New Star

The New Star International Property fund has raised £206m making it the most successful independent UK retail fund launch ever, according to the asset manager.

A total of 87% of advisers recommend clients with a moderate risk profile should hold at least 5% of their portfolios in international direct commercial property, according to a survey by New Star.

New Star chairman John Duffield says New Star posted a strong first quarter this year, as the firm prepares to list on the London Stock Exchange.

Equity investments in China are set to deliver solid returns in the next 12 months despite a strong 2006, suggests several investment houses.

A number of investment companies have announced new appointments following New Year shake-ups.

Hundreds of staff at Scottish Widows faced an uncertain future last night after the company announced it was to consolidate back office jobs in Chatham, Kent, reports the Scotsman .

Investment house F&C has announced it has moved underweight in equities for the first time in three years, but this contrasts with research from New Star which suggests equities perform best between October and January.

Property funds which hold shares rather than physical property could be a more volatile investment, according to research by New Star.

Several industry spokespeople have expressed disappointment Chancellor Gordon Brown did not announce a review of ISAs in his budget, particularly as the end of the 10 year period is fast-approaching.

REGULATORS FAILED to prevent fraudsters "systematically plundering" £3m from a company pension, according to an inquiry by Sir Gerald Hosker QC published yesterday, reports the Daily Telegraph .