Financial Times Summary for Financial Services

Wed 3 Sep 2008

Lehman Brothers
Korean Development Bank confirmed yesterday that it was in talks about a possible investment in Lehman Brothers, the beleaguered US bank that is under pressure to raise more capital before it reports its earnings this month. "Our CEO confirmed that talks are going in ", KDB said. But the state-run Korean bank declined to give any further detail.

Dresdner
As Commerzbank's plans for the acquisition of Dresdner Bank-and its investment banking franchise Dresdner Kleinwort-take shape, potential buyers for the respected British core of that franchise are emerging. Collins Stewart, the stockbroker, is considering an approach for the UK advisory, capital markets and equity trading businesses of Dresdner Kleinwort, according to people familiar with the broker's thinking. Others too, may ponder a carve-out of the old Kleinwort Benson.

Deutsche Bank
After being the leader of the investment pack and attracting large money flows in the first half of the year, commodities prices have taken a nasty tumble. While the focus has been on plunging oil prices- down yesterday to $105.46 a barrel from an all-time record in early July of $147.27-the pain has spread across into raw materials. Of the 21 commodities tracked by Deutsche Bank, only four-live cattle. lumber, sugar and pork bellies - show positive returns so far on the second half of the year, while others have posted losses of from 5%-40%.

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