Investors around the world are considering cutting back their exposure to emerging markets in 2015 following a tough 12 months.

Hargreaves Lansdown says that over the past year it has received over 150,000 requests for information regarding the new pension freedoms which came into effect yesterday (6 April) but few are asking to withdraw all their funds at once.

BlackRock has expanded its currency-hedged exchange traded fund (ETF) range with the launch of the iShares MSCI Europe ex-UK GBP Hedged UCITS ETF and the iShares JPX-NIKKEI 400 EUR Hedged UCITS ETF.

Parmenion has added drawdown features to its in-house Sipp from today (7 April), to enable advisers to take advantage of the new Pensions Freedoms for their clients.

A consumer survey for the National Association of Pension Funds has found that 82% of people are positive about the pension changes coming into effect next week but 63% worry they will run out of money before they die.

AFH, a Financial Planning-led investment management firm, has acquired Clarendon Financial Solutions, a Nottingham-based IFA.

While thousands rush to top up their Isa and check their finances ahead of the tax year end, it seems most consumers are turning their attention to Easter treats and spending their spare cash on chocolate.

Tavistock Investments has announced on the Stock Exchange that it has acquired the entire issued share capital of Cornerstone Asset Holdings Limited for an initial fee of £1 plus a deferred consideration of £100,000.

Fund researcher and ratings group RSMR has responded to the issue of costs and tracking errors in passive funds by creating a 'guide to passive investing' as part of its new service on passive funds launched recently.

Sipp provider Suffolk Life has reported a significant increase in the number of capped drawdown applications in the lead up to 6 April when the opportunity to set up new plans disappears.