Equity funds see highest monthly outflow since credit crunch - IMA

Last month equity funds in the IMA sectors saw their largest monthly outflow since October 2008, the peak of the financial crisis.

The Investment Management Association's statistics for October 2011 show a net outflow of £222m, the fourth month equity funds have seen negative flows after two years of inflows.

Net retail sales overall were also significantly lower compared to last year but in line with the previous months.

October's net retails sales were £615m, similar to September, and year to date sales totalled £16.3bn whereas it was £23.8bn for the same period last year.

Bonds continued to be the most popular asset class, with net retail sales of £547m. The IMA found £1 in every £4 invested in funds was invested in bond funds.

The Strategic Bond sector was the best selling sector with £238m net retail sales, followed by the Corporate Bond (£177m) and the Cautious Managed sectors (£170m).