Conviction Equities Boutique

Learn more about emerging markets and their structural transformation, which makes equities in these markets a more mature and interesting asset class.

The surge in electricity demand exposes aging power networks as the weak link in electrification. Underinvestment, congestion, and climate stress are colliding with a rising share of renewables and power-hungry data centers. This makes grid modernization, storage, and resilience a defining, long-term investment opportunity.

Vontobel’s experts highlight a widening set of opportunities in emerging market equities, spanning consumer-driven growth, industrial capital expenditure, energy investment, and markets undergoing structural reforms that emphasize shareholder value and capital discipline.

After years of climate taking center stage in impact investing, the social side of the coin is starting to receive more investor attention. Find out what’s been driving the increased interest, and why the timing matters.

Energy sovereignty efforts and competitiveness are fostering the transition from a system based on finite, extracted resources with volatile prices to one centered on generated technologies with decreasing costs as production scales. Investing in the full spectrum with an active approach offers the opportunity to accelerate the transition and share in its rewards.

Korea’s governance reforms tackle the 'Korea discount' by enhancing transparency and minority shareholder rights. Measures like mandatory treasury share cancellations and stronger board independence aim to unlock corporate value and drive fairer valuations. A pivotal step toward more equitable markets.

Despite the global ESG backlash, companies are continuing to work toward sustainability goals. The Conviction Equities Boutique’s Engagement Report captures the trends emerging for their dialogues and explains the team’s approach.

Equity markets have become concentrated in a handful of mega-cap stocks, leaving many high-quality small- and mid-cap (SMID) companies overlooked. But what does the combination of concentration, valuation, and structural megatrends mean for investors?

Emerging market equities enjoyed an impressive year but have investors missed the boat? We don’t think so. In fact, we believe 2025 marked the first year of positive change for at least two key structural factors, which could spark the beginning of a new positive cycle for EM equities.

The turbulence and uncertainty that defined stock markets in 2025 kept investors on their toes. 2026 offers grounds for optimism.

The success of an equity portfolio depends on the selection of the underlying companies. In today’s changing world, innovative, diversified, and agile companies have a clear advantage, according to our Swiss Equities Team, which closely monitors 140 Swiss companies and assesses their quality through regular meetings and site visits to gain insights into their corporate culture.

ESG frameworks have faced rising political pushback and growing skepticism, with some investors questioning the feasibility of climate goals under current political and economic conditions. We believe, even during turbulent times, the transition to a low-carbon economy is here to stay. Read the latest Impact Report for more insights.