Specialist

THE UK has been named the second most profitable country for buy-to-let investors, suggesting people will be keeping their money closer to home in 2007.

THE collapse of America's sub-prime lending market has given a boost to Keydata's Income Property Bond, which invests in rented property in the US.

UK resident property investment company The Local Shopping REIT (LSR) has revealed plans to raise up to £160m through a listing on the London Stock Exchange in May.

The Financial Services Authority is proposing to allow retail consumers access to retail funds of hedge funds, but appears to suggest they should only be distributed with financial advice.

THE FSA today unveiled its consultation paper on fund of hedge funds for retail investors, increasing the likelihood the products could be included in portfolios by the end of 2007.

VENTURE Capital Trust (VCT) and EISs could be forced into "riskier" company selections after the Chancellor slashed investment limits four-fold for the second year in a row.

THE REITs framework announced in today's Budget has created a "level playing field" between new property authorised investment funds (AIFs) and UK REITs.

CLERICAL Medical is launching a new pan-European property portfolio which will invest directly in commercial real estate.

NEW Star Investment Funds has appointed Stuart Webster, chief investment officer for European Core and Core Plus Funds at Citigroup Property Investors in London, as its new head of global property.

THE ISIS-managed Baronsmead AIM VCT says it has already raised £6.4m despite launching its C share issue just ten days ago.