Esma faces uphill battle to emerge as European SEC
In an interview with Investment Officer, Esma chair Verena Ross outlined her vision and the significant challenges ahead as the regulatory body aims to become Europe’s equivalent to the US SEC.
‘Modest’ JP Morgan active ETF climbs to top of European charts
JP Morgan Asset Management’s actively managed U.S. equity ETF is now the largest of its kind in Europe—and the most widely held active fund in fund-of-funds portfolios. How did it get there? Not by bold bets, says portfolio manager Piera Elisa Grassi, but precisely by avoiding them.
ESG funds increasing exposure to defense, data confirms
ESG investment funds in Europe have sharply increased their exposure to defense stocks, according to new Morningstar data that offers the most comprehensive look yet at how sustainable finance is responding to geopolitical pressure.
Transfers: Aon, Allianz, Mimco, and SnapSwap
This week’s overview of senior appointments and leadership changes includes updates from Aon France, Allianz Benelux, Mimco Capital, and SnapSwap.
Luxembourg’s new carry tax regime reflects global ambitions
A new tax regime, set to take effect in 2026, has been designed to update how carried interest is treated for managers involved in alternative investment funds and private markets. The proposed law reflects Luxembourg’s ambitions as a global private market player.
EU promises big, hoping Trump doesn’t read the fine print
On Sunday, Brussels bowed to demands from across the Atlantic. Some call it a strategic blunder. Others say it’s a clever bluff.
‘The 24/7 trading trend is becoming increasingly inevitable’
European stock exchanges are edging closer to 24-hour equity trading, but cautiously and unevenly.
Ruffling feathers in finance
Treasury Secretary Bessent suggests reviewing the Fed, an idea that’s ruffling feathers in central banking’s insular, self-congratulatory world.
Chart of the week: celebration
While many economists were once again forecasting a recession and plenty of so-called market experts were calling an end to the rally, equity markets are celebrating summer with new record highs. I’m curious to see how they’ll explain their latest miss.
Morningstar: Robeco versus Blackrock in global high yield bonds
The second quarter of 2025 provided ample opportunity for tactical trades, as markets whipsawed in every direction. Inflation fears broke out following Liberation-Day tariff announcements from the US, which led to a rapid spike in bond spreads. Spreads then normalized as a 90-day suspension on tariffs kicked in. Even so, global high-yield bond yields stood at 6.9 percent at the end of June, well above the 6.4 percent average over the past five years.