新闻中心/瑞联卓见

Despite recent volatility, emerging markets (EMs) continue to hold significant potential for investors. The current global trends and market conditions present several tailwinds that can drive growth and create opportunities in EM fixed income investments. Here, we explore these tailwinds and discuss the investment implications for the second half of 2024.

Hedge funds are seeing positive inflows this year, says UBP’s Nicolas Faller, who also talked to us about his preferences in terms of bond and equity investments.

In mid-August, UBP raised its conviction rating on hedge funds from 3/5 to 4/5, reflecting the belief that alternative investments are well-positioned to navigate the shifting market landscape.

Over the past 15 months, most asset classes have put in positive performances. However, we’ve entered a transitional phase marked by rising volatility, political risks, and market dissonance. To navigate this shifting landscape, we have reduced our global equity exposure and increased our conviction on hedge funds, as alternative investments are well-positioned to capitalise on current market uncertainties.

You might have heard about our Swiss & Global Equity team’s investment approach, which revolves around cash-flow return on investments (known as CFROI® – Source: Credit Suisse HOLT) and the selection of companies with high and stable CFROI® only for some of its portfolios. This is a measure that gives an indication of a company’s ability to create value.

We explore the importance of nature in our economies and societies – the concept of 'nature-positive', and how businesses can contribute to this global societal goal – in our interview with Dr Noëlle Kümpel, Senior Advisor at BirdLife International.

As part of its strategy to strengthen its service offerings to independent wealth managers, Union Bancaire Privée, UBP SA (UBP) has decided to join the Wecan Group network as well as the Blockchain Association for Finance.

As part of its partnership with Peace Parks Foundation, UBP is guided by their expertise in biodiversity measurement and applies this knowledge when engaging with the corporate sector. The aim is to help companies learn from the conservation specialists and disclose more accurate data on nature.

The market turmoil of recent weeks has shifted the probability of a Fed rate cut dramatically from only several weeks ago. Indeed, whereas markets were previously cautious about a rate cut as early as September, by mid-August, markets began to price in an equal probability of a 25 bps rate cut as a 50 bps cut in September.

Our CSR Team in Hong Kong organised a “Summer of Wellness” programme for colleagues –  an initiative that demonstrates UBP's commitment to fostering a culture of health and well-being, not only within the organisation but also in the local community.

In a bid to preserve their own industries and reduce their dependency on China, the US and EU recently raised trade barriers against Chinese companies, sparking concerns about the cost and pace of the West’s energy transition. The debate is complex, and environmental and social externalities are a crucial part of it.

The second quarter of 2024 is seeing a wave of positive investor sentiment, with commodity hedge funds stepping back into the spotlight in the financial arena.