Chancellor Darling said in today's Budget the Government will work with trade bodies to improve access to bond markets for large and mid sized companies.

Today's Budget announcement had a muted effect on UK-listed shares and the pound with many of Chancellor Darling's proposals already expected by the market.

Old Mutual Asset Managers has postponed the launch of its UK Specialist Absolute Return fund as manager Luke Kerr reduces his work commitments for a few months to focus on his health.

SLI is to buy 75.1% stake in fund of hedge funds manager Aida Capital.

Axa IM is planning to launch an onshore version of its $4.1bn US Short Duration High Yield fund.

Aviva Investors may launch up to three absolute return funds this year, with expertise already on board for convertible bond arbitrage, European equities and credit products.

One of the UK's most prominent investors in hedge funds says Ucits funds can carry similar risks to unregulated products, despite the regulatory imprimatur.

Income from investments in European real estate offers protection against inflation even if property prices do not, according to Thames River Capital.

Liontrust's Credit Absolute Return fund has launched with its maximum allocation to financials, including exposure to Lloyds CoCos.

Standard Life Investments' Property Income Trust plans to grow its dividends by 10% this year after buying £21m of property in 2009.