As you know, politics have become a major influence on the global economy and financial markets over the past few years (Brexit, the election of Donald Trump, the new Italian government). The upcoming midterm elections for the US Congress on 6 November are yet another example of the geopolitical risks that we as investors must manage.

Nomura Securities Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nomura Holdings, Inc., announced that it has priced a Green Bond 1 offering for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The offering consists of a 5-year and 30-year tranche, valued at 5 billion yen each. Nomura acted as bookrunner for the offering.

The Republic of Seychelles has launched the world's first sovereign blue bond—a pioneering financial instrument designed to support sustainable marine and fisheries projects.

BNP Paribas Capital Partners (‘BNPP CP'), BNP Paribas Asset Management's specialist in external alternative manager selection, launched an investment programme (known as ‘Special Opportunities') earlier this year to provide institutional investors with exposure to the European discounted private debt market.

Hedge funds were not immune to recent market developments. They were down during the first half of October due to the underperformance of CTA, L/S Equity, and Special Situations strategies. Meanwhile, Merger Arbitrage, Fixed Income Arbitrage, Global Macro and L/S Equity Market Neutral strategies were resilient.