Commodities

JP Morgan has launched a sterling hedged share class for its Diversified Commodities fund run by it alternatives arm, Highbridge Capital Management.

Multi-managers at OPM Fund Management are targeting funds in emerging markets and energy sectors in the recently-launched Worldwide Opportunities fund.

Nathaniel Rothschild emphasised his status as one of the most powerful brokers in the booming commodities market yesterday as he unveiled plans to raise £1bn in just 11 days.

Veteran investor Jim Rogers has warned the US is nearing a financial crisis which will be worse than 2008, unless the government initiates draconian cuts.

An OPEC dispute over whether to raise oil production levels has sent oil prices soaring to $117.8 per barrel.

COMMODITIES SELL-OFF WAS JUSTIFIED

Defensive companies have been out of favour for a long time but now a series of factors could push them back into the spotlight, writes Richard Jeffrey, chief investment officer, Cazenove Capital.

With 2010 proving a difficult year for equity income, the first quarter of 2011 has provided some hope for the sector, writes Peter Brunt, analyst at S&P Fund Services.

UK Leading Companies manager Richard Hallett warns against backing commodities too heavily.

Castlestone Management has suspended subscriptions on three of its Dublin-domiciled funds following an order by the Central Bank of Ireland.