Amundi boosts private markets presence with Alpha Associates
Amundi, Europe’s biggest asset manager, on Wednesday confirmed that it has agreed to acquire Alpha Associates, a Swiss-based specialist firm in private equity, private debt and infrastructure investments, boosting its presence in the European private markets sector. Financial details were not disclosed.
Pictet sees ‘tactical opportunity’ in stocks, Gilts
Pictet Asset Management has shifted its investment strategy, upgrading its allocations to global equities, UK government bonds, and information technology stocks.
This move stems from the firm’s latest Barometer report and reflects confidence in the market despite the backdrop of falling interest rates. This change is driven by a notable slowdown in inflation and consistent economic growth observed at the start of 2024.
German family offices keen to reset their asset allocations
Navigating the interest rate cycle is a paramount challenge for family offices in Germany, according to a survey by Roland Berger and WHU.
CSSF: Luxembourg funds, at €5,285 bln, back to growth
Luxembourg funds continued their recovery from a slight decline in October 2023 by amounting at year-end to 5.285 trillion euros, up 5.1% over the past year,
Esma: high risk of corrections, especially in private markets
Europe’s top financial supervisory authority is warning investors of a high risk of corrections in financial markets, especially in difficult-to-value private markets such as real estate.
European ManCos struggle with adverse impact reporting
Only one in five management companies in Europe are publishing a legally required statement detailing how investment decisions may negatively affect sustainability factors. This encompasses aspects like environmental, social, and employee matters, human rights, and anti-corruption.
Robbert Booij appointed as new CEO of Eurex Frankfurt
In a significant leadership change, Robbert Booij has been announced as the new Chief Executive Officer of Eurex Frankfurt AG, taking the reins from Michael Peters in July 2024. Booij, currently the CEO Europe at ABN AMRO Clearing Bank N.V., will join the Executive Board of Eurex Frankfurt AG from 1 May 2024.
Transfer Thursday: Fidelity, Alma LED, Fundcraft
This week’s overview of transfers, appointments, promotions and other people news includes updates from Fidelity, Alma LED Luxembourg, Fundcraft and Better Finance.
Christine Baalham and Tom Record
Christine Baalham and Tom Record have been appointed as co-portfolio managers in the global equity team at Fidelity International. Veteran portfolio manager Jeremy Podger will transition to a senior advisory role in March 2024.
Deblanc named CIO of M&G’s private markets business
M&G Investments has appointed Emmanuel Deblanc as chief investment officer to lead its 86 billion euro private markets business. Deblanc, most recently at Allianz Global Investors, brings two decades of experience in investing in private credit, structured credit, impact and private equity, real estate and infrastructure.
Norway’s ‘Oil Fund’ reports record profit of 196 bln euro
Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global, the largest sovereign wealth fund globally, on Tuesday announced a record-breaking profit of 2.22 trillion Norwegian kronor (approximately 196 billion euro) for 2023. This achievement was primarily driven by substantial returns from investments in technology stocks.
The results marked a significant turnaround from its 1.64 trillion kronor (about 140 billion euro) loss in 2022, primarily due to a downturn in tech stocks.