Asset Manager

Private markets have transformed from a niche allocation into a mainstream investment strategy, and this shift is reshaping portfolios globally. Navigating this increasingly crowded space requires a sharp focus on value rather than cost, according to Duncan Lamont, head of strategic research at Schroders.

The Luxembourg Stock Exchange is exploring ways to create public listings of European Long-Term Investment Funds, private market vehicles that for now are the exclusive domain of high-net worth individuals. A senior official said the bourse, also known as LuxSE, sees a particular role for itself when it comes to enhancing the exit opportunities.

The Luxembourg private debt market has reached a new milestone, surpassing 500 billion dollars in assets under management (AuM) according to the 2024 Private Debt Fund Survey, published by KPMG in collaboration with the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry (ALFI). The survey reveals a 21.5 percent growth in AuM, reaching 510 billion dollars, continuing its strong upward trajectory despite global market turbulence.

It can hardly have escaped your notice: gold is hot! The gold price is currently breaking record after record, and even the ‘mainstream’ financial media can no longer ignore the yellow metal. But when I read these stories, they mostly raise a lot of questions for me. Are traditional investors really that naive now, or are they deliberately looking the other way?

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.

Active bond ETF managers have outperformed their passive counterparts amid the current interest rate climate, driving strong capital inflows and impressive returns. Despite persistent criticism over higher costs, investors appear willing to pay a premium for performance.

In a move to strengthen valuation practices across the investment fund industry, Luxembourg’s financial supervisor CSSF on Wednesday unveiled a glimpse of plans to revise its valuation guidelines for investment fund managers. The update is due in 2025.

This week’s overview of transfers, appointments, promotions and other career news in the international fund and asset management community includes updates from M&G, BDO, Governance.com, the Luxembourg School of Business and the Luxembourg Competition Association.

China’s latest stimulus package, aimed at reviving its economy, could trigger a significant rally in equities over the next six months, according to renowned China watcher Louis-Vincent Gave, managing director and co-founder of Hong Kong-based Gavekal Research. “I believe it’s the trade to do for the next six months.”

Naturally, the interest rate decision and everything surrounding it took centre stage earlier this month when the European Central Bank (ECB) board met in Frankfurt. And of course, questions during the press conference focused on what we can expect in the coming quarters. Like many others, I was tuned in, eager for insights.