M&G

The decision by Standard and Poor's to downgrade the US' prized AAA-rating for the first time came as no surprise to a number of fund managers.

Stephen Peters, investment trust analyst at Charles Stanley, looks at some of the winners and losers among this year's new funds.

M&G's head of retail fixed interest Jim Leaviss has warned the US will see its credit rating downgraded to AA shortly after next year's presidential election.

Juan Nevado & Tony Finding, co managers of the M&G Cautious Multi Asset fund, say investors should look beyond the headlines for buying opportunities.

M&G's Jim Leaviss will see his Corporate Bond fund swell to nearly £5bn as part of a series of mergers being carried out by parent Prudential.

Ex-iShares and Gartmore sales director Julian Hince has joined M&G as technical development director.

Royal Bank of Scotland's (RBS) advice arm and M&G have joined AIFA as associate members.

Prudential's UK new business profit fell 6% in the first quarter of 2011, despite an increase in sales.

M&G's Richard Woolnough has slashed duration to just 3.3 years on his £3.9bn Optimal Income fund in anticipation of a spike in gilt yields.

David Jane is preparing to roll out the first offering from his new boutique, Darwin Investment Managers, and is making plans for a second absolute-return focused product later this year.