge demand for ‘dim sum’ bonds shows growing interest in Asian currencies as private clients scale back US dollar exposure and turn to regional opportunities

An increased self-confidence in their own region’s growth and assets, a parallel weakening of Western economic fundamentals and a quest for diversification have led wealthy Asian private investors to re-think currency needs and question their investment identity and mentality, claim bankers.

Steve Brice, Standard Chartered

With financial markets expected to remain turbulent, investors’ portfolios should be protected against volatility and prepared to take advantage of opportunities

Against a background of deep macroeconomic uncertainty and with financial markets expected to remain highly volatile, it is more important than ever to take a fresh look at private investors’ portfolios and assess the right investment strategies for the new year.

Singapore and Hong Kong have developed into centres of global economic excellence that support innovation and wealth creation

Institutional investors are streamlining their decision making process so that they can rise to the investment opportunities thrown up by market turmoil. Ceri Jones reports

The gradual internationalisation of the remminbi is allowing foreign investors to access mainland China through Hong Kong