Investment Management
Review - Volume 3 : Issue 2
What's in Volume 3 : Issue 2?
From the Editor
Sub-prime – sunshine for asset managers?
State funds arouse political fears
Funds controlled by governments the world over are becoming a potent force in asset management amidst much hand-wringing about possible hidden agendas. An important distinction is drawn between two types of funds – sovereign wealth funds and state pension funds.
Future winners in asset management
A bevy of leading consultancies - IBM, McKinsey, EIU, Feri and Investit - cast their eye on the kaleidoscopic changes in the asset management scene with prognostications on what is to come. The problem is that their predictions are not entirely consistent.
Service of the rich
The super rich are streaking ahead of everybody else and advisors are hastening to meet their changing needs. In addition to the usual private bankers, investment bankers are getting in on the act. One firm is adopting an unusual way to attract the very wealthy.
Top Asians wealthier than the USA
Flawed statistics disguise the sensational fact that a small proportion of Asia's population have more income than all of the USA.
Radical changes ahead for insurers
Insurers are set to divest themselves of key traditional functions, and the shape of the
typical firm might therefore look very different in a decade.
State Street takes on Barclays for the top spot
Barclays Global Investors and State Street Global Advisors are now the two largest firms in terms of assets under management. The tussle for the apex of the industry between these two titans continues to fascinate.
Baby boomers and their babies
Baby boomers might demolish the long-term case for equities. Meanwhile their offspring are being neglected.
Research still evolving
Following the shake up in recent years, investment research is still evolving. Recent reforms had been expected to improve sell-side research, but the latter seems to be afflicted by corruption. Many institutions have established their own internal research teams, but the buy-side has problems of its own.
Long-short funds take off
130/30 funds have become a fashionable product very quickly and are seen as a threat to hedge funds. But there are hitches developing and scepticism still surrounds their future.
Insider trading rampant
Regulators seem helpless as illegal dealing intensifies. Does the US have more credibility?
Absolute not so absolute
Absolute return funds were touted this decade as the panacea for bear markets. They are now failing investors badly.
Developments in London’s exchanges
Aim, Londonʼs budding global small company exchange, has still not entirely overcome major challenges and is now facing a local competitor in addition.
Sub-prime in a nutshell
For those who have not followed the twists and turns in the story, some of the most pertinent and interesting facts and prognoses for the future are set out.
Serious setback for private equity
An unethical aspect of private equity deals is being attacked by US courts. Meanwhile private equity partners' generous tax breaks are being threatened.
Foreigners retreat from German housing
Private equity and investment banks bets on German residences fail to come off.
Venture capital – keys to success
Venture capital is very different from most other asset types when it comes to the methods for extracting the best returns. Other key characteristics too set it apart.
Is there safety in catastrophe?
Betting on the weather and catastrophes might be a safe haven for investors.
Cross-border partnerships
M&A is changing character.
Wines are winners
Why wine is producing excellent returns.
Much talk, less action
How are pension funds taking to LDI?
Asia overtakes Europe in fund management opportunities
Asian fund management in general has not caught up with Europe. Itʼs a different story with mutual funds, where Asian inflows earlier thisyear were nearly double those in Europe.
Industry perspectives in figures
Figures in billions and trillions are bandied around. Comparisons put them in perspective.