While the industry’s focus is turned to the problems of blue chips, it is easy to forget about their counterparts in the small and mid-cap sector. But the economic downturn could prove to be a boon for trading in medium-sized companies.

Bob McDowall, research director for Europe at financial analyst TowerGroup, said: "Mid-cap stocks have performed better than the large caps in the past six months in the UK and most of the marketmakers haven't suffered the catastrophes of the very large financial institutions. I think there will be a return to more traditional investment, such as long-term views and stockpicking for capital growth and dividends. That would certainly bring about a resurgence of the small and mid-cap market."