Multi-asset

A number of fund providers are supporting the split of the Absolute Return sector into sub-categories based on strategy, which could see many vehicles in the Unclassified and Specialist sectors moved into the new groupings.

Odey Asset Management founder Crispin Odey has been picking up shares in Barclays Bank after the share price fell more than 15% in a single day.

Neptune has launched a Defensive Managed fund as it becomes the latest fund group to unveil a lower risk offering.

The Glencore and Xstrata merger has come under increasing pressure as activist investor Knight Vinke has become the latest critic of the deal, calling for Glencore to up its offer.

Gold could be the best asset class to own in 2013 if inflation starts to pick up following major stimulus programmes from central banks, Fidelity's global strategist Andrew Wells has said.

COMMODITIES

F&C has made a "very significant saving" after the Court of Appeal reduced the amount the group has to pay to two hedge fund managers following a 2011 High Court case.

SWIP's James Clunie has said he is shorting Unilever in the belief the market is "very complacent" over the stock's resilience.

The £132m First State Global Property Securities fund has dominated the IMA Property sector over the last five years, being one of only two funds to make a positive return over that period, and has returned 84.5% since 2009.

ON ASSET ALLOCATION