Markets

1. 'Glass is half full' for IPOs in second half

   A rise in the number of initial public offerings during the second quarter has led to optimistic forecasts for the rest of this year, as a steep increase in US flotations shows the “glass is half full” for companies coming to market.

2. Private equity nose-dives in first half of 2009

   The moribund state of private equity has been depicted in half-year reports on the troubled sector, which showed how activity tumbled in the first six months of the year. Global buyouts hit a 12-year low with an 82% drop on the same period last year, while fundraising also generated its smallest amount in five years.

3. European junk bond market tested by jumbo sale

   The European high-yield bond market is undergoing its biggest test since it was forced into lock-down by the crisis two years ago, as junk-rated companies queue up to sell new bonds, led by the largest sale since 2006 from Italian telecoms group, Wind.

4. The funds that private banks prefer

   Just when wealthy individuals thought it was safe to emerge from their bunkers, they are being inundated with ideas on where to put their hard-earned cash.

5. Investors push for improved terms on funds

   There have been better times to raise a private equity fund. Many firms, even some well-regarded ones, have had to settle for less than they hoped for or postpone their final closings.

6. Investors ponder what price to put on beauty

   “Art for art’s sake” was an adage dreamt up by 19th century philosopher Théophile Gautier, but its meaning – that art should be appreciated by its owner because they like it, rather because of its financial value – looks increasingly relevant in today’s troubled time.

7. Isle of Man plans to end secret interest payments

   As governments stepped up their battle against bank secrecy, the U.K. crown dependency the Isle of Man said it will sign up to the European Union's automatic tax-information exchange accords.

8. Sowing the seeds of recovery

   The appearance of green shoots in the economy is feeding the view that agriculture is also set to become more fertile.

9. Fighting back on wealth management fees

   With Europe mired in a recession, consumers of all kinds are focusing on value for money. But when it comes to wealth management services, trying to work out whether or not you are getting good value is tricky.

10. The British investment bank is back

    It is one of the ironies of the past decade that while the City of London has prospered from the global financial services boom it has not been home to the global headquarters of a single top-tier investment bank.