China's leading credit rating agency downgraded the US to 'A' following last week's announcement of a second round of quantitative easing.

Standard Life's Harry Nimmo is predicting UK small caps will rise 10% in 2011, driven by emerging markets.

Janus Capital is launching its first two global bond funds, focusing on investment grade and high yield.

BlackRock's new Frontiers investment trust will have large a exposure to the Middle East and Africa, but limited holdings in Asia and Latin America.

FUND MANAGER FOCUS

First State's Jonathan Asante considered investing his own money in wine over fears bubbles are forming in more traditional asset classes.

The IMA UK Smaller Companies sector has delivered a second year of strong performance after generating phenomenal returns in 2009.

Invesco Perpetual plans to merge its two UK smaller companies funds following the departure of Andy Crossley at the end of the year.

Global Bond was the top selling retail sector in September with inflows pushing the category to its best ever quarterly showing in Q3.

Investors in the F&C Multi-Manager Distribution fund could see their income payouts increase if they agree to merge with the equivalent Thames River vehicle, led by Rob Burdett and Gary Potter.