Regions

EUROPE - In line with its declared strategic aim of becoming a top five provider of UK, European and pan-European bonds, Insight Investment has appointed three new fixed income directors to strengthen its existing 19-strong fixed income team.

GLOBAL - State Street Global Advisors, the investment management arm of State Street Corporation, has appointed Peter Atkinson to oversee regional credit analysis for the cash management team.

GLOBAL - The Japanese economy will be one of the best performers in the coming months, Barclays Global Investors' (BGI) Market Outlook claims.

GLOBAL - Changes to China's pension system are very major and very serious, according to consultants Hewitt, and the Chinese government is examining a number of ways to meet its future pensions obligations.

GLOBAL - Nearly half (44%) of the world's largest institutional treasurers reported using some type of treasury management system (TMS) by the start of 2002, up from 36% 12 months before, while 48% of all large corporations use TMSs, also up from 36%....

GLOBAL - Returns on hedge funds have slumped over the last year according to figures released by index provider MSCI.

GLOBAL - Barclays Global Investors has dispelled speculation that it is up for sale by insisting it will boost its funds under management in the coming months.

US/EUROPE - High yield as an asset class is well established in the US where it can offer both depth and breadth - around 1200 issuers covering a wide range of sectors.

GLOBAL - Govett Investments is warning fund managers not to write-off Japanese investments just yet.

GLOBAL - Commerzbank believes pension funds should increase their exposure to the insurance sector which, it says, is on the verge of a recovery.