Regions

GLOBAL - Germany has overtaken the United States as the single largest investor in European commercial property, accounting for almost 30% of total purchases in 2002.

UK/EUROPE - State Street Global Advisors has appointed Jill Iacono to senior marketing manager for its London-based cash management team.

UK/EU - The UK's Investor Relations Society has criticised the European Commission's proposals for more transparent company disclosure as little more than a "charade", despite it being less controversial than originally feared.

UK/EUROPE - Property fund manager Warburg-Henderson is launching its third pan-European fund aimed at institutional investors.

GLOBAL - Just over two thirds of European fund managers think that government bond markets worldwide are becoming dangerously inflated.

GLOBAL - Baring Asset Management has positioned its portfolios for a fairly quick military settlement followed by a modest economic recovery.

UK/EUROPE - Harmonisation of European financial rules would end up stifling competition and innovation in the IFA market, the Financial Services Authority warns.

GLOBAL - Emerging market bonds have been attracting record inflows from thirsty investors despite recent rallies in global equity markets.

EUROPE - Investment manager GMO has picked up three emerging market accounts in Europe totalling E153m (£104m), as investors seek shelter from volatile conventional global stocks and bonds.

UK/EU - Innovest Strategic Value Advisors has launched an audit check which will allow schemes to see how carbon risks affect companies in which they invest.