Expert Panel

Investors are spotting opportunities in defence companies, particularly given the continued military support for Ukraine and significant increases in European defence budgets. Long-term revenue prospects appear stable, driven by the ongoing maintenance of military equipment and the need to replenish supplies.

The AIFMD 2 introduces new rules for loan-originating alternative investment funds, but uncertainties remain around the potential for a cross-border “lending passport,” writes Loyens & Loeff’s Sebastiaan Hooghiemstra, member of Investment Officer’s expert panel.

Pharmaceutical companies were once known for their strong growth potential, but slowing revenue growth, lower valuations, and higher dividend yields have given them a more mixed profile in recent years. However, over the past three years, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have stood out by reclaiming their growth status.

Trackers and index funds are the logical choice for investing in US government bonds. Indeed, within long-term dollar bonds, the scope for active management is limited.

The proposed abolition of the current Non-Dom tax regime marks a significant shift in the UK’s fiscal framework. The new Labour UK government will be taking forward earlier plans to harmonise UK tax resident individuals’ taxation on the basis of their worldwide income and gains, albeit with some modifications.

Investors continue to have unwavering confidence in oil company Shell, according to recent research by De Nederlandsche Bank. This makes Shell still a cornerstone in many Dutch investment portfolios. However, professional investors view (fossil) energy stocks very differently.

The new EU AML/CFT regime addresses previous shortcomings by harmonizing regulations and enhancing enforcement tools, aiming to effectively prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, writes Claire Guilbert at Norton Rose Fulbright.

This week’s Morningstar Fund Radar shines a spotlight on global equity funds, revealing a stellar performance led by US tech giants and highlighting the political twists shaping investor sentiment worldwide.

Pinsent Masons sheds its light on the changing legal context for managing, registering and reporting significant cyber threats and serious ICT incidents, as per the EU’s Dora regulation that will take effect in 2025.

Esma’s new guidelnies on using ESG or sustainability related terms in fund names may have massive implications for fund managers, writes Sebatiaan Hooghiemstra.