UK

BLACKROCK MLIM is appointing a new manager to its £400m equity income fund in a bid to turn around "disappointing" short-term performance.

MAJEDIE Asset Management is considering launching funds investing outside of the UK in 2007, Professional Adviser can reveal.

DWINDLING yields combined with improved offerings from deposit accounts may put the breaks on the flow of money into the Equity Income sector, according to Justin Modray at Bestinvest.

BOUTIQUE firm Callander Managers has bolstered its presence in the UK after unveiling a range of funds for the retail market.

ANDREW McDonald, manager of the £6m Parkfield UK Smaller Companies fund, has positioned the portfolio with a ‘defensive mid cap' bias amid uncertainty over UK interest rate movements and the strength of the dollar.

AEGON'S UK Smaller Companies fund is underweight the ‘unpredictable' biotech sector, having no exposure compared to nearly 5pc for the benchmark.

UNICORN Asset Management has revamped its investment management team with Chris Hutchinson replacing Peter Webb as lead manager of the £23.2m Unicorn Free Spirit fund.

THREADNEEDLE Investments is considering developing more aggressive fixed income products but has ruled out launching its own wrap platform.

MORE than half of UK All Companies funds underperformed the FTSE All Share in the third quarter, according to Lipper figures.

Once again that behemoth of the managed solutions sector Skandia dominated this year's RealAdviser Awards - walking away with four of seven trophies on offer in the life and pensions section. Elsewhere, the openness of competition highlights the health...