SINGAPORE, July 10, 2008 (AFP) - Representatives of the world's sovereign wealth funds wrapped up two days of meetings in Singapore on Thursday, saying they had made progress towards drafting voluntary guidelines.

SINGAPORE, July 9, 2008 (AFP) - Representatives of the world's sovereign wealth funds began a closed-door meeting in Singapore on Wednesday as part of efforts to prepare voluntary guidelines for the funds, an official said.

TOYAKO, July 8, 2008 (AFP) - Group of Eight leaders said Tuesday that government-controlled sovereign wealth funds were playing an important role in the world economy and welcomed efforts by some to be more transparent.

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2008 (AFP) - Sovereign wealth funds, seen as the new heavyweights of global finance, have stirred political fears in Western capitals, but a report says the giant investment funds should not be viewed as economic threats.

WASHINGTON, June 6, 2008 (AFP) - Sovereign wealth funds, seen as the new heavyweights of global finance, have stirred political fears in Western capitals, but a report says the giant investment funds should not be viewed as economic threats.

PARIS, June 3, 2008 (AFP) - Massively rich sovereign wealth funds from China and Norway, feared by some for their power, said Tuesday they posed no threat and wanted to be treated in the same way as ordinary investors.

OSLO, May 23, 2008 (AFP) - Norway's state pension fund, one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, has been hit full force by the current global financial turmoil, figures published by the Norwegian central bank showed on Friday.

PARIS, May 22, 2008 (AFP) - French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde said Thursday it would be a good idea to hold a meeting of sovereign wealth funds to help clear suspicions about their role and send a signal they were welcome in Europe.

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2008 (AFP) - The International Monetary Fund Thursday gathered 25 of its member states to develop guidelines for state-controlled sovereign wealth funds, whose skyrocketing foreign investments are raising concerns about political motivations.

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2008 (AFP) - Sovereign wealth funds have mushroomed 24 percent over three years to hold a total of 3.5 trillion dollars in 2007, a US economic firm said Monday.