Anyone that hoped the financial crisis would be the catalyst for substantial change to Germany's three-pillar banking system may be disappointed. The rigid structure that divides the German banking sector into privately owned banks, publicly owned banks and co-operatives seems even now resistant to change.
One veteran emerging-market investor is fond of saying that emerging markets are the ones where risk is priced in and developed markets are the ones where risk is overlooked. For many years, he and others like him were lonely voices. But today it seems the whole market agrees, which is a sure sign of trouble brewing.
Emerging again: Ukraine has posted positive financial newsUkraine has made a successful return to the capital markets after raising $2bn. The government issued two separate Eurobond issues, a 10-year $1.5bn placement with a 7.8% coupon, and a five-year $500m one at 6.9%. The move marks a rapid change in fortunes of the country after the government asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for funds as recently as August this year.
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority makes a play for the London-Channel Tunnel high-speed rail linkGlobal corporate mergers and acquisitions involving sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) increased to more than $12bn in the second quarter of 2010 - a rise of $11bn from the previous quarter, according to data from Thomson Reuters. The number of deals rose to 33 from 24 between January and March.