Category Archives: Global Trends

US-China Trade War Effect on the EU

Back in March we introduced and briefly discussed Trump’s intention to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum goods. In less than a year those trade disputes escalated in a trade war, impacting not only the two involved countries but also other trading partners, including the EU. The disaffection versus international institutions has been driven byContinue reading “US-China Trade War Effect on the EU”

Alternative investments will hit record $14 trillion AUM in 2023. What about PE?

Alternative investments will hit record $14 trillion AUM in 2023. What about PE? The popularity of the alternative investments space does not come as a novelty in a period in which investors increasingly seek to shy away from the less attractive returns of traditional asset classes. The news is however, that forecasts see the industryContinue reading “Alternative investments will hit record $14 trillion AUM in 2023. What about PE?”

Our view on 2019

What’s up buddy? At the beginning of 2018, the VIX, an instrument which tracks the volatility of the S&P500, surged dramatically showing a comeback of fear among investors (Figure 1) following a period of extreme calm started after the financial crisis. Figure 1: Higher VIX since February 2018 Source: Bloomberg February’s spike in volatility ledContinue reading “Our view on 2019”

2018 EU-US Outlook: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?

As the first quarter of the year is headed to the end and new challenges lay ahead for international financial markets, frame the actual situation is necessary to adapt to future changes. 2017 has been a record year both in terms of returns and volatility. Looking at historic data, seems obvious the past year representsContinue reading “2018 EU-US Outlook: Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?”

The return of megadeals: Blackstone buys Thomson Reuters’ data unit for $17bn

On 30.01.2018, Blackstone announced to buy a majority stake in the data business of Thomson Reuters, the world’s second largest financial information provider. It’s the private equity group’s biggest purchase since the financial crisis, pitting the firepower and network of Stephen Schwarzman, who oversees $387bn in Blackstone funds, against fellow billionaire and former New YorkContinue reading “The return of megadeals: Blackstone buys Thomson Reuters’ data unit for $17bn”

Are We on the Verge of a Trade War?

Many of us have been asking ourselves this question after President Trump announced his intention to impose 25% and 10% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, respectively. Trump’s announcement might be challenging the GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) which despite evolving throughout time, have remained the WTO’s foundation since its establishment after WorldContinue reading “Are We on the Verge of a Trade War?”

Mifid II: what about the markets?

3rd of January 2018, while the markets started well their year and were keeping a bullish direction before the recent increase in volatility, something else started. Yes, it’s the new European Union Markets in Financial Instruments Directive known also as MiFID II. Most people talked a lot about it during the last quarter of 2017Continue reading “Mifid II: what about the markets?”

Private Equity – The best asset-class of the last 25 years

Private Equity – What is it? Private equity (PE) has gained a great amount of influence in today’s financial marketplace, but only few people actually understand the ins and outs of the industry. This quick article (less than “360” seconds long!) breaks down the topic, discussing in brief (i) the different types of PE strategies;Continue reading “Private Equity – The best asset-class of the last 25 years”