Asset Managers

Blackrock’s withdrawal from the Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative has sparked debate, but institutional investors remain largely unaffected.

As Europe’s watchdogs tighten scrutiny on Article 8 funds, managers must now defend their classifications or risk being challenged across EU markets.

Strategic partnerships are not only a trend for pension funds and fiduciary managers, said Robeco CEO Karin van Baardwijk. “Private banks are looking for larger allocations per asset manager. That creates opportunities to get more out of the relationship. However, it also means that there are fewer fund houses on the shelf.”

Here are the ten most read articles on Investment Officer Luxembourg for 2024.

European investors are heading into 2025 with a stark warning: tread carefully. Analysts at Axa Investment Managers (Axa IM) have painted a picture of fragile markets, wavering economies, and thin margins for mistakes.

Degroof Petercam has appointed Sylvie Huret as its new chief executive, succeeding Hugo Lasat, who will step down at the end of 2024 after three years at the helm.

The year 2025 can only be an exceptional one for equities if geopolitical stability materialises, a prospect that seems unlikely. Large asset managers are once again emphasising diversification to withstand the anticipated volatility.

Most fund houses believe the US stock market offers the best opportunities for high returns next year, despite already high valuations. In contrast, the outlook for Europe is bleak.

Blackrock, the world’s largest asset manager, is poised to acquire HPS Investment Partners for approximately 12 billion dollars.

The war between Russia and Ukraine is prompting European asset managers to reconsider defence stocks, partly at the urging of their clients.