investment

Advisers should undertake "appropriate training" before starting to advise on Real Estate Investment Trusts, warns the Financial Services Authority.

Gordon Brown's Budget speech was "deliberately misleading" when he stated just 6% of estates will be caught by Inheritance Tax in 2010, claims the Way Group.

HM Revenue & Customs has provided written confirmation that gifts put into absolute or bare trusts for minors will avoid tax charges by being classified as Potentially Exempt Transfers rather than Chargeable Lifetime Transfers.

The Treasury Select Committee has announced it is to start an inquiry into private equity funds, which will cover the regulatory and economic environment, and the current taxation regime.

Ed Balls, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, has launched proposals to introduce an unclaimed assets scheme which would allow money laid dormant in bank and building society accounts for 15 years to be reinvested "in society".

Financial advisers are being targeted by a series of roadshows hosted by Reita which outline the benefits of Real Estate Investment Trusts.

Increased market volatility will characterise the investment world over the coming months, according to Baring Asset Management.

Prudential has taken the first step towards withdrawing funds from its inherited estates by this morning announcing its nomination for a policyholder advocate.

We are now well into March and as usual everyone's thoughts are turning towards the Budget, with many looking into their crystal balls to try and predict what surprises and u-turns the Chancellor will spring on us next Wednesday.

Administration has been replaced by investment options as an adviser's key worry, according to research.