Question to Tom Zambon, the regional sales manager at Ashburton: Is it worth me investing in the markets at the moment or should I wait until it all settles down?

He said  ‘Investment markets over the last year have been a little bit like the January sales in the high street. Prices look cheap, but there is the suspicion they might get even cheaper tomorrow.

‘For savers, 2008 was the most traumatic year for many decades, and it is little wonder that confusion now reigns over what is the best course of action in order to get the best return on capital. Bank deposit rates now are significantly less than the rate of inflation, yet the volatility of the stock market is keeping investors, who might be tempted to buy riskier assets, on the sidelines.

‘There is no doubt that investment markets will recover in time, although the process may take a while. Those who are able to take the longer-term view may benefit by taking advantage of lower prices today by investing smaller amounts on a regular basis.

It might also be advantageous to seek out an investment manager that is active on your behalf and who will switch money between a variety of different asset classes, not just one or two.

‘The sales in the high street are still in full swing. Time will tell whether similar bargains are available in the markets.’