Multi-asset

Albion Ventures has launched a top up scheme seeking to raise up to £15m across six of its venture capital trusts (VCTs).

In the latest Big Debate, our panelists from Rathbone Unit Trust Management and S&P Capital IQ discussed Multi-Manager.

Kames Capital's David Griffiths and David Pringle have removed their short position in UK food retail on the UK Equity Absolute Return fund, as the prospects for supermarkets like Tesco look more positive.

ABSOLUTE RETURNS

Funds under management at Man Group grew by 14% in the third quarter, supported by the acquisition of FRM, although the firm saw increased net outflows of $2.2bn for the period.

RBS has closed its Volatility Controlled Cautious Managed and Balanced Managed funds less than two years after launch, after both funds racked up heavy losses.

Newton's Iain Stewart is finally reaping the rewards of a move into gold miners following a strong rally in recent weeks.

ALTERNATIVES

Tom Dobell, manager of the £7.7bn M&G Recovery fund, expects an uptick in M&A activity to rejuvenate performance in 2013 after a "tough" three years for the fund.

Oil prices dropped yesterday as economic data from China and Europe renewed concerns about a slowdown in global demand.