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Bond fund returns expected to slow
Investors in fixed-income funds need to pay attention to the credit rating and duration of the bonds they hold as returns slow, according to advisers
How to capitalise on venture capital
Venture capital trusts (VCTs) are on track for a bumper year, as high earners rush to put money into them and use the tax breaks they still offer. But analysts warn that VCTs – which invest in both quoted and unquoted companies – vary widely in how much risk they take on
With-profits investors stung by exit fees
Growing numbers of consumers are complaining to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) after discovering that exit penalities have been applied on their with-profits bonds, wiping thousands of pounds off the value of their policies.
Privatisation shares up 419% since 1980s
Investors who bought into popular privatisations in the 1980s and held their shares for the long term have achieved double the returns of the UK stock market
Advisers blamed for funds bias
Investment trusts “comfortably outperformed” open-ended funds in the decade to the end of 2009, according to an analysis of the sector
Tax benefits draw investors to start-ups
The generous tax benefits of enterprise investment schemes (EISs) are appealing to investors looking to diversify their portfolios beyond stocks and bonds before the tax year closes on April 5.
Equity investors move into overseas funds
Rising optimism about the world economy has whet appetites for global growth funds, according to new figures from the Investment Management Association that show the global growth sector topped the list of the most popular equity funds sold in January.
Investors in Ucits III funds warned of risks
Private investors can now access more than 100 funds that pursue “absolute-return” or hedge-fund strategies
Regulators to join forces to protect consumers
The Financial Services Authority, the Office of Fair Trading and the Financial Ombudsman Service have proposed the creation of a consumer protection committee to identify consumer risks before the risks turn into widespread problems.
Income bonds default after FSA risk warning
Keydata plans backed by investments in second-hand life insurance policies have stopped paying out




