Certificate inflation
The number of candidates taking CFA exams has declined again, according to the latest figures. At its peak in 2019, over 270,000 individuals registered, but the most recent figure stalled at 163,000. As is often the case, there are likely multiple explanations for this trend.
End of France’s free ride sparks Eurozone stability fears
The collapse of Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government has pushed France to a critical juncture, marking what some economists are calling “the end of the free ride” for a country long criticised for its fiscal indiscipline. Bond markets meanwhile embrace Denmark as a best practice example for the eurozone.
Fund houses see strong opportunities in US stocks
Most fund houses believe the US stock market offers the best opportunities for high returns next year, despite already high valuations. In contrast, the outlook for Europe is bleak.
Transfers: Lombard Odier, Waystone, AllianzGI, Stibbe, AKD
This week’s overview of appointments includes news from Lombard Odier, Waystone, Allianz Global Investors, Stepstone, Stibbe, AKD Luxembourg and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Saxo sees demise of Opec, Nvidia rally, and 3D-printed hearts
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, Saxo Bank’s Outrageous Predictions once again offer a fascinating glimpse into the minds of scenario planners.
Eltif 2.0, outsourcing, and tax in focus
This autumn, regulators tightened rules in three parts of the European fund sector: the Eltif 2.0 rules, outsourcing of portfolio management by Luxembourg funds, and the evolving rules for tax transparency in the Netherlands.
Investors aim for greater sustainability in private markets
Institutional investors worldwide are accelerating their shift towards sustainable private markets, according to three studies conducted by L&G, Schroders, and Montana Capital Partners. They are increasing allocations to ESG-focused sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure.
ING to transfer 18,000 retail clients to BGL BNP Paribas
ING Luxembourg is transferring approximately 18,000 retail clients with basic daily banking needs to BGL BNP Paribas.
CSSF embraces Luxembourg-based AI cloud in digital push
Luxembourg financial regulator the CSSF has started identifying pilot projects to explore artificial intelligence applications based on a new Luxembourg-based cloud computing platform incorporating Google services. The move is seen in part as a way to cope with a long-standing difficulty in recruiting sufficient qualified staff.
Chart of the week: fade the trade
Financial journalists and market experts have a new gimmick: the “Trump trade”. With another four years of the Trump show ahead, we might derive all sorts of investment ideas from the yet-to-be-implemented policies. But I have my doubts about most of these trades—not only whether they will yield good returns, but also whether they even exist in the first place.