Opinion

The closest we get to a really big argument in the world of investment is when passive is pitted against active management.

Think of light entertainment on the wireless, and The Archers or Desert Island Discs probably springs to mind well before convertible bond arbitrage and volatility trading.

Innovation and competition are at the heart of the UK's vibrant and competitive fund management industry, which is second only to the US.

VIDEO: M&A IN CHINA

TIME TO SWITCH TO GOLD?

This Friday the 123rd annual general meeting of Alliance trust will not be the serene affair the company's board is used to, as Laxey Partners' long-running call to integrate a discount control mechanism reaches its climax.

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Complicating investment gets in the way of what really works - simple things like dividends, keeping costs down and buying well-diversified markets simply and cheaply.

GLENCORE - HOT IPO OR CATCH A COLD?

Looking at last week's inflation report, it seems the Bank of England is reasonably content with the current state of play.

Cutting deficits is popular in the heavily indebted Western world. Some countries are being forced to, as lenders decline to lend them more money at realistic interest rates.