Alarmist predictions, while unfounded, present opportunities for investors, says William Browder.

Deutsche Börse’s thwarted attempt to acquire the London Stock Exchange has shown that buying or selling an exchange is not a simple matter.

As neoconservative and George W Bush ally Paul Wolfowitz takes the top job, the developing world is keeping its fingers crossed.

Growing funding needs led Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten to shift its focus from the retail to the institutional market. Edward Russell-Walling reports on this and the bank’s strategic benchmark programme.

Romania is catching up with its neighbours as it prepares for EU membership. Politicians are keen to repeat 2004’s growth and investment levels – which means a busy time for banks.

Romania is celebrating a successful 2004 in which taxes were cut and GDP grew. Now its sights are set on EU accession and newly elected President Basescu faces some tough decisions in the longer term. 

Romania is catching up with its eastern European neighbours in the attraction of foreign direct investment. Matei Paun reports on last year’s record performance and conditions that bode well for the future.

Activity has increased in capital markets since the Capital Market Authority was set up last year. International investment banks are now lining up for a piece of the action. Stephen Timewell reports from Riyadh.

Stephen Timewell looks behind the booming profits in the Saudi banking sector at the factors that are driving growth and the new product lines that are beginning to come onto the market.

Samba managing director and CEO Eisa Al-Eisa has steered the bank into a strong position since the departure of Citigroup.