MAB trust strategy defies downturnAbstracted from The Australian...

MAB trust strategy defies downturn
Abstracted from The Australian Financial Review
MAB Corporation's US retail property portfolio has increased in value by 3.8% since its 2006 purchases. This is a surprising result considering market conditions. CB Richard Ellis positively valued the assets of MAB's international retail trust, which is in the position to be looking for further south-east US investment opportunities in May 2008. Centro Properties Group and Centro Retail Group have not had the same fortune. Their portfolio slumped in value following the credit crisis of early 2008
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Sustainable investment? Ask the 'weather man'
Abstracted from Ethical Investor
John Guadagnuolo, a professional fund manager in Australia, is keen on sustainable development and energy efficiency. With a partner, he aims to rebuild the $A10 million Portfolio Partners Long/Short Sustainability Trust. Portfolio Partners does not screen the companies in the Trust ethically and there are some 35 stocks in the Trust. The Trust holds stocks which are likely to benefit from a shift towards a more sustainable economy. It will short-sell stocks which are not managing sustainability risks adequately. The minimum investment in the Trust is $A40,000 and there is a performance fee, which is donated to charity
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Finding the regulatory balance
Abstracted from The Australian Financial Review

Financial crises prompt thoughtful examination of market regulation. The problems of some companies have led to concerns about the Australian sharemarket. The Australian Securities Exchange's operator, ASX, has reviewed some policies and there have been calls for regulation to be assumed by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission. Good investment decisions require high quality disclosure, and continuous disclosure is operating well. ASX manages its conflicts of interests as market operator and regulator well. Things that do not work well should be weeded out, but care must be taken to preserve things that work well
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