M&G

M&G has announced today Ben Cherrington will join as partnerships development manager from 1 January 2010.

M&G's Richard Woolnough says corporate bonds remain cheap despite the recent rally, with investment grade bond spreads now at ‘typical' recession levels.

Financial advisers moved client money into multi-asset funds in July, data from Fidelity FundsNetwork shows.

Advisers are starting to return to the UK commercial property market for the first time in two years as they believe the sector is bottoming out and they want to take advantage of the high yields on offer.

Corporate bond funds saw a resurgence in popularity following a two-month dip in demand, accounting for a third of net sales on the Cofunds platform in July.

Prudential UK's total APE sales for the first half of the year were down 14% to £376m with a strong showing for with-profit bonds and individual pensions offset by falls for individual annuities, offshore bonds and corporate pensions.

M&G's Richard Woolnough has reduced his exposure to interest rate risk in his Optimal Income fund on the back of concerns about a possible excess in supply of government bonds.

Aegon Scottish Equitable has partnered with M&G to offer five insured fund links as part of its evolving external fund range.

Threadneedle was the big winner at the Investment Week, sister title of IFAonline and Professional Adviser, Fund Manager of the Year Awards, landing the prestigious Group of the Year accolade at the Royal Albert Hall.

There is still a need for a greater understanding of the bond market amongst experienced advisers as well as newcomers to the industry, according to M&G managing director, global sales Jonathan Willcocks.