Luxembourg: Living parallel lives
Gregory Kennedy reflects on Luxembourg’s unique identity, its state-driven economy, reliance on cross-border workers, and finance-dominated private sector. Is Luxembourg a “real” country?
Off the Beaten Path: Staying True to Dividend Investing
Over the past few years, we have noticed a remarkable shift: the dividend yield of global dividend strategies has been in decline. Increasing exposure to mega-caps with steep valuations has shifted the category away from high dividend yields.
Defense stocks shield Europe against market malaise
The gap between the US and European stock markets has rarely been so wide. This week, the escalation in Ukraine has driven the markets even further apart. One sector, ironically enough, is bravely holding its ground: defense. For investors looking to invest in this sector, there still seems to be ample opportunity, though many grapple with ethical dilemmas.
Esma chief still sees merit in basic and simple investment product
The chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (Esma), Verena Ross, still believes that a ‘basic and simple’ investment product could help convince more European savers to start investing.
UCI tax: Ghent court provides relief for Luxembourg funds
The Belgian UCI tax on Luxembourg funds remains a longstanding point of contention between the two countries. However, a recent ruling by the Ghent Court of Appeal has delivered significant legal and tax advantages for Luxembourg Sicavs.
Province of Luxembourg: a promising field for private bankers
No less than four of the five wealthiest municipalities in Belgium are located in the Province of Luxembourg, which borders the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This Belgian province—particularly its border areas—has been identified as an attractive growth market by private bankers and wealth advisors.
Asset owners see tech reducing dependence on managers
Disruptive technology is shaping nearly every aspect of the global asset management industry, from growth and competition to innovation and acquisitions, according to PWC’s Asset and Wealth Management Survey 2024.
Chart of the week: questions about inflation
Fed Chair Powell has made no secret of it: he and his colleagues aim to bring interest rates back to the elusive, yet undefined, neutral rate. To reinforce this narrative, the FOMC members filled their forecasts with a significant number of expected rate cuts. However, the question now arises: does inflation actually permit this?
Stock market concentration: a SKAGEN perspective
As a dwindling number of stocks drive global equity returns, what are the implications for markets and investors?
Morningstar: interest in water funds declines
Interest in water funds, like sustainable investing more broadly, has recently waned among investors. This marks a departure from the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw significant inflows. Although there are more than 40 different funds in this category, only a few manage the majority of the assets.