Fund Radar: China boosts gains for EM equity funds
Chinese stocks experienced an unprecedented rally in the final week of Q3. A series of unexpected stimulus measures pushed Chinese equities to their largest weekly rise in 15 years, supporting the outperformance of emerging markets compared to developed markets over the past three months.
Saudi spare capacity, shale hopes keep oil prices in check – but for how long?
The oil market is on tenterhooks as the conflict in the Middle East escalates, with much hinging on Israel’s next move in response to Iran’s recent missile attack. While oil prices have risen, the market remains surprisingly calm, despite the looming threat of supply disruptions.
Investors eye 4% Treasuries as bond market tests Fed’s resolve
The surge in US Treasury yields above the 4 percent threshold is drawing a mixed response from investors, despite the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts. Experts from Pictet, UBS Wealth Management, and Bank of America see an opportunity to lock in attractive yields amid market turbulence, but the bond market remains unconvinced about the Fed’s path forward.
China’s market rally stalls as stimulus disappoints
After an initial surge following the reopening of China’s stock exchanges, investor enthusiasm quickly evaporated as hopes for detailed stimulus measures from Beijing fell short.
Longeval's view: CBDCs threaten western democracy
Investment Officer, once in a while, has a conversation with investment expert Jan Longeval to discuss his views on economic and financial developments. This time, he warns about the risks of Central Bank Digital Currencies, or CBDCs.
Fund Radar: a turbulent third quarter globally
From depressed to euphoric. The mood of global stock markets could change rapidly during the third quarter of 2024. To navigate through such volatile market conditions, investors need a long-term vision, patience, and perspective.
Post-crisis regulation fuels ABS valuation
European asset-backed securities (ABS) are trading at historically attractive levels compared to similarly-rated corporate and government bonds, paradoxically because many see these instruments in connection with the 2008 financial crisis, explained Matthew Wardle, who makes the case for investment-grade structured credit in his role as M&G’s ABS portfolio manager.
Private markets: Focusing on value over costs in an overcrowded market
Private markets have transformed from a niche allocation into a mainstream investment strategy, and this shift is reshaping portfolios globally. Navigating this increasingly crowded space requires a sharp focus on value rather than cost, according to Duncan Lamont, head of strategic research at Schroders.
Private debt funds top €500 bln amid concerns over ESG caution
The Luxembourg private debt market has reached a new milestone, surpassing 500 billion dollars in assets under management (AuM) according to the 2024 Private Debt Fund Survey, published by KPMG in collaboration with the Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry (ALFI). The survey reveals a 21.5 percent growth in AuM, reaching 510 billion dollars, continuing its strong upward trajectory despite global market turbulence.
Gold soars, but who cares?
It can hardly have escaped your notice: gold is hot! The gold price is currently breaking record after record, and even the ‘mainstream’ financial media can no longer ignore the yellow metal. But when I read these stories, they mostly raise a lot of questions for me. Are traditional investors really that naive now, or are they deliberately looking the other way?