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.
Inflation and tight spreads: bonds discouraged for 2026
Stay away next year from “long” government bonds and from corporate bonds, both high yield and investment grade. Profligate governments and poor risk-return profiles will spoil the mood in those markets.
The next generation of private banking still relies on trust, says Quintet's Charles Desnos
As the world of private banking expands to the next generation of clients, non-traditional sectors are rising while the need for a personal touch remains the same, says 27-year-old Charles Desnos at Quintet Private Bank.
Chart of the week: the confrontation
Market sentiment in fixed income is turning quickly. Within just a few weeks, investors and even central bankers have rotated one hundred eighty degrees. Rising inflation risk and an even greater lack of fiscal discipline are pushing yields higher. It is a nightmare scenario for politicians and the run-up to a major confrontation.
Morningstar: AllianceBernstein vs Pimco in high-yield bonds
Prudent risk management is vital in high-yield-bond investing. As this week’s Morningstar fund comparison shows, even strategies operating in the same corner of the market can diverge sharply when stress hits.
India gains recognition as diversification anchor
India is drawing fresh interest from global investors as domestic demand, rapid digitalization and a deepening capital market give it resilience few major economies can match. Emerging market specialists say these qualities are becoming increasingly relevant for diversified portfolios.
Transfers: Fidelity, La Française, Partners Group, Palana, Schuman, URW, Robeco
This week’s roundup of people transfers and appointments.
Bankhaus Metzler expects 10 percent profit for German equities in 2026
Bankhaus Metzler is preparing for another year of strong performance in German equities. The nearly 20 percent rise in the DAX this year will likely not be matched in 2026, said equity strategist Uwe Hohmann, but an increase of 10 percent is within reach.
Private credit’s real risk rests with the managers
In private credit, institutional investors face their biggest risk not in the asset class itself, but in selecting the general partner. Interviews with private market insiders suggest the real danger is a lack of scrutiny of managers.
Simplification push by ESMA risks raising costs before relief
The European Union’s push to simplify financial reporting faces a complex reality, with industry leaders warning that streamlining requirements will likely hike costs before delivering relief.