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Geneva-based bank Union Bancaire Privee has launched its first office in Riyadh, a significant step in its long-term expansion and highlighting the rising evolution of wealth management needs in Saudi Arabia.

The euro investment-grade (IG) credit market has historically delivered an average annual return of +2.8% since 2005. However, the past five years have proven particularly challenging, with returns stagnating at around 0.0%. This period was marked by a sharp 15% drawdown in 2022, driven by the energy crisis and surging inflation.

The last week of November ended strongly, following a period of market uncertainty. As December gets under way, seasonal patterns point to a firm year-end finish. However, attention is now turning to next week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. Market expectations became markedly more dovish in the final week of November amid growing concerns about the labour market; investors are now pricing in a 25-bp rate cut in December.

Les banques se désengagent du risque, laissant le crédit privé en première ligne.

Despite Nvidia’s stronger-than-expected results and upbeat guidance, investor sentiment remained fragile. A mixture of fatigue and doubts about AI, shifting expectations for a potential Federal Reserve rate cut in December, and a rise in long-term Japanese yields fuelled sharp swings across equity markets. This week, investors will closely monitor the continuing Russia–Ukraine discussions for signs of an end to the conflict.