Investing

After a volatile year, the question arises where the best risk-return profile will be found in the coming years. That is why this month’s question to our Market Talk panel, on this occasion with all seven members present, is: what will be your favorite asset class in 2026, and why?

Nathalie Bausch, CEO of DWS Investment SA, reflects on the strategic importance of the Luxembourg platform within the DWS group, current allocation trends among professional investors and what to expect as the market looks ahead to 2026.

For the second time, the editorial team of Investment Officer conducted a year-end survey among large asset managers operating in Europe. The aim was to assess their outlooks for 2026 based on a standardized set of proprietary questions. The common thread is that risks have become structural, without leading to a flight from risk assets.

The private markets model is edging into the US retail retirement system, where policymakers are moving to allow 401(k) investors to gain exposure to private assets, potentially opening up a trillion dollar market to alternative managers as early as February.

Geopolitical risk once entered markets through sudden shocks. Going into 2026, leading investment managers and economists see a more persistent source of pressure: structural forces reshaping a world that is fracturing.

Luxembourg is full of opportunities to explore the world of private banking and make your mark, explain two young bankers at Citi. Despite the country’s dreary climate, they highlight the Grand Duchy as an appealing place for young people starting out in the industry.

Around one-third of asset managers active in Europe expect a comeback for European equities in 2026. They consider stocks from the region to be inexpensive and expect the planned large-scale European government investments in areas such as defense and infrastructure to act as a catalyst.

Volatile prices make the coffee market an attractive arena for trading. However, downside risks currently dominate, experts warn.

Amid rising volatility, questions surrounding US interest rates, and uncertainty about the technology sector, Natixis Wealth Management is focusing on diversification in 2026, both geographically and across sectors.

Are bonds issued by well-known champion companies as safe as government debt? More and more investors seem to think so, judging by the small yield differentials between, for example, Microsoft and US government paper or between AXA and French government bonds.