BNP Paribas Asset Management

US stocks dropped by more than 2% on 10 October after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on Chinese exports to the US and more export controls on critical software. Such tariffs could increase the risk of stagflation in the US economy and make life difficult for the US Federal Reserve when it comes to the outlook for monetary policy.

What of the dilemma between stretched stock market valuations, which could be a reason to stay clear of US equities, and the solid fundamentals of the American economy? Should they go along for the ride or look for growth and good value elsewhere? Can falling interest rates tempt investors over the threshold?

Actively managed exchange-traded funds are a new generation of investment solutions. They combine the features that have made ETFs popular with active security selection. The objective is to generate returns that exceed their benchmark, after fees.

What are the advantages of investing in an exchange-traded fund rather than just buying stocks? ETFs offer investors diversification, spreading exposure and risk. They are a straightforward and affordable way to invest in broad market indices composed of either equities, bonds or other asset classes.

The change in economic and geopolitical policies from the US administration, combined with a significant increase in European defence and infrastructure spending, have led many investors to reassess Europe’s investment potential.

Increasingly volatile rainfall patterns are hastening investment in infrastructure that diverts, stores and cleans stormwater, creating opportunities for suppliers of innovative hardware and consultancy services, writes Senior Portfolio Manager Justin Winter.

Active exchange-traded funds combine an ETF structure with active management strategies, aiming to outperform benchmarks or enhance ESG1 profiles.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech on Friday 22 August at the Jackson Hole economic conference was supposed to be the event of the week and, indeed, it had consequences for financial markets. By focusing on the downside risks on employment, Powell paved the way for a cut in key rates on 17 September.

In his much-awaited speech at the annual Jackson Hole central bankers’ symposium, his last as Chair of the Federal Reserve (Fed), Jerome Powell delivered a dovish surprise by opening the door wide to a rate cut at the FOMC’s upcoming meeting.

Geopolitical shifts are forcing many investors to rethink their regional allocation. This sets up an opportunity for European stocks. Already, they have outperformed US stocks by a good margin. We believe there is more to come as the continent starts to spend big on its own capabilities and embarks on reform.