US bond and commodity funds among the few refuges from Europe’s storm
Global equity markets skidded lower last month as optimism that a $950bn (€750bn) stabilisation plan by the European Union and IMF could limit the damage of Greece’s fiscal meltdown largely evaporated.

The new chief executive at index provider Stoxx plans to expand the range of indices tracking niche asset classes, and said the company could add to the recently launched Christian-themed index, following encouraging feedback from investors.

Why is the euro getting a bad rap when the dollar has a lot to answer for, asks Johan Javeus.

As asset managers increasingly adopt investment strategies that incorporate the use of derivatives, fund administrators “have been caught short” in their ability to process derivatives transactions, according to James Hockley, business director at investment consultancy Investit.

Global recovery is linked to the strength of the US dollar, argues Daniel C. Peirce.

Despite a volatile peso, Mexico might be a safer bet than the US this year, writes Maarten-Jan Bakkum.

The EU’s draft directive on alternative investment fund managers could scare away hedge funds from Europe, according to a recent survey of 100 global hedge funds by consulting firm, Celent.

Japan’s social responsibility interest is on the rise, says Kenichi Kubo.

Fears persist that sovereign wealth fund (SWF) investment could be used to exert political influence and acquire strategic assets, according to a recent study into the attitudes of so-called “global elites” (high-earning, influential members of society)* towards SWFs based in 19 different countries.

The AIFM draft directive will not have the dire consequences many predict, argues Henry Smith.

High costs and governance issues across asset classes call into question the idea of diversification as a free lunch, writes Phil Tindall.

The panic of May 6 showed the need for a preventative measure, but the industry is divided on the best way to stop such a rapid fall in value repeating itself.

The first post-MiFID report reveals dark pools and multilateral trading facilities save investors up to 71 per cent, with a lower risk of slippage and larger execution sizes.

The hedge fund industry’s bruising following the Madoff scandal and financial crisis has left some firms in need of a makeover, writes Yuri Bender.

The Greek predicament proves that policymakers and ratings agencies are not asking the right questions post-crisis, says Jamie Stuttard.

Mandatum Life chief Janne Saarikko explains how the Finnish life insurer avoided the Nordic region’s big losses in 2009.

The UK’s Pension Protection Fund is the firewall against other schemes going bust. Chief investment officer Ian McKinlay discusses its further move into alternative assets.

Efforts by regulators to improve the transparency of complex markets – and shield the retail investor from potentially another crisis – could result in tougher constraints on trading liquidity and impact those most in need of protection.

While western investors often see it as a mere parallel economy, Islamic finance varies widely due to regional differences in sharia courts, and those seeking to break into it must be attentive to local economies and issues.

Bonds that comply with sharia law are popular with Islamic investors, but the risk of default worries many.

Islamic indices are admired for their exclusion of debt-heavy stocks and ability to quickly drop failing firms.

Real estate funds are popular within Islamic finance, but secular investors are attracted to their benefits as well.

Pension funds remain reluctant to invest in commodities, other than the odd foray, despite strong arguments they can provide diversification benefits within a traditional investment portfolio.

Investors seeking exposure to commodities should consider the pros and cons of management styles.

Commodity-linked products are proving popular with investors, and providers are rushing to enter the market.

With the world’s population set to jump over the next few decades, protecting precious water supplies is vital.

With the EU’s controversial draft directive on alternative investment fund managers still a hot topic, Henry Smith asks whether the industry is right to be up in arms about the perceived power grab from Brussels?

The challenges presented by Ucits and the Alternative Investment Fund Managers’ Directive are compelling European asset managers to adapt, with some platforms providing cross-border services with regional expertise.