Search numbers up, value down — Mercer

The number of searches conducted through Mercer’s investment consulting division increased 2.8% in 2007, but the total value was down 17%, according to a Mercer report issued today. Mercer conducted 762 manager searches for clients in 2007, with a total value of $76.3 billion. The most-searched investment styles were global equity with 158 in 2007, up 7%, with a total value of $19.5 billion, down 32%; and real estate with 62, up 24%, with a total value of $1.8 billion, the same as last year. The average placement was $100 million.