Asset Managers

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.

BNP Paribas CEO and Efama president Sandro Pierri stresses that fiduciary duty remains central for European asset managers as the sector grapples with structural challenges, capital outflows, and transformative changes.

The chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (Esma), Verena Ross, still believes that a ‘basic and simple’ investment product could help convince more European savers to start investing.

This week’s overview of transfers and appointments in the fund and asset management community in and outside Luxembourg includes updates from Goodwin, DWS, Abrdn, Neuberger Berman, Taskize, and others.

Bitcoin’s dreamers are closer than ever to their 100,000 dollar milestone. With America’s debt crisis looming, could crypto speculation turn into strategic reality?