Emerging market equities were outperformers in 2010, but investors are looking for more selective ways to play the market in 2011.
Germany returns to structured products centre stage
May 4, 2011The German structured products market is growing steadily again and providers are involved in an intense battle for market share.
European issuers look to Asia to boost deal demand
May 4, 2011European sovereigns, supranationals and agencies supply is running at high levels, and with the market environment far from ideal, issuers are having to broaden their investor base. Placement with Asian accounts is critical to the success of many deals.
The role of structured products in the fight against inflation
May 4, 2011Investors are nervous about inflation, and structured products providers are reporting steady demand for returns linked to interest and inflation rates, as well as traditional defensive plays using commodities prices.
High times for high-yield offerings
December 8, 2010After several false starts dating back to the dot-com boom and bust of 2000, high-yield underwriters are hopeful that the European market is now set for a prolonged period of steady growth, writes Michael Marray.
The search for transparency
November 24, 2010Listed products seem to meet many of the criteria for improved transparency and liquidity demanded by investors in the wake of the financial crisis, writes Michael Marray.
Changes set to test banks' adaptability
November 24, 2010US, EU and UK authorities are all tightening regulations for the design and distribution of retail structured products. Banks are reacting quickly, but the international pattern of changes is not always coherent. Michael Marray reports.
Landesbanken under pressure to restructure
July 6, 2010The German Landesbanken were hit hard by the financial crisis, and bailouts at both state and federal level have allowed the national government and the EU to increase the pressure for both restructuring and reform. Writer Michael Marray
Automated safety
July 6, 2010The range of index-strategy products based on algorithmic models has expanded dramatically in recent years. What used to be mainly the preserve of the equity derivatives department has now moved cross asset into commodities, foreign exchange and fixed income. Writer Michael Marray
European issuers flourish in Asia
May 5, 2010Fast and effective: KfW's January 10-year dollar deal had a healthy placement in Asia
Despite concerns about government budget deficits, Asian central banks continue to show strong demand for European sovereign bonds. But sovereign, supranational and agency issuers all need to focus much more on the careful execution of deals, and the syndication process has been speeded up because of volatile market conditions. Writer Michael Marray