Opinion

War on 'rip-off' fees

We have all talked about the advice gap since RDR took hold, but surely there has always been an advice gap?

It is finally time to say adieu to listed hedge fund BlueCrest BlueTrend, which has just tabled proposals to wind up as its market cap has slumped below $100m.

Every once in a while I am forced, reluctantly, away from my ivory contrarian tower, and dumped on to the mean streets of middle Britain to talk to actual, real, living investors and their advisers.

We are about to embark on what I call the autumn acronym season where VCT, BPR, IHT, SEIS and EIS are part of many conversations advisers have with their clients.

Richard Jeffrey, chief investment officer at Cazenove Capital, argues that UK and US policymakers should have tightened monetary policies sooner rather than later.

It is fair to say it has become rather fashionable to criticise alternative assets. However, alternatives have been going from strength to strength in one part of the investment universe - the humble and ancient investment trust.

Large projects continue in a 'vibrant' market

Lots of people have loathed bonds

'Standing up for the little man' was one way Daniel Godfrey's exit from the Investment Association (IA) was depicted last week.