Reflecting recovery in investor appetite, private equity (PE) firms have already pumped in $67 billion globally in the first half of this year, just about $14 billion less than they invested in entire 2009, says a report. PE investments, which were at their peak in 2008, with an aggregate commitment of whopping $248 billion, fell to $81.6 billion in the full year of 2009, according to the data compiled by research firm Preqin. However, the first six months of 2010 have seen private equity deals valued at $67 billion on account of the increased investor confidence, after last year's dip in fund raising due to economic downturn, the report said. “H1 2010 has shown signs of a healthier fund raising environment, with funds exceeding their target capital commitments, ” it added. It said telecom, media and communications, consumer product and consumer services accounted for the major chunk of money invested by PE firms up to June this year. […]