ECB policymakers might need to talk less often

European dependence on fossil fuels poses a risk to price stability. That is according to Frank Elderson, the Dutch member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank (ECB). Energy shocks, which seem to occur with increasing frequency, are making it ever more difficult for the ECB to keep inflation at 2 percent per year.

Domestic champions support small caps in a deglobalising world

As geopolitical tensions rise and instability in the Middle East persists, small-cap equities have shown notable resilience. So-called “domestic champions”—companies with dominant positions in their domestic markets—are benefiting from deglobalisation and shorter supply chains, and appear less volatile than their reputation suggests.

‘AI adoption of gives boost to quant investing’

Systematic investment strategies are benefiting from the growing “everyday” use of AI, particularly large language models such as ChatGPT. Partly for this reason, these strategies can now more easily find their way into the wealth segment, observed Adam Riley of Blackrock: “When people use the technology themselves, they better understand its power.”

AI dampens inflation, markets underestimate impact on rates

AI is quietly reshaping the cost base of the US economy by replacing labour and making processes more efficient. In services in particular, this is reducing unit labour costs and easing inflationary pressures. The bond market, however, has yet to fully recognise the policy room this creates for the Federal Reserve.

Chart of the week: J-curve or U-turn

For over ten years, I’ve been writing articles for investors, economists, and anyone with even the slightest interest in the financial markets. Extremely negative stories, stories about the issues of the day, or stories with sensational headlines tend to do particularly well. Although I’m occasionally lumped into the first category, I’m usually not very good at writing those kinds of stories. But today I have a topic that tops the charts every day: Artificial Intelligence.