IMA

Fund of funds take-up has risen dramatically in the last 12months and is now an integral part of the retail investment sector, suggests the IMA's annual research.

SANDIE CROMBIE, the chief executive of Standard Life, gave a warning last night that "a float can be pulled the night before", as the FTSE 100 plunged 139 points, reports The Times .

Isa sales have dropped off since the end of the tax year, but the value of Isa assets under management has risen - suggesting the concept of an Isa season still exists, based on the latest IMA statistics.

The Pensions Commission and the industry as a whole have broadly welcomed the government's white paper detailing its proposals for pensions reform.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has admitted it is worried about the prospect of a National Pension Savings Scheme (NPSS) or an appropriate alternative not breaking even 30 years.

A forum sponsored by the Association of British Insurers and the German Investment and Asset Association (BVI) have published a set of proposals to improve the functioning of the European bond market.

Evidence suggests there is more interest in stockmarket-invested Isas this year, as sales are currently up by more than half on this time last year while SWIP research suggests 15% of the population will take out an investment Isa before April 5.

Industry alternatives to the National Pension Savings Scheme (NPSS) could lead to accusations of mis-selling, warns Adair Turner.

The Savings and Retirement Account (SaRA) best addresses retirement savings needs by providing transparency, flexibility, portability, choice and simplicity, according to the Pep & Isa Managers' Association (Pima).

An updated Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for financial statements of authorised investments has been issued by the Investment Management Association (IMA).