London property: Door to a cloistered world

Smart parts of London are still popular with overseas investors. But tax treatment is tightening and private equity is moving in. By Ed Hammond

One object startups have tried and failed to kill is the good old-fashioned key. We shove them onto tiny metal rings and bury them deep in pockets and purses. They're impossible to find when we need them most, they're a hassle to retrieve when our hands are full, and losing them means changing all of our locks. 

Asian investors attracted by low prices and reliable rents have helped make the UK capital a coveted commercial market. By Ed Hammond

BySmart Equity : Yesterday turned out to be an eventful day for mergers and acquisition (M&A) deals. The following stocks moved on the news: Xstrata (XSRAY.PK)