Life/risk advisers on notice over COVID-19 The major life insurers have placed advisers on notice that the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic is not the optimal time to be seeking to switch clients, including health professionals, between policies. For more.

Assets performance mirrors GFC The current global selloff triggered by COVID-19 has investors taking refuge in cash, US Treasuries, and gold, according to data. For more.

How did major markets perform during SARS? As major markets become increasingly volatile in light of COVID-19, how did these markets fare during the world’s last epidemic? For more.

AFCA to fast track COVID-19 related complaints The complaint authority will prioritise complaints relating to COVID-19 and has established a dedicated support hotline For more.

Focus on downside protection: Centrepoint Alliance Overcommunication and capital preservation are key when helping clients allay any concerns during this current volatile bear market, according to Centrepoint Alliance. For more.

Union poll canvasses nationalisation of Qantas A poll commissioned by the Transport Workers Union has canvassed the possibility of the Federal Government taking a stake in Qantas on the basis of any bail-out of the airline, with some even supporting nationalisation. For more.

FSI adds two to global product division First Sentier Investors has made two appointments to its global product division, one in Sydney and one in London. For more.

Blue-chips might be your best bet Investors should not panic and focus on the best opportunities which can still be found in blue-chip companies with a long history of paying dividends, according to Franklin Templeton. For more.

Watch China for next steps on COVID-19 China’s recovery should be used by global markets as a sentiment tracker on how the country managed the COVID-19 crisis and protected its economy. For more.

AIA appoints chief life insurance officer Ben Walsh, current chief executive for Mercer in Australia and New Zealand, will start in the new role on 1 June, 2020. For more.

ASIC recalibrates regulatory priorities The Australian Securities and Investment Commission has announced it will recalibrate its regulatory priorities to focus on COVID-19 challenges, suspending all not time-critical matters such as the consultation paper on managed discretionary accounts. For more.

Further cuts and losses for travel firms Travel firms Flight Centre Travel Group and HelloWorld Travel have both announced changes to its business models in light of the updated travel restrictions. For more.

Allaying clients’ biggest financial fear: running out of money One of the biggest worries for people entering retirement is sequencing risk so financial advisers can add value to their clients by addressing this risk, Miriam Herold writes. For more.

Funds reporting drastic moves There have been nine funds in the latest FE fundinfo Crown Ratings rebalance which have seen a significant five-ranking move from their previous position last September. For more.