Feature
CBA offers exposure to Australian equities
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has launched its Capital Series Australia II product, which is designed to provide exposure to listed Australian shares.
US Wrap: Reverse convertibles hold sway as underlying scope widens
Reverse convertibles dominated US issuance on Friday, as did Barclays Bank, which issued 13 of the notes. Alongside the usual smattering of energy companies, two gold producers were included - a different perspective from investing in the precious metal…
Barcap offers new accounts for offshore bond series
Barclays Capital has launched two new structured deposit accounts for its offshore bond series: the three-year guaranteed digital and the five-year guaranteed FTSE 100 deposit accounts. The accounts are designed exclusively for use within offshore bonds…
Seismic changes hit fund derivatives
Participants in the European structured products industry face an unprecedented challenge in managing counterparty risk. One of the beneficiaries of the crisis of confidence will be the structured funds industry. At the same time liquidity shortages and…
Quant comes back fighting in 2009: quantitative strategies
Quantitative funds have had a mixed reception. Some have managed to navigate the volatile markets; others have fared less well. Investors, however, are still cautious when it comes to putting money into what many see as complicated and risky ventures…
Flight to quality defines Luxembourg regime
Luxembourg is the second largest fund centre in the world after the US. Its open-minded regulator, fund-friendly legislation and regulation and developed cross-border distribution makes it a leader in Europe. Jamie Wynn-Williams reports
Quandary over future fees
Should hedge funds and funds of hedge funds reassess fee structures and move towards a different model?
Technology drives fund administration
Hedge fund administration is fast becoming an information technology business. In order to meet industry demands for greater transparency and more frequent reporting, fund administrators are revisiting their operational platforms and investing in…
Hybrid appetite rapacious: hybrid private equity
With market turmoil at a high, the hybrid private equity hedge fund might see a resurgence as managers seek opportunities. The latest trends and appetite for this type of fund are explored by Stephen Quigley
Energy fortunes tied to global economy
After one of the worst years ever, funds in the energy sector are fewer and leaner. However, there is still value and good returns to be made if managers know where to look and have the right trading skills. Hedge Funds Review talks to managers about the…
Time for Darwinian evolution
Hedge funds are at a critical stage in their evolutionary development. If they do not now step up and take control of their destiny, they may find external forces drive them to at worst, extinction, or at best, a very different structure to what they are…
Sentiment shifts on securities lending
The securities lending business was thrust into the limelight when regulators around the world moved to ban the short sale of banking stocks in 2008. The bans have had some unexpected repercussions.
Psychology meets economic theory: profile of Colin McLean, SVM
Behavioural finance forms the best part of Colin McLean's approach to hedge fund management. His passion for this unusual perspective of the finance sector has set him apart from fellow hedge funds in more ways than one. Margie Lindsay talks to McLean…
Hedge funds face hurdles to reach investors in Nordic region
While there is some acceptance of hedge funds by investors in the Nordic region, funds face considerable obstacles in marketing to high net worth individuals as well as institutions. A tendency by governments to 'protect' investors has hindered…
Brave new world for hedge funds
Hedge funds review standard offerin terms
Adapt or fail
Since October last year, extreme movements in South Africa's foreign exchange rate have caused offshore hedge funds to exit the market, while dealers have been reluctant to take on risk. Those that remain active have had to adapt their behaviour. By Mark…
Difficulties with deficits
Pension deficits have rocketed, with slumping equity markets decimating asset portfolios. Has this made bulk purchase annuity solutions more attractive or are the costs too punitive? Ryan Davidson reports
A return to structured products?
Structured products have been largely shunned since the collapse of Lehman Brothers last September, but low returns in other asset classes may prompt institutional investors to return to the sector in the year ahead. By Peter Madigan
Rainy day funds
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have continued to gain traction in South Africa despite agitated markets. As a result, local ETF providers are extending their reach to new investors and asset classes - with some even looking to introduce exchange-traded…
Just another tool in the box
Credit ratings
Crunch time for autos
The world's carmakers are battling for survival. Should bondholders shun the sector or is there value in the firms best placed to beat the recession? Nikki Marmery reports
Dealers and regulators: Who will blink first?
High noon for CDS Clearing