Providers of Real estate investment trust (Reits) have welcomed changes made by Alistair Darling allowing them to pay dividends in stock instead of cash.

The growing number of China funds being launched warrants the introduction of a new IMA sector for the country, managers believe.

Manager favours South African consumer stocks and Asian/Central Europe financials

HSBC is set to launch its Japanese equity ETF tomorrow, tracking the MSCI Japan index.

Barings' Khiem Do believes China's property sector presents one of the country's best investment opportunities despite growing concerns of a bubble.

Baring Europe Select Trust manager Williams foresees increased interest in low-valued European companies

HSBC Open funds manager Nick Pothier is to leave the company and return to his native South Africa.

The Dubai Government is to provide $9.5bn (£6.4bn) in funding to help its Dubai World investment vehicle to restructure its debt.

Real estate investment trusts (Reits) will be allowed to include stock dividends as part of their 90% income distribution requirements, Chancellor Alistair Darling has confirmed.

The Chancellor has responded to industry calls to raise future ISA allowances in line with inflation.