Strategy 2019: Turning (Even More) Defensive!

19 September 2018 As analysts return from summer holidays, they tend to extend their earnings forecasts into the next year.  In this spirit, I am casting my strategic gaze into 2019 as well.  In order to set the stage, a brief review of our 2018 strategic themes may be helpful.  In our December essay "Aging [...]

EU Reform: Missing Golden Opportunity?

9 July 2019 Has the impetus behind European reform,  so evident following French President Macron's victory last year, now stalled? The recent Italian election result illustrates that the appeal of populist remedies to Europe's ills has not receded, and Euro-scepticism remains widespread. The challenge remains for Europe's mainstream national leaders, along with the EU institutions [...]

Swiss Franc: More Weakness as SNB Lags ECB

4 February 2018 In the wake of the Global Financial Crisis followed by Europe's Sovereign Debt Crisis, the Swiss franc (CHF) appreciated sharply (see top Chart), reflecting its traditional role as a safe haven. Confronting considerable deflationary risks the Swiss National Bank (SNB) abandoned its policy aimed at setting a floor for the exchange rate [...]

2018 Strategy Podcast: Aging Rally or More to Play For?

9 January 2018 One of my New Year's resolutions was to broaden the types of content offered on this site to make life easier and more stimulating for investors and subscribers.  In this spirit, you are invited to listen to our first podcast.  This broadcast summarises a blog published in December outlining key investment themes [...]