ACTIVISTS

European markets have paused for breath in early trading after yesterday's heavy sell off, as contagion fears in the eurozone resurfaced.

Standard Life Investments has bolstered its global fixed income capability with two hires, including former Kames Capital investment manager Mark Kedar.

First State Investments Asia Pacific star Angus Tulloch has warned China will undershoot current GDP forecasts this year, as its domestic economy fails to take up the slack left by waning oversaes demand.

The Treasury has put proposals to widen the investment universe for venture capital trusts on hold to protect the vehicles from losing their tax advantages.

Former Bank of England committee member Andrew Sentance said today's decision by the MPC to keep its £325bn quantitative easing programme on hold is no surprise.

US shares slipped back into the red as minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting revealed the chances of a third round of monetary easing have waned significantly.

Activist investor Laxey Partners has thrown its weight behind reports Aberdeen Asset Management is set to launch a takeover bid for Alliance Trust.

Andrew Bell, chief executive of the £1.1bn Witan investment trust, has joined the chorus of disgruntled shareholders who are demanding radical change at private equity firm 3i.

A growing focus on short-term fund performance combined with shorter market cycles is prompting professional investors to protect themselves by raising cash positions.