Standard Life Investments managed more money for third-party clients at the end of June than ever before, according to its interim results - and the popularity of its flagship absolute return strategy contributed to a surge in profits at the asset manager.

The company reported net inflows from third parties of £4.7bn over the first half of the year, up 52% from the same period last year, according to its parent's interim results published today. The surge in net flows, coupled with rising markets, mean that the company's third-party assets under management reached a record £63bn at the end of June, up from £57bn at the beginning of the year.