Gartmore has launched its Japan Absolute Return fund managed by John Stewart.

Aegon is discounting the initial charge on seven of its UK equity and fixed income funds until 30 April.

Multi-manager firm FundQuest is looking to launch a new fund to capitalise on growing number of Ucits III vehicles arriving from the hedge fund space.

The FTSE climbed 0.72% in early trading to 5255.18 bolstered by strong performances from big names.

HSBC is considering launching a global fund of passive funds as a low cost alternative to its actively-managed vehicle.

Gartmore has appointed Richard Turner as account director on its UK retail distribution team.

Standard & Poor's has threatened to cut Japan's government debt rating amid concerns the Government is failing to fix the nation's finances fast enough.

Vanguard has reached £500m in assets under management since launching in the UK just seven months ago.

Skandia Investment Group (SIG) has selected Newton head of European equities Raj Shant to join the team managing its European Best Ideas fund.

Aberdeen's Hugh Young believes Asia will lead global growth in 2010, pulling other emerging markets along with it.