Opinion

I do not know what was more surprising - that the FSA has effectively banned the sale of life settlement funds or the language it used in the announcement.

Back in May, I wrote a comment piece on why the IMA's original plans for its multi-asset Managed sectors posed a risk to advisers and their clients.

HIGH YIELD, POST SELL-OFF

IMA MANAGED SECTORS

GOSLING'S GROUSE

After several volatile months, risk assets rallied strongly in late October on the expectation the latest moves by European policymakers would produce the long-awaited ‘comprehensive solution' and stabilise the debt crisis.

Warren Buffett famously said in early 2002 ‘you only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out'.

What are the attributes you look for in a fund manager or an asset management company? ‘Steady', ‘consistent', ‘predictable', ‘experienced', ‘disciplined', maybe even ‘boring' or ‘a few grey hairs' as well.

This year's Thanksgiving will have provided a welcome time out for politicians and markets across the Pond. It is also a time to reflect on the state of the nation as everything closes down for the day and people retreat to spend time with their families....

The government's recent consultation into VCTs and EISs has closed and we are about to learn of HMRC's proposed changes to the rules when they are announced around the time of the Chancellor's Autumn Statement on 29 November.