Opinion

Ireland’s competitive tax policies and workforce have attracted numerous fund promoters, propelling the country to become the EU’s fastest-growing and second-largest fund domicile. Despite these impressive achievements, Ireland faces challenges in overtaking Luxembourg as the leading destination for funds.

In the ever-escalating tech tug-of-war between China and the United States, the dragon nation is unleashing a full-scale mobilization to propel its technological prowess forward. The gloves are off as the U.S. and its partners continue to throw up roadblocks, ushering in an era of deglobalization, at least on the political front.

On Tuesday the eight-day People’s Congress in China, an annual parliamentary gathering drawing thousands of delegates from across the nation, kicked off. Premier Li Qiang will address the congress, detailing targets for economic growth and military spending. This year holds added significance as it marks the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic, prompting a reflection on its achievements.

Investors err in assessing stock returns. Prominent outliers attract undue attention and garner more interest than stocks with market-average returns. However, such stocks don’t necessarily make better investments; in fact, this strategy results in reduced returns for investors.

The market for Venture Capital (VC) experienced a challenging year. Rising interest rates and general uncertainty around valuations made it hard for funds to raise capital. In addition, the market is strongly segmented and therefore often not attractive for large investors. Despite these obstacles, there are ways to utilise the potential that is hidden here – with the help of experienced partners. 

This week, the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer will present the UK’s new budget. Since the September 2022 debacle, when Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng’s bizarre tax plan almost brought the UK’s pension and insurance system to the brink of collapse, the extra attention has been justified. In the end, the Bank of England had to intervene to “save the furniture”, as the Belgians say. This earned Liz Truss the dubious honour of the shortest-serving prime minister.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg accounts for 36% of UCITS assets globally, indicating numerous advantages to domiciling an investment fund here. However, as the investment landscape evolves, its competitiveness is diminishing, particularly in comparison to jurisdictions such as Ireland.

In the pursuit of an inclusive and engaging workplace, the European Central Bank (ECB) emphasises respect, talent development, and diversity, as per its official website. However, recent remarks from ECB board member Frank Elderson and President Christine Lagarde have sparked concerns and raised questions about the bank’s commitment to diversity of opinion.

This column is not about where that economic recession remains, but about an earnings recession that has passed. At least, if my global profit indicator is to be believed.

This year commemorates the 25th anniversary of the euro, but the festivities are notably absent. In times gone by, the Dutch guilder stood as a robust currency, challenging even the Swiss franc. However, those golden days are now but a memory.