Morningstar fund manager of the year award nominees, Expect interest rate rise this week, Superstore bid fails, St Laurence to make rights offer, Albany Property joins Unlisted.

Economists are not generally renowned for a tendency to get over-excited, but hear Jim O’Neil, chief economist at Goldman Sachs, talk about the potential for the economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) and you can’t help but share his enthusiasm for this investment theme.

Claims last week that professional credentials like the CFP marks might somehow become available to - or be copied by - other groups need to be squashed, according to IFA President Simon Hassan.

Fidelity Life has purchased FMG’s life subsidiary, Farmers’ Mutual Life Limited.

South Canterbury Finance has increased assets to more than $1.5 billion after a strong first half to December 31, recording a 39% increase in net profit before tax compared to the same period last year.

Fighting between two of the biggest associations representing advisers is doing nothing for the credibility of the profession, Integrate Financial Services managing director Jamie Coltman says.

Hikes in life insurance premiums – or lower profits for insurance companies – are one likely outcome of government proposals to change how life policies are taxed.