Singapore: REITS get more sophisticated A series of recent transactions from Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in Singapore, the de facto non-Japan Asia centre for the specialist property investment vehicles, are proving not only the popularity of the asset class with investors but also their flexibility as funding vehicles for real estate assets.

The New York Stock Exchange's historic deal with electronic rival Archipelago and Nasdaq's acquisition of rival I-Net dramatically reshape US cash equities trading. But what do they mean for OTC and listed trading, regional exchanges, and users now that the SEC's controversial Reg NMS has been passed? Peter Koh reports.

Deutsche and Wharton announce Delta

Since the adoption of an enabling law in 1999, Portugal's securitization market has grown rapidly, embracing many of the innovative techniques and influences seen elsewhere in Europe. With a new law allowing issuance of covered bonds expected this year, structured finance volumes look set to grow. And the market remains eager for further innovation. Sarfraz Thind reports.

It's not just General Electric which is getting all puffed up about green technology through its Egoimagination drive.

Stock markets are unimpressed by president's pro-business reforms

Other banks are unlikely to follow the US firm's example of advising on both sides of a takeover

UK junior market AIM could be hampered by tight interpretations of EU rules on what constitutes a public offer

Brazil: keep your eye on the ball

The problem with CDOs

It's a sure sign of a nervous credit market when even a monoline insurer's spreads can blow out by 30 basis points in a matter of days. MBIA says its triple-A rating is unimpeachable. Most people agree. But the worm of doubt has been released. Peter Lee reports.

Combined group has the potential to be a domestic market leader

The rumour mill is creating great opportunities for debt vs equity trades

As investment banks try to cut the cost of research for clients, outsourcing is taking on an ever-increasing and ever more important role in keeping costs under control. For the providers of these services, such as Copal Partners, the key is to move on from simply crunching the numbers to providing in-depth research for their clients on debt, equity and corporate finance.

Banks readjust after rare correction in asset-backed market Structured credit markets approach the June half-way mark with the spread cycle reversed. All but the most recent new issues are trading below par and the heady times of heavily oversubscribed deals are over for now.