In a new research report from Deutsche Bank, analysts examine the causes and effects of what is likely to become Germany's worst economic downturn of the post-war period. Looking ahead, analysts believe stabilization could set in gradually in the second half of this year, but they do not expect an upturn until 2010.
While British investors are more cautious and pessimistic than they were six months ago, their confidence has not declined as much as might be expected given the severity of market sell-offs. A biannual survey by the Investment Management Association also finds there is a growing group of investors who see the credit crunch as providing good invest...
Investing in energy is not without its risks, such as the volatility of commodity prices, funding concerns and regulatory uncertainty. However, Neuberger Berman believes this sector offers promising, long-term investment opportunities due to the move to a lower carbon-energy diet and its reliance on alternative energy sources and conservation.
European firms have grown into formidable carbon competitors, due to the establishment of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. That makes North American companies the new kids on the block in the global carbon market. This article from Natsource highlights market strategies employed by companies in the early stages of the EU ETS and offers insights for...
The effects of the financial crisis and declining economic conditions are being felt across the commercial real estate sector, but property market fundamentals remain relatively sound. That, combined with banks and insurers taking a more cautious approach to real estate lending, has resulted in reduced liquidity and a potential opportunity for inve...
After the heavy stock market losses of last fall, many regulatory agencies issued restrictions on the short selling of stocks. In this independent analysis for the Alternative Investment Management Association, researchers examine the effect of these restrictions on stock returns in six countries and find no strong evidence that the restrictions ha...
Too much leverage, poor risk control and blindness to the bubble in the real estate industry have been cited as key factors in the financial crisis. Greycourt, however, points to another potential cause: A collapse of ethical behavior across the financial industry, particularly the loss of any sense of fiduciary responsibility to customers. This wh...
Global investment in physical infrastructure has been a prime driver of growth in emerging markets, but sustained growth also requires investment in an intangible infrastructure that many emerging nations lack. Credit Suisse identifies five pillars of intangible infrastructure (education, health care, development of the financial system, technologi...
It will take time to get the world economy back on track and the process will be difficult, Barclays Wealth says in its annual outlook. Researchers for Barclays summarize their current macroeconomic views and the implications for asset classes and investment in 2009. They also present their asset allocation recommendations and more specific investm...
Deutsche Bank researchers examine the impact of speculative trading on the price of crude oil, based on variables in weekly market reports from the U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission and econometric procedures. Researchers conclude that speculators' dispersion in beliefs, not their activities, drive crude oil prices.
The financial crisis has altered the investment landscape for investment managers as well as for investors. This paper from BNY Mellon looks at the results, such as increased regulatory oversight and demands for greater transparency.
The dollar's value is one vital sign of the health of the U.S. economy vis-à-vis other economies as it reflects expectations about inflation and interest rates. Therefore, tracking and understanding the dollar and other currencies is key to understanding the investment environment, says this paper from Rockefeller & Co. Inc.
Critical to the future success of wealth advisors is a solid understanding of how, and to what degree, the meltdown in financial markets affected investor attitudes, behaviors and needs. Rothstein Kass' Business Consulting Group assesses changes and their implications for other planning disciplines, such as philanthropy, wealth transfer and tax man...
This PriceWaterhouseCoopers study of global private banking and wealth management provides insight into the themes and trends affecting the world of wealth management as well as practical suggestions for actions wealth managers should be taking. The study is conveniently divided into six sections covering performance, client service, products and s...
We believe the reason many bond investors are maintaining high balances in low-yielding money markets right now is because they've been scared into thinking the value of their investment will decline sharply if interest rates rise. They may well be right. They may be wrong. We do not know with certainty. However, we do know with certainty that appr...