Equities are an attractive asset class because of their liquidity and transparency; but the current sideways market presents a problem for investors. BrunnerInvest CEO Erwin Brunner outlines the advantages of long/short equity funds in this climate, the importance of diversification in lowering risk, and explains why long-term rewards lie in emerging markets.
Year: 2012
Dr Jacques Turgeon, Sylvain Villiard and Dominic Chalifoux | CHUM
Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal’s new medical research centre, due to open in September 2013, was one of the first major social projects in Canada to be financed after the financial crisis. Dr Jacques Turgeon, Sylvain Villiard and Dominic Chalifoux discuss how CHUM and its partners overcame the challenge of realising the project in such difficult circumstances, and what the hospital will be able to achieve with its new facilities.
Thomas Castri, Maggie Rokkum-Testi | Thalia Hedge Fund Investments | Video
The hedge fund industry and global macro investing have undergone significant change in recent years, with more regulatory supervision, a demand for greater transparency, and banks leaving the investment space. Thomas Castri and Maggie Rokkum-Testi explain the changing landscape for hedge fund managers and Thalia’s expertise in global macro strategies.
Nicholas Brooke | Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks
Hong Kong Science and Technology Park is home to 380 companies, many of which are SMEs in need of some assistance to bring an idea to a commercial application. Nicholas Brooke outlines the range of services the park can provide for them, its plan to set the bar for green technologies, and how China’s desire to address climate change will present major opportunities.
Dorothea Werneck, Marcos Siqueira | Minas Gerais | Video
Minas Gerais is the third most economically important state in Brazil, and a lynchpin for the country’s service sector. With a rapidly growing population – currently 20 million people – the state has been investing heavily in infrastructure to support both trade and a higher quality of life. Dorothea Werneck and Marcos Siqueira discuss the various developments underway, and the public-private partnerships created to fund them.
Simon Smith on the evolution of trading style | FxPro | Video
FxPro Foreign exchange is becoming more widely recognised as an asset class, providing a means for portfolio managers to diversify risk. Simon Smith discusses how forex demands a constantly evolving trading style, the advantages of ECN, and how FxPro plans to develop in the second half of 2012.
Fathi Ben Grira on GCC investment | MENACORP | Video
The GCC region has maintained a very healthy position in comparison with Europe, making it highly attractive to international investors. With a broad network of the best professionals and a commitment to strong financial research, MENACORP has become a trusted local partner to many international institutions. Fathi Ben Grira discusses the company’s journey and its strategic vision for the next 10 years.
Manchester United share price slashed prior to US flotation
Originally targeting a share offering of between $16 and $20, Manchester United has been forced to cut down to $14 in advance of today’s historic flotation on the New York Stock Exchange.
The Glazer family are eager to float Britain’s largest football club in the US in order to help service the large debts that were loaded onto the company when they bought it in 2005 for $1.25bn. They intended to sell a ten percent stake in the business, which should raise around $330m.
The family has come in for criticism, however, as reports have suggested they are to take $140m of that amount for themselves, instead of using it all to pay off debts of nearly $661m.
Supporters of the club are calling for a boycott of sponsor’s products in order to pressure the Glazers into either leaving the club, or paying off more of the debt.
In a statement, the supports trust said: “The Manchester United Supporters Trust has today called for a worldwide boycott of Manchester United sponsors’ products, with support across the UK, Europe, Asia and the US. The boycott strategy is intended to send a loud and clear message to the Glazer family and club sponsors that, without the support and purchasing power of the fans, the global strength of the Manchester United brand doesn’t actually exist.”
Despite the cut in price, the club will still likely be valued at around $2.3bn on its flotation, making it the most valuable club in the world, with Spain’s Real Madrid second at $1.88bn.
2013 World Finance Pension Funds Awards
As pension provisions across the globe enter a period of transformation and review, funds everywhere are, likewise, reassessing their models to offer the most astute and affirmative client collations. In light of this changing landscape, World Finance once again invites readers to nominate who they consider the best fund in their geography.
Nelson Machado on Portugal | ActivoBank | Video
The Portuguese economy has suffered in recent years, but Nelson Machado argues that progress over the last 18 months has been much better than expected. He also outlines how ActivoBank’s core values of simplicity and innovation have seen its customer base grow more than 40 percent in one year.
Danijela Stojadinovic on software | GOWI | Video
GOWI designs and implements software solutions for vertical markets such as publishing, insurance, and the public sector. But when a company invests in software development, it is investing in future growth – so outsourcing it presents a considerable risk. Danijela Stojadinovic describes how GOWI ensures its clients’ needs are fully met through creative thinking, innovative technologies, and a belief that business is “all about people.”
Stavros Yiannakou on technology | TadawulFX | Video
Trading concerns are currently being affected by the international community’s turn to shale gas, investor concerns about the euro, and the prospect of a Greek default. Stavros Yiannakou describes the kind of impact being made by these factors, and how TadawulFX’s investment in cutting-edge technology can give its clients a critical advantage.
Jeff Birnbaum on corporate governance | MEAB Bank
MEAB Bank enjoyed significant increases in all its major activities in 2010-11: its assets grew by a third, net profits by three percent, and its share of capital from $27.2m to $54.4m. Jeff Birnbaum explains how this growth has been secured by MEAB Bank’s commitment to acting with openness and integrity, and its investment in compliance and internal governance.
Yahya Al-Sulaiman | Alistithmar Capital | Video
The Saudi market is now one of the most vibrant in the world, with a young population, stable political structure, and a huge investment in infrastructure driving economic growth. Formed from a merger of two arms of the Saudi Investment Bank, Alistithmar Capital is keeping pace with the change. Yahya Al-Sulaiman describes how it has tailored its services for clients from individual investors to high-end corporates.
Alp Keler on Turkey’s markets | Ak Asset Management
Turkey’s government is expected to pass a new capital market law later this year – one highly favourable to the country’s asset management industry. Alp Keler explains the country’s strong position as an emerging market, and how Ak Asset Management has established itself as one of the leaders in the sector: combining innovative products with a commitment to sustainable growth.
