Asset Manager

This week’s roundup of people transfers and appointments.

A majority of large asset managers are most optimistic about equities for 2026, particularly those from emerging markets. US equities remain a strategic cornerstone, while Europe and Japan play a smaller but growing role in geographic diversification.

Assets managed through discretionary mandates have expanded more slowly in Europa over the past ten years than assets held in investment funds. That is the conclusion of Efama, the European fund industry association, in its latest sector review.

Bankhaus Metzler is preparing for another year of strong performance in German equities. The nearly 20 percent rise in the DAX this year will likely not be matched in 2026, said equity strategist Uwe Hohmann, but an increase of 10 percent is within reach.

In private credit, institutional investors face their biggest risk not in the asset class itself, but in selecting the general partner. Interviews with private market insiders suggest the real danger is a lack of scrutiny of managers.

The European Union’s push to simplify financial reporting faces a complex reality, with industry leaders warning that streamlining requirements will likely hike costs before delivering relief.

The traditional 60/40 portfolio is dead, long live the 60/40 portfolio.

Europe is consolidating its position as the global hub for inherited wealth, but the way that capital is managed is undergoing a radical modernization.

It’s December, and so the focus is shifting to 2026. As always, this comes with a wave of outlooks that are, unfortunately, often already partly outdated by the time the new year begins. Still, a dynamic is now unfolding that could lead to quite a bit of fireworks next year.

Global flexible bond strategies cover a wide range of different approaches. Investors should tread them with caution.