Esma faces uphill battle to emerge as European SEC
In an interview with Investment Officer, Esma chair Verena Ross outlined her vision and the significant challenges ahead as the regulatory body aims to become Europe’s equivalent to the US SEC.
Attack on the Fed: why investors should fear Trump’s ‘seesaw effect’
The US Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell. Officially, the case concerns the renovation of government office buildings in Washington. No one should pretend to be naive enough to take that explanation at face value.
Brazil’s equity market still priced for skepticism
Despite a strong rally over the past year, the Brazilian equity market remains undervalued. Experts say that discount could evaporate quickly if interest rates fall.
Pan-European ELTIF distribution gains regulatory clarity
Sebastiaan Hooghiemstra and Marco Loria analyse fresh EU guidance on ELTIF passporting, arguing it dismantles national barriers and could unlock pan-European distribution through insurance, pension and savings wrappers.
EM investors broaden their focus after years focusing on Asia
Where China and India set the pace in emerging markets for many years, investors are increasingly broadening their focus towards emerging Europe and Latin America. At the same time, a hard pivot to ex-China funds has proved risky, particularly because of timing.
The illusion of passive investing
Passive investing does not exist. It is a comforting fairy tale we tell ourselves, while we all press the same buttons en masse.
Chart of the week: better a raging optimist or a permabear than an index hugger
A new year, a new round. Every year at the beginning of January, I once again look with amazement and confusion at the equity market outlooks from the major financial institutions. And especially at the projected returns, which are invariably clustered right around the long-term average. Because one thing you can be almost certain of is that those projections will not materialize.
Value benefits from AI fatigue and rising Taiwan tensions
U.S. large-cap stocks are extending their rally into the new year, but a growing number of asset managers are entering 2026 with a more cautious view on expensive artificial intelligence bets. Many start to see better opportunities in value stocks.
Morningstar: Robeco versus MFS in global equities
While the average fund in the Global Large-Cap Blend Equity Morningstar category eked out a 5.8 percent gain in 2025, it was hardly an easy year for investors. Tariff turmoil, geopolitical tensions, and demanding valuations weighed on sentiment.
Semi-transparent ETFs target free-riding on investment strategies
European asset managers are increasingly looking at semi-transparent ETFs to reduce the risk of intellectual property leakage. However, the relatively new vehicle has yet to generate unanimous enthusiasm.