Pictet Wealth Management

The average person in the developed world uses three times more water than is sustainable, but industrial designer Mehrdad Mahdjoubi believes that innovative design, not behaviour change, is the key to curbing consumption. Inspired by his work at NASA and driven by a passion for efficient water usage, Mahdjoubi founded Orbital Systems in 2012, a circular shower system that recirculates and purifies water, avoiding excessive wastage. Read the full article to discover how Orbital Systems is making sustainability a mainstream choice: https://lnkd.in/d_kFUSY8 #PictetInsights #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #EnvironmentalImpact #WaterConservation

CESAR PEREZ RUIZ, Chief Investment Officer of PWM, shares his 3 key themes: 1️⃣ Question marks over government bonds Elections in the UK, France and the US are pushing fiscal issues to the top of the agenda and will influence the direction of rates. While the election result in France seems to have reduced the chance of large, unfunded tax cuts, there is still a risk to France’s fiscal position. We expect the French state to continue to pay a higher risk premium to issue debt than before the calling of elections and we have raised our year-end forecast for the spread between Bunds and French government bonds. French and other European issuers could also face higher risk premia. 2️⃣ US market gains need to broaden The narrowness of recent market returns, dominated by a handful of large-cap tech names, continues to be a source of concern in US equities. However, earnings growth in the US should broaden out in H2. Earnings projections for later this year remain relatively robust in Europe and Japan, but we need to watch the impact on investor sentiment of the French political morass and the fast developments in the presidential election campaign in the US. 3️⃣ Still waiting for China to regain stride Investors in Chinese equities have turned more cautious again of late, judging as inadequate recent measures to stabilise the property sector. A near-term catalyst could be the Communist Party’s ‘Third Plenum’ this month and the beefing up of efforts to restore confidence in the property sector. Tech companies in Taiwan and Korea continue to do well, and the outlook for Indian equities looks structurally positive. A strong USD continues to hang over the renminbi. Persistent trade tensions could also persuade the Chinese authorities to let the currency weaken. Read our full review here: https://lnkd.in/eVkjXAW6

Witnessing the loss of a coral reef due to rising sea temperatures, marine biologist Vriko Yu founded Archireef, a startup committed to restoring degraded marine environments using cutting-edge 3D printing technology. Archireef's commitment to sustainability extends beyond their technology. Unlike plastic or metal, their clay tiles are made from natural materials and are pH neutral, minimizing harm to the marine ecosystem. With a remarkable 95% coral survival rate, Archireef's approach outperforms traditional reef restoration methods by at least four times. Learn more about their mission to combat climate change and secure the future of our oceans: https://lnkd.in/emuVi4VP #PictetInsights #Sustainability #ClimateAction #CoralRestoration

CIO Weekly View - As the second quarter earnings season approaches, consensus expectations are for earnings to be less narrowly based than in the first quarter, when ‘Magnificent seven’ stocks generated most earnings growth. While we may see a broadening of S&P 500 earnings, it will be critical to monitor the forward guidance companies give to see whether index constituents are confident about generating profit growth in the quarters ahead. Read our full review here: https://lnkd.in/eTJhHAVB #PictetInsights #MacroResearch #MarketsView

Hedge funds are a diverse asset class, encompassing complex strategies that take advantage of investment opportunities across asset classes. They have proved their worth over the past 30 years, offering diversified returns to investors, often thanks to their focus on volatility, dislocation and changes in the market paradigm. By positioning ahead of market shifts, hedge funds can play an important role both in enhancing returns and defending portfolios against market downturns. Their inclusion in portfolios has significantly mitigated the impact of stock market sell-offs at various stages over the past three decades, most notably during the ‘dot com’ bust of 2000-2002 and the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. Their active approach to investing combined with a rigorous approach to risk management mean that hedge funds can exploit volatility, as well as divergences in economic developments across the world or between asset assets. They often come into their own during periods characterised by worries about political and geopolitical developments, or uncertainties about fiscal deficits and interest rates. #PictetInsights #HedgeFunds #DiversifiedReturns #AlternativeAssets

Family offices have traditionally played a significant role in managing the wealth of the ultra-rich, acting as trusted advisors and custodians of their assets. However, with the emergence of a younger generation taking the reins, family offices are undergoing a transformation, assuming a more prominent position in directing capital towards social and environmental impact. Discover the insightful article written by Christoph J Courth, Head of Philanthropy Services at Pictet Wealth Management, featured in latest edition of Philanthropy Impact. #PictetInsights #FamilyOffices #Philanthropy #SocialImpact #EnvironmentalImpact

Pictet Wealth Management is pleased to be a partner of The Klosters Forum for a fourth consecutive year. As the 2024 forum starts today, we are excited to join forces in our shared mission of raising awareness about the most critical environmental challenges of our era and exploring the role of cities in addressing them.

CIO Weekly View - The world’s biggest ever election year shifts up a gear this week with the first debate in the race for the US presidency – without a live audience at President Joe Biden’s request. In France, voters go to the polls at the weekend in the first of two rounds of parliamentary elections. The uncertain French political outlook has raised fiscal concerns, which have been amplified by France and six other European Union countries facing budget discipline measures for running deficits in excess of EU limits. The fiscal concerns in France are unlikely to disappear soon, supporting the Swiss franc against the euro. In equity markets, after a bumper inflow of funds into equities this year, the wider market is vulnerable to any disappointing news. Read our full review here: https://lnkd.in/e7XkesuQ #PictetInsights #MacroResearch #MarketsView

Mark Inkster, a sustainability pioneer of three decades, has ignited a revolution with Asia Sustainability Angels, a powerhouse investment firm fueling groundbreaking startups driving the environmental transition. Inkster firmly believes that investing in sustainable startups isn't just about saving the planet—it's a strategic move. The urgent need for innovation, coupled with governments racing to meet climate goals, has created a fertile ground for investment opportunities. While corporate ESG efforts play a role, startups are the true catalysts for groundbreaking developments and industries. Read their inspiring story here: http://spkl.io/60444AedM #PictetInsights #Entrepreneurship #Sustainability #Innovation #ClimateTech

CIO Weekly View - French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to call legislative elections has caused political turmoil in France. Uncertainties about voter turnout and vote transfer make it hard to predict the outcome of the election. What is certain is that the momentum is not in favour of the outgoing majority. Whatever the next government and its platform, the key challenge will be the fiscal position, with a corrective budget to be voted in Q3, followed by the 2025 budget in Q4. Read our full review here: https://lnkd.in/e7Wz5MTJ #PictetInsights #MacroResearch #MarketsView