Candriam waves Metaverse goodbye and restructures fund
Candriam is transforming its Global Metaverse Fund—originally focused on companies developing the metaverse—into a tech fund centered around AI, cybersecurity, and other trends. It marks a clear sign that the tech hype of 2022 has fully fizzled out.
Dull dividend stocks are making a comeback
The underweighting of expensive U.S. growth stocks is playing into the hands of dividend strategies. Investors are once again showing interest in boring companies with stable dividends.
Morningstar: MFS vs. Maj Invest in Global Large-Cap Value Equities
After years of underperformance, European equities are finally stepping out of the shadow of their U.S. counterparts in 2025. Investors began the year skeptical about Europe, but sentiment shifted—thanks in part to a German proposal to invest heavily in infrastructure and defense.
Euro as a challenger to the dollar?
The U.S. dollar is taking a beating. I’m not just referring to its exchange rate, but also to the growing doubts being raised about the role the greenback plays on the global stage as the de facto world currency.
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.”
Chart of the week: a real shortfall
Some periodic reports and studies are more informative and enjoyable than others. As far as I’m concerned, you can skip the obligatory and meaningless outlooks for the coming calendar year. I prefer to look at what investors are actually doing, rather than the usual December round-up, much of which is already outdated before the new year even begins.
AI shakes up the landscape of ESG data providers
The combination of artificial intelligence, impending regulation, and shifting market dynamics is shaking up the traditionally opaque sector of ESG data providers.
Dutch cooperative offers alternative to Luxembourg fund toolbox
New evergreen fund for Dutch private clients launched as cooperative, not as RAIF or Eltif.
Chart of the week: and then there were nine
Moody’s, the last of the major credit rating agencies to do so, has stripped the United States of its triple-A status. Old news, then? I wouldn’t go that far, given the timing of the decision. While not much may appear to be happening on the surface, policymakers, central banks, and politicians are working overtime behind the scenes.
Morningstar: Loomis Sayles versus Ninety One in global emerging markets corporate bonds
Emerging-market corporate bonds slumped in early 2025, yet analyst-rated strategies from Loomis Sayles and Ninety One stand out for experienced teams, disciplined risk-taking, and distinct approaches amid rising global uncertainty.