Cautious Managed remains the top seller on Cofunds after a strong year for the sector, accounting for 33% of net sales in November.

US-based group PineBridge Investments has launched a Global Emerging Markets Corporate Bond fund into the UK retail market.

Laxey Partners has stepped up its fight against Alliance Trust, creating a shareholder action group website in a bid to build support for a discount control mechanism set at 10%.

The FTSE 100 was up 1.09% or 60.17 to 5588.44 at 10.20am, shrugging off yesterday's dull showing after concerns over the eurozone debt left the index firmly in the red.

JM Finn & Co is launching an Africa fund to profit from the continent's transition from global commodities supplier to consumer-driven market.

The £300m Electric & General Investment trust, which opened in 1890, is winding-up after failing to shrink its persistent discount.

VAM Funds has launched a Commodities Equity vehicle to tap into the rapidly increasing demand for resources from the world's emerging economies.

Australian group LM Investment Management has entered the UK market with the launch of its first structured product offering exposure to Australia's benchmark equity index.

Skandia has a launched global emerging markets fund, completing its Signature range of single strategy mandates.

China's inflation rate hit a two-year high in October at 4.4%, driven by an increase in food prices.