The amount of money sitting in sovereign wealth funds grew in 2009. As financial markets around the world recovered from the severity of the financial crisis that struck in September 2008, the coffers of these unique financial entities swelled to $3.51 trillion, according to the latest research from the alternative investment analysts at Preqin.

Nonetheless, some funds did experience withdrawals by their respective governments. In some cases, governments used sovereign wealth fund assets to close budgetary gaps.

Continue reading Sovereign Wealth Fund Assets Up 9% in 2009

Sovereign Wealth Fund Assets Up 9% in 2009 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

They may say they can't stand the "ugly Americans," but there's only one place where rich Europeans will put their money.

According to alternative investment research firm Preqin, 29% of all European hedge fund investors prefer to invest in funds based in the U.S., where the managers are often able to highlight solid track records and experience, not to mention more innovative funds. The average European hedge fund investor has capital in three U.S. funds.

Continue reading A Third of Europeans Want Americans to Manage Their Money

A Third of Europeans Want Americans to Manage Their Money originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Europe is hot, if you don't look too far over your shoulder. The Dow Jones Stoxx 600 Index played well through the stock market recovery of 2009, ticking up 28% (60% from its March 2009 low). This was the index's best annual performance in a decade.

Basic resources and banks gained 100% and 46%, respectively, this year, after having turned in dismal performances the year before. China helped, as well, with its elevated economic growth forecast good for another 0.5% gain during the shortened week of Christmas.

Continue reading Good Year, Bad Decade for Europe

Good Year, Bad Decade for Europe originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

You're now free to invest in Iceland ... should you be so inclined. On Sunday, the country will begin lifting its post-financial disaster capital controls, giving investors a bit more elbow room. Foreign currency investments coming in won't be subject to the existing controls.

According to a statement released by Iceland's central bank, "Investors are authorized, without restrictions, to convert into foreign currency the sales proceeds from assets in which they invest after Nov.1." The statement also said, "Previously, non-residents were fully authorized to transfer foreign currency deriving from interest and dividends on investments in Iceland."

Continue reading Iceland is now open for business once more

Iceland is now open for business once more originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Consumer confidence ticked upward for the first time since 2007. Around the world, consumers are becoming more comfortable with the prospect of shelling out some cash, even if they're still approaching the notion with caution.

According to a survey conducted by The Nielsen Company between September 28 and October 16, 2009, consumer confidence was highest in India, with Indonesia and Norway following. Japan, Latvia, Portugal, and South Korea were at the other end of the spectrum, though South Korea did show a significant quarterly improvement.

Continue reading Consumer confidence up around the world, a first since 2007

Consumer confidence up around the world, a first since 2007 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Oil briefly nears $140 as market awaits word on Saudi production hike

Oil briefly nears $140 as market awaits word on Saudi production hike originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading OPEC's dilemma may be resolved by taking a half-step

OPEC's dilemma may be resolved by taking a half-step originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.