Rathbones

Wealth manager Rathbone Brothers has acquired an almost 20% holding in Vision Independent Financial Planning and sister company Castle Investment Solutions for £2m, with a view to buying the remainder of the companies in 2015.

Income manager Carl Stick discusses his outlook for UK stock market valuations and how he is using his cash as a strategic asset.

Rathbones' Julian Chillingworth, manager of the £49m Blue Chip Income & Growth fund, has cut back his defensive positions as he believes they have become overvalued.

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.