BlackRock

Darwin Investment Managers has launched a model portfolio service comprising three funds managed by multi-asset veteran David Jane.

Investors are boosting exposure to exchange-traded products (ETPs) in their multi-asset portfolios, driving assets under management in the vehicles to new highs.

BlackRock has joined a growing list of fund groups to reject calls for a ‘super clean' share class, instead favouring a single stripped-down class to avoid adviser confusion.

The recent gold price volatility could plague investors for some time, and further selling is also a risk, according to BlackRock's natural resources head Evy Hambro.

BlackRock has lifted its stake in Hargreaves Lansdown to over 5% as it backs the platform's share price to continue its meteoric rise.

BlackRock's Nick McLeod-Clark has stepped down from running the firm's £698m UK Income fund to take an extended period of leave to recover from poor health.

EUROPE

The board of Sam Vecht's Eastern European trust is seeking shareholder approval to revamp its policy, giving the manager greater off-benchmark flexibility.

Gold and resources funds continued to struggle in the first quarter of 2013, as investors remained in risk-on mode and opted for equities over safe havens such as the precious metal.

Colin Graham, BlackRock's co-head of global multi-asset strategies, is stepping down from his position at the firm after sixteen years of service.