alternative investments

F&C Asset Management has launched the F&C Real Estate Equity Long/Short fund for managers Raymond Lahaut and Marcus Phayre-Mudge.

Investors continue to weigh up the benefits of proactive central bank policy against the muted levels of economic growth from developed countries in a deleveraging world.

SOFT PROTECTION

ONE TO WATCH

Rare stamps, wine, and art are among the most popular collectible alternative assets, while space memorabilia has also made the top ten following the death of astronaut Neil Armstrong.

One of the largest companies in the US specialising in reuniting investors with their lost investments has launched in the UK, revealing there is an estimated £70bn of unclaimed financial assets owed to investors.

Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP) has hired Lynda Shillaw as director of real estate.

MULTI-ASSET

Stamp dealership firm Stanley Gibbons plans to launch a fund investing in rare stamps later this year, allowing UK investors access to the rapid growth of this market.

Could this be the most cynical investment idea ever hatched? Novitas has launched a Divorce Litigation fund which aims to "cover the rising costs of divorce" in an environment where traditional bank lending is still hard to come by.