Standard Life

Global asset allocators are urging investors to look past the VIX index's fall to a five-year low last week, and shield assets against a further bout of volatility in the coming months.

Standard Life has risen 5.5% in early trading after impressive interim results, helping push the FTSE 100 up 0.7%.

Operating profits at Standard Life UK rose by more than 60% in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2011, driven by an increase in fee revenues and lower acquisition costs.

Standard Life has revealed a range of charging methods for its Retail International Bond product ahead of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR).

Bestinvest's list of 'dog funds' highlights funds that have underperformed their benchmark by 10% or more cumulatively over the last three years.

ON NORTH AMERICA

CONTRARIAN

The reputation of the UK banking sector hit a new low last week after the FSA hit Barclays with its largest ever fine of £59.5m for breaching LIBOR regulations.

Standard Life Investments has re-opened Harry Nimmo's UK Smaller Companies fund to investors via its wrap, following a wave of outflows.

Glencore is under pressure to improve the terms of its $30bn offer for Xstrata after the latter proposed new compensation arrangements, and a leading shareholder came out against the deal.