hsbc

Frontier markets are less volatile, more diversified and a better bet for dividends than their broader emerging market peers, according to HSBC's Andrew Brudenell.

The wealth arm of Barclays has scrapped plans to charge fund groups an administration fee when their products are recommended for private client portfolios.

Christian Gardner, investment analyst at StructuredProductReview.com, compares four kick-out plans from different providers.

Managers are setting up portfolios for a pull-back in equity markets, looking at put options and moving more defensive as several indicators post sell signals.

A former head of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) who stepped down after he was accused by MPs of lying has been hired by HSBC to advise on honesty, according to reports.

Nick Paler talks to Cazenove's Robin Minter-Kemp about the challenges and opportunities ahead as he discusses his plans for growing the business in 2013.

CONTRARIAN

Analysts at HSBC have suggested the popularity of balanced funds towards the end of 2012 was due to advisers attempting to maximise commission income before the implementation of new rules following the Retail Distribution Review (RDR).

Fund managers and strategists have begun reducing exposure to sterling, amid fears rising inflation and the threat of a UK downgrade could derail the pound.

HSBC says sterling will weaken this year as it faces a "triple cocktail" of potentially destructive factors from China, the US and the eurozone.