M&G

OBSR has upgraded both the £1.2bn M&G Optimal Income and the £2.8bn Fidelity Special Situations funds to AA ratings.

Equity markets around the world have continued to rally, fuelled by liquidity and some signs of improving economic data.

OBSR has upgraded Richard Woolnough's M&G Optimal Income fund from an A rating to AA.

Despite the rally in risk assets over the past six months and talk of an economic recovery, some of the biggest macroeconomic questions remain unanswered.

Graham French, manager of M&G Global Basics, believes good fund management does not just come down to mathematical equations, black boxes and computers. Julian Marr, editorial director of marketing-hub.co.uk, explains

M&G posted a £2.51bn total net inflow during the third quarter of the year, with net retail sales of £1.7bn.

Majority of 122 funds within active managed sector are claiming a positive total return over the past year following a six month rebound

Investors should have increasing confidence in a UK economic recovery as the housing market shows strong signs of bottoming, Richard Woolnough believes.

With the financial panic over, we have seen a ‘relief rally' in stock markets as the risk of financial meltdown has been transferred to governments via rescue packages.

Advisers have continued to recommend Cautious Managed funds, with the sector taking second place on Cofunds' best seller list for August.