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Lagarde’s ‘heavy words’ hint at long plateau for rates

The European Central Bank is most likely done hiking interest rates, analysts said following the decision in Frankfurt to raise its three benchmark eurozone interest rates by 25 basis points. Euro bond markets rallied while the euro fell against the dollar amid expectations that eurozone rates now have peaked and that any subsequent move in market interest rates will be a cut, although that may take some time.

Europe braces for high-stake interest rate showdown

The upcoming meeting of the European Central Bank (ECB) promises to be one of the most consequential in recent times, underlining the difficult trade-offs the institution must consider amidst an environment of high inflation and stalling economic growth. Analysts and market watchers are sharply divided on what course of action the Governing Council will take on Thursday, making this meeting especially fraught with uncertainty.

Esma’s Ross wants action on digitalisation, greenwashing

Verena Ross, the chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority, Esma, has laid out a robust European framework for improving financial markets, boosting trust and transparency. But in a speech in Germany on Monday, she also identified the industry’s sluggish response to digitalisation and “greenwashing” as barriers to progress.

Baillie Gifford EM strategy bets on India, LatAm, Indonesia

Pension funds are keen for asset managers to increase allocations to India, some advocating for a 20% allocation in their emerging markets portfolio. India’s growth trajectory could potentially eclipse China’s, given its focus on the service sector rather than manufacturing. At its European Media Forum on Friday, Edinburgh-based Baillie Gifford also acknowledged burgeoning opportunities in Latin America and Indonesia, particularly due to the increasing connectivity and the unfolding global energy transition.

BNP Paribas’ Jond takes helm at Amundi Luxembourg

In a high-profile executive shuffle, Pierre Jond has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Amundi Luxembourg, and chairman of Fund Channel, the B2B fund distribution platform jointly owned by Amundi and Caceis. The appointment took effect on September 1. 

Jond succeeds Jeanne Duvoux, who is transitioning to a new role as Head of Business Support & Operations for Amundi Group, Europe’s biggest asset manager with approximately 2,000 billion euro in assets under management.

‘Several’ parties express interest in Fuchs Asset Management

Animated movies. German real estate. Trade finance. Polish mortgages. Industrial lasers. Environmental intelligence. Pharmaceutical services. More than 1.5 billion euro has been invested in the Luxembourg-domiciled alternative investment funds under the wings of Fuchs Asset Management. Its AIFM portfolio presents a small microcosm of alternative investments managed via the Grand Duchy. The manco is for sale after its parent company, Fuchs & Associes, entered liquidation last month. Jean-Jacques Lava, deputy-CEO at Fuchs AM, said the sale process is going according to plan.

Ireland also plans communication on fund valuation

Unlike Luxembourg, financial supervisors in Belgium and the Netherlands see no need for a diligent review of fund valuation practices, spokespeople have told Investment Officer. In Ireland, meanwhile, the supervisor is preparing a “broader industry communication” on the valuation of funds that will be published in the coming months.