Neil Woodford

St James's Place (SJP) has given a rare insight into its ability to negotiate aggressively with fund managers.

Invesco Perpetual's Neil Woodford is running the most concentrated portfolios seen in his 25-year fund management career in an effort to shield his funds from economic headwinds.

FIVE THINGS

First State's Martin Lau has beaten stars including Invesco Perpetual's Neil Woodford and Neptune's Robin Geffen to see his Greater China Growth fund ranked the most consistent performer over the three years to the end of 2011.

Warren Buffett's retail favourite Tesco has seen its shares plunge 14.2% following a profit warning today.

Invesco Perpetual's head of investment Neil Woodford said his favoured defensive blue chip names have recently delivered some confident trading updates, despite tough macroeconomic conditions.

Neil Woodford has revealed his "increasing concern" about the situation in the eurozone as he warns of a European credit crunch and the risk of the UK following Europe into recession next year.

Zimbabwean investment company Masawara, which is backed by Neil Woodford in the £18.6bn Invesco Perpetual income funds, has raised $50m towards its capital target since IPO last year.

Nationals round-up: Star fund managers were under the microscope while RPI-linked bonds made a return. There was also a closer look at inheritance tax and the buy-to-let market.

Neil Woodford has led a boardroom overhaul at claims handler Helphire, ousting former Tory leader Michael Howard after the company posted a series of disappointing results.