Insights

We were about to raise a bottle of Corona beer to bid Covid-19 farewell when China imposed the strictest lockdown ever seen. Moreover, hopes for a fast post-pandemic economic recovery are marred by the US Fed’s new resolve to fight inflation. But investors may yet clink glasses if they proceed carefully.

The global listed infrastructure outperformed strongly against choppy markets in the first quarter. Find out more about the sector’s all-weather attributes – from inflation protection characteristics and high dividend yields to exposure to durable growth and essential services.

Inflation is here to stay, so does the traditional 60/40 portfolio go out the window? Not really, but it needs rethinking. Actively managed strategies that exploit higher rates and pricing inefficiencies in various bond segments are the way forward.

The war in Ukraine, as troubling as it is, may yet prove a relatively minor event for equity markets, according to Frank Häusler, Vontobel’s Chief Investment Strategist. Historically, stock prices have recovered after every major international crisis since 1941, unless there was a global recession – and that isn’t currently his baseline scenario.

ESG investments are becoming increasingly important in the investment industry. Investors seeking a higher risk-adjusted return should target those sustainability issues that are financially relevant to companies. For effective ESG integration, the focus must be on the financial materiality, which can be best tapped with a systematic approach.

With Vladimir Putin’s designs on Ukraine now becoming apparent, western importers of Russian energy, grains, and metals are wondering what’s in store for them. To nobody’s surprise, commodity prices have risen to new record highs, contrasting the downturn on equity markets. Europe must prepare for another inflationary shock – and more human suffering.

The ongoing geopolitical conflict in Eastern Europe escalated on Thursday with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In this situation, investors need guidance, because the event also has far-reaching implications for financial markets.

Split between fascination and fear, artificial intelligence (AI) is permeating more and more areas. The financial industry is also increasingly using machine learning to optimize decision-making. Used correctly, this technology can result in versatile opportunities that can be used profitably.

In this in-depth virtual update our experts Stephan Schneider, Head Portfolio Management Vescore, Kerstin Hottner, Portfolio Manager and Pascal Isner,