Five things your clients will call you about this week

Nationals round-up: Star fund managers were under the microscope while RPI-linked bonds made a return. There was also a closer look at inheritance tax and the buy-to-let market.

Star fund managers

Bolton, Woodford, Smith. They may be star names within the world of fund management, but how have they really fared over the last few years? The Guardian took a closer look at their performances: Anthony Bolton has clearly had a disappointing 12 months, while Neil Woodford has had mixed success with his stable of funds. Terry Smith, who launched Fundsmith Equity a year ago, has suffered much lower losses over the last six months (1.8%) than the average globally invested fund (16.6%).

RPI-linked bonds

With NS&I having recently stopped issuing its latest round of index-linked saving certificates, savers have been looking for another way to beat inflation. As the Independent on Sunday reported, the Post Office is reissuing its RPI-linked bond, with a three-year fixed term paying RPI plus 0.24% and a five-year term paying RPI plus 0.98%. These rates are down on the previous issue and will only be available until January, although they will be withdrawn sooner depending on demand.

Inheritance tax

Inheritance tax planning was back on the agenda over the weekend with HSBC predicting an estimated £5.4trn in legacies will be given and received over the next 50 years. The Mail on Sunday gave readers a glimpse of their potential liabilities, explaining the exemptions and current rules. The importance of planning was shown by the complicated gifting allowances, and the article stressed the importance of record-keeping.

Beating the Fear Index

The air of pessimism surrounding global economies shows no sign of subsiding and volatility in the markets continues. With the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index - the Fear Index - rising, the Telegraph gives readers some tips on surviving the latest chapter of the debt crisis. Remaining calm was the obvious advice, while investors were also told corporate bond funds which have avoided the banks might be safe options.

Buy-to-let

Is now the time to get back into buy-to-let? That's the question the Mail on Sunday tried to answer as it reported on what was once an investing phenomenon. It explained how buy-to-let lending has grown 72% since the first quarter of 2009 and said yields are varying between 5% and 15%. There also seems to be plenty of tenant demand, although one contributor warned the prices of the properties themselves are not going to rise any time soon.