Net sales of UK-based unit trusts and OEICs (open-ended investment companies) shot up to £25.8bn, the highest level since records began in 1992, according to the Investment Management Association (IMA). The figure was 45pc higher than the previous record set in 2000, when new investments totalled £17.7bn. It was six times higher than the £3.8bn of sales in 2008.   Related Articles Isas: where to invest in 2010? The rewards can be big Thousands on boiler room 'master list' Gold: 'fundamentals remain strong' Fund charges exposed as fees outstrip returns Investors put record amount into funds A spokesman said: "Low returns on savings accounts caused people to look at putting their money into other assets. At the same time, the recession caused them to increase their savings levels." Overall, £9.9bn of new funds were invested in bonds and £7.3bn in shares over the year – a sharp turnaround from 2008, when people withdrew £1.[Read more...]