Investors manage just fine with less research on smallcaps
European regulator Esma is advocating a revision of research rules, expected to take effect next year. Allowing research and trade execution to be paid for jointly again could create new opportunities for smallcap coverage.
Investors favor EM equities over those from the US in 2026
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.
In Liechtenstein, VanEck shapes tomorrow’s fund management
In 2020, VanEck chose Liechtenstein to lay the foundation for its first crypto investments. Since then, the crypto team has expanded significantly. According to VanEck, this is a preview of what the future of fund management may look like.
Over 1 billion euro in Robeco’s active ETFs
About a year after launching its first active ETFs, Robeco has attracted more than 1 billion euro in assets. Four of the six listed index trackers now hold over 100 million euro each—a key threshold for institutional investors.
Major banks bet on infrastructure as a building block in private markets
Within private markets, interest in infrastructure is growing. Both ING and Rabobank are positioning this investment category as a “building block” in their private markets offerings. Goldman expects a larger asset allocation from institutional investors in the coming years.
‘Inexperienced’ family offices turn to illiquid investments
Family offices are increasing their exposure to illiquid investments, even though they often lack the expertise to properly assess private market opportunities.
Haroon Sheikh: ‘Struggle between great powers has only just begun’
The long-assumed stability of Europe is over. Wars on the periphery, a crumbling system of free world trade, and great powers using economic interdependence as a weapon: the continent is under pressure. “The world in which investors must navigate has become more unpredictable.”
How volatile markets are changing financial advice
Investment advisors are getting better at their jobs, according to the distribution teams at asset managers who work closely with them. They’re using more data, stress-testing portfolios against historical scenarios, and educating their clients more effectively. This leads to more stable behavior among end investors.
Record number new ETFs flood the market
In the first four months of this year, a record number of new ETFs entered the market, with active index funds being particularly popular. “All active asset managers in Europe will switch to ETFs within the next ten years.”
ETF investors lose faith in U.S. and turn to Europe
Investors are pulling out of U.S. equity ETFs en masse, while European trackers are experiencing a record inflow.