_Economy and Finance

http://www.reuters.com/ Blackstone nears $13 billion real estate fund target: sources By Greg Roumeliotis and Ilaina Jonas NEW YORK | Fri Jun 29, 2012 2:14pm EDT (Reuters) - Blackstone Group LP (BX.N) has raised more than $12 billion for its latest real estate fund, its biggest yet, putting it within reach of its $13 billion fundraising target, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

http://www.realert.com/ranks.php Top 100 Commingled Real Estate Funds Based on filings by SEC-registered advisors as of March 31

Domestic Critics Slow Potential LNG Export Boom Published: Wednesday, 20 Jun 2012 | 9:35 AM ET By: Constance Gustke, | Special to CNBC.com Heated debate over the impact of liquefied natural gas exports on domestic prices is threatening to derail them at a crucial time for the U.S. industry. http://www.cnbc.com/id/47279981

www.realert.com/ranks.php?rid=251‎ Top US Managers of Real Estate Funds Based on gross assets managed by SEC-registered advisors. Figures adjusted for J.P. Morgan and estimated for two nonregistered advisors: Shorenstein Properties and Westbrook Partners.

Colony holds final close on distressed debt fund 1 June 2012 PERE PRIEST The Los Angeles-based private real estate firm has attracted $1.4 billion in commitments to its commercial real estate debt investment vehicle and related sidecars. The firm is due to launch a successor fund early next year. http://www.colonyinc.com/articles/news_cdcfII_060412.htm