AsiaÆs fund sales beat expectations

Asia's retail funds sales are as large as those in Europe, and roughly half the size of those in the United States, according to a new study by New York-based consultancy Strategic Insight.Its research shows that worldwide, equity and bond funds raised a net $250 billion during the first six months of 2009, raising expectations that if market trends continue, the year will see that amount double. (The research does not count money-market funds.)In comparison with recent years this is …