ING Funds has formed an ING Asia-Pacific Real Estate Fund that is the latest among portfolios raising capital from global investors for allocation in this region. A European Real Estate Fund has also been established, adding to the list of available real estate products for U.S. mutual fund investors. By investing at least 80 percent of assets in real estate-related equities, both funds aim to provide investors with a high total return.

ING Funds head Shaun Mathews says: "real estate investment trusts (REITs) have unique characteristics that may make them attractive to both income-seeking investors as well as those looking for growth." The Asia-Pacific fund is the latest available outside Asia, reflecting the strong demand for property investments in this region among global investors.

ING Clarion, a real estate securities management subsidiary of ING Real Estate, will be managing both funds with a five-person team of portfolio managers. Since 1984, ING Clarion has been exclusively managing portfolios on behalf of institutional and individual investors in London, Tokyo, Philadelphia, and Hong Kong. RFP