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Investment Funds

The Share Centre announces new funds initiatives for 2008

The second half of 2007 offered a sharp reminder of just how volatile markets can be, with even seasoned investors left to question where to invest in 2008.

RICS comment on Scottish Equitable

Commenting on the news that Scottish Equitable has introduced delays of up to 12 months on its commercial property fund, Simon Rubinsohn, RICS chief economist said:

AEGON introduces deferment for certain payments from property funds

AEGON UK is introducing a deferment for certain payments from the Scottish Equitable Property fund, Select Reserve fund and Select Distribution fund.

Further tightening measures from the People’s Bank of China

The People’s Bank of China has increased the amount of capital that banks are required to set aside for the eleventh time in just over a year. Lenders will be required to increase their reserve requirements from 14.5% to 15% from the 25 January.

Gartmore Global Focus ready for new challenges

As the Gartmore Global Focus Fund approaches its seventh anniversary at the end of January, the investment terrain has undoubtedly become more challenging.

Hybrid cars driving sales

Significantly gas-guzzling American motorists bought more Toyota Prius hybrid hatchbacks in 2007 than Ford Explorers, the top-selling SUV for more than a decade.

Watch out for "sickly cyclicals"

With economies worldwide slowing and earnings growth at a premium, one of the most marked trends of recent months has been a shift in investor preference for growth stocks at the expense of value according to Crispin Longden, manager of European Assets Trust.

F&C's Scott seeks hedge through precious metals

While fears of a consumer slowdown dominate investor concerns, leading fund manager Ted Scott believes that inflation is the biggest risk to the global economy.

Moore celebrates managing Santander UK Growth Fund

Richard Moore assumed management of the Santander UK Growth Fund (formerly Abbey UK Growth Fund) on 16 July 2007.

NFU Mutual responds to floods

Rural insurer NFU Mutual, has started to receive flood claims from across the country following the torrential rain of the last few days.

Fidelity unveils new funds & providers to join platform

Fidelity FundsNetwork has revealed the names of the first new funds and providers set to join the platform in 2008.

First State funds ranked as top performers of 2007

Two of First State Investments UK Ltd’s (“First State”) funds have been ranked in the top ten of best performing funds in the UK for 2007 - according to data published last week from Lipper.

Threadneedle launches new Emerging Market Local Fund

14 January 2008 sees the launch of the Threadneedle Emerging Market Local Fund, a UK-domiciled OEIC investing in the local debt and currencies of emerging market countries.

Opportunities still to be found in the US equity market

Recent data releases have shown that the US economic backdrop is deteriorating, with unemployment hitting 5% and the closely-watched Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Manufacturing Report on Business falling to 47.7.

Taiwan elections could signal a turning point

The Taiwanese stock market has been one of the World's poorest performers this decade according to Ben Akrigg, Director of Pacific Equities at F&C Investments: