Victoria Harling has joined Investec Asset Management to co-manage its Emerging Markets Corporate Debt fund alongside Peter Eerdmans.

Investec's Ken Hsia is taking over management of its onshore and offshore European equity funds as part of a reshuffle of responsibilities at the group.

The sheer size of US corporate cash piles could provide a boost to the wider economy this year, according to Capital Economics.

The FTSE 100 has dropped 2% as diminished expectations of more stimulus from the US Federal Reserve knock investor confidence.

GLG's Christophe Akel is stepping down from his role as manager of the group's corporate and strategic bond funds for personal reasons.

Derek Stuart, manager of the £1.1bn Artemis UK Special Situations fund, has upped his position in troubled asset manager Man Group.

The improving strength of the UK's manufacturing and services sectors should ensure the economy avoids a double-dip recession, said the British Chambers of Commerce.

The FTSE 100 has traded flat at the open after gaining 1.9% yesterday - a day which also saw leading US indices reach their highest levels in four years.

The £1.9bn Troy Trojan fund has moved IMA sectors in order to give the portfolio the ability to become fully invested in equities over the longer term.

The FTSE 100 has put on over 100 points in the first session of the quarter after US ISM manufacturing data beat forecasts and bolstered sentiment.