Drug company Roche made a rare foray into the markets recently, with BNP Paribas being among the bookrunners putting together its record-breaking euro bond deal to finance the purchase of US biotech firm Genentech. Writer Edward Russell-Walling

In the current financial climate, five-year papers are considered a no-go area for US bond investors. This makes the $4m, five-year issue pulled off by Germany's Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau last month all the more remarkable. Writer Edward Russell-Walling

Asian central banks are still key customers for European issuers, even if their reserve growth is slowing. The move out of emerging market currencies and sterling is also giving a boost to euro-denominated issues. Writer Michael Marray

UniCredit's global head of ECM sees opportunities across Europe as bulge bracket investment banks retreat from the region and strategic buyers ask for greater bank financing. Writer Philip Alexander

The worsening global financial outlook combined with a troubled economic environment at home have shaken Argentina’s government, and stalling over its debt negotiations has isolated the country further from international markets. Writer John Rumsey.

Brazilian energy giant Petrobras has enjoyed solid success in recent years. With major oil and gas discoveries in the pipeline, the company is now considering new funding methods.

The Portuguese government has reacted to public demand by instigating a raft of infrastructure projects. But what effect will the global crisis have on finance?

While deals are still thin on the ground many project financiers are banking on governments worldwide reacting to the threat of recession by proposing major infrastructure investment. Writer Geraldine Lambe.

As global market volatility reaches extreme levels and most asset classes suffer heavy losses, bankers are engaged in the arduous work of finding sharia-compliant ways to offer companies and investors some protection. Writer Philip Alexander.

From prime brokerage to fixed income, the trading landscape is under siege. But some pockets are still making good money. Writer Michelle Price.