Opinion

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.

The recent inflation bombshell must have rattled Powell and his cohorts, throwing a wrench into their plans for imminent rate cuts in pursuit of a smooth economic descent. Equities, too, find themselves on shakier ground.

Expecting firms covered by DORA to possess the skills, time, and capacity to function as ICT experts is yet another regulatory demand that offers little in terms of investor protection. The added layers of control imposed on investment firms are poised to escalate costs far more than they bolster safeguards.

The economies of the Euro area and the US often move in tandem due to their similar structures and deep economic connections. However, divergences occur, notably during asymmetric shocks like the Euro crisis of 2011-2013.

It’s fascinating to observe central bankers like Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell outside their usual realm, especially on platforms like CBS’s “60 Minutes.” Powell’s candid admission about the US being on an unsustainable fiscal path is a concern is shared by many investors, including myself, particularly regarding the sustainability of mounting debt used to stimulate economic growth.