BlackRock

Some of the UK's leading alternative asset providers will take part in a mock trial next month, charged with convincing advisers of the merits of investing in asset classes apart from shares, bonds or cash.

BlackRock has agreed to buy Barclays Global Investors (BGI), including its exchange traded fund platform iShares, in a cash and shares deal worth $13.5bn (£8.15bn).

BlackRock has suffered the second manager departure in its emerging markets team in about a month, with Plamen Monovski leaving the company.

Interactive Financial Adviser

BlackRock is seeking FSA approval to roll out a European Absolute Alpha fund by the end of this quarter.

BlackRock vice chairman Bob Doll has tipped US GDP will fall by at least 5% on an annual rate in the fourth quarter, following the near economic "freefall" experienced after September's Lehman Brothers collapse.

A large proportion of communication with existing and potential DC pension scheme members is failing, largely because it is mis-targeted, according to BlackRock.

BlackRock has launched its new BGF China fund designed to capitalize on the growth in the Chinese economy.

The Throgmorton investment trust has parted company with AXA Framlington after a 51-year association to link up with BlackRock.

BlackRock's Nick Osborne has been promoted to co-manage the firm's £800m UK Absolute Alpha fund alongside Mark Lyttleton.