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Nicolas Faller spoke to Finanz und Wirtschaft about the recent shifts in the investment landscape – in particular in private markets – and how this, along with Switzerland’s unique economic situation, is affecting investment flows.

Doubts over a December interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve and concerns over the scale and timing of AI-related capex weighed on sentiment, underscoring the fragile market landscape. Now that the US government’s 43-day shutdown has ended, investors are awaiting the delayed September non-farm payrolls report this week. The publication of the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s meeting and Nvidia’s earning report, both on Wednesday, will be also closely scrutinised.

Many baby boomers have entered the decumulation phase of their financial lives and for them, the priority has shifted from capital appreciation to income stability. Accordingly, diversification and carry (income from coupons) are paramount. Investors value the stable yields bonds provide, especially when they come with managed volatility, and emerging-market debt (EMD) is an excellent source of diversification.

Scepticism and fatigue surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), coupled with the ongoing US government shutdown and mounting concerns about the labour market, weighed on investor sentiment. The global technology sector declined, despite a steady stream of upbeat news related to AI. As the earnings season draws to a close, markets are now looking for supportive macroeconomic signals to restore confidence.

Ten years on from the Paris Agreement, COP30 is being held at an extremely pivotal moment for climate change action, the global community, and the Earth itself. The COP30 President, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, has called for the accelerated implementation of the Paris Agreement at this critical time, hoping that COP30 will be a summit of solutions. As is tradition at UBP, we have put together our own wish list for what we hope can be achieved at this year’s COP summit.