Rathbones

A number of corporate bond funds are taking on too much risk by running hefty positions to bank bonds, Fund Expert's Brian Dennehy has said.

PASSIVES

Leading asset managers are calling for drastic changes to the way the IMA operates, with some arguing the trade body should no longer be responsible for sector names or definitions.

James Thomson, manager of the £161m Rathbone Global Opportunities fund, picks five stocks offering the opportunity to capitalise on the US recovery.

Rathbone Brothers' subsidiary, Rathbone Investment Management, has acquired wealth management firm RM Walkden & Company following a stream of hires.

Rathbones' Income fund manager Carl Stick has ramped up the cash in his fund to its highest level for 10 years, warning the UK market is at risk of a correction.

A marked rise in net fee income in its investment management division helped Rathbone Brothers post a 30% increase in profits in 2011.

Rathbone Unit Trust Management is to launch RDR-ready 'institutional' share classes across its fund range from 1 March.

The FTSE 100 will break the 6,100 barrier in the coming months as momentum in equity markets picks up, said Julian Chillingworth, manager of the £60m Rathbone Blue Chip Income & Growth fund.

Amazon shares are expected to slide 9% when Wall Street opens, as the online retailer's sales failed to meet analyst expectations over Christmas.