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Investment

Covered bond conundrum

JOHN MCDULING  |  MONDAY, 13 DEC 2010
While the Treasurer's proposed reforms to permit banks and credit unions to issue covered bonds is broadly positive for the development of a bond market, investors can't expect a windfall in yields, said a QIC credit market expert.

Instos lead charge into ETFs

JOHN MCDULING  |  MONDAY, 13 DEC 2010
Four new iShares exchange traded funds (ETFs) generated $140 million in funds under management in just two trading sessions, but contrary to popular belief, institutions - not retail investors - are leading the charge into the products.

Banc of America Securities charged with fraud

RUTH LIEW  |  MONDAY, 13 DEC 2010
US corporate watchdog SEC has charged Banc of America Securities with fraud for its part in an effort to rig bids relating to the investments of municipal securities.

FUM hits $1.37tr

ALEX DUNNIN  |  MONDAY, 13 DEC 2010
Australia's funds management market climbed 2 per cent in the September quarter to reach $1.374 trillion, but over the year it grew only 1 per cent, reveals analysis by Rainmaker.

ASIC scorecard shows mixed results

RUTH LIEW  |  FRIDAY, 10 DEC 2010
A new survey shows ASIC has generally worked well in managing the impact of the GFC in Australia - but respondents think the regulator was not as effective in protecting retail investors.

China inflation fears overplayed

JOHN MCDULING  |  FRIDAY, 10 DEC 2010
Financial markets are nervously awaiting the release of Chinese inflation figures this weekend, but one fund manager believes that the concerns are overdone - and the multi-year bull market in Asian equities is only just beginning.

Move beyond benchmarks: GMO

JOHN MCDULING  |  FRIDAY, 10 DEC 2010
GMO asset manager James Montier implored investors to move beyond policy benchmarks, and called for a risk rethink at a recent Investment Management Consultants Association conference.

Ireland looks to sovereign annuities

JOHN MCDULING  |  FRIDAY, 10 DEC 2010
As part of a broader effort to resolve its fiscal crisis, Ireland unveiled plans to develop a market for sovereign annuities earlier this week, which could be used by under-funded Irish pension funds to meet their defined benefit liabilities.

Avoid AMP Aussie shares fund: Morningstar

RUTH LIEW  |  THURSDAY, 9 DEC 2010
Morningstar has rated the AMP Capital Australian Shares fund as 'avoid', citing instability in the investment team and high staff turnover as key reasons to the fund's rating.

Praemium plans Australian Sharia service

ELISE BURGESS  |  THURSDAY, 9 DEC 2010
Praemium will launch an Australian Sharia-compliant service in the next quarter after working with the Islamic Bank of Britain to introduce the UK's only Sharia-compliant retail Discretionary Portfolio Service.