BlackRock

IT

COMMODITIES

BIG QUESTION

BlackRock's veteran equity investor Richard Plackett has outlined three key areas of opportunity which could benefit small and mid caps, against a backdrop of improving economic growth.

Andreas Zoellinger, co-manager of the BlackRock Continental European Income fund, is backing mid-caps for dividends as valuations in some larger companies become overstretched.

BlackRock is set to soft-close its £1.96bn European Dynamic fund, run by Alister Hibbert, while its European Absolute Alpha fund will be capped at £100m.

PIMCO, the world's largest bond house, lost its position as the best-selling fund group in Europe in the first half of the year.

BlackRock has poached boutique investment firm NewSmith's Mark Wharrier to work alongside Adam Avigdori on its £604m UK Income fund, Investment Week understands.

ON ASIA

M&G Investments has regained its number one position on the Pridham fund sales list, knocking BlackRock off the top spot.