All articles on the topic “Equities”
Environmental stocks: How is the sector faring in the current volatile environment?
The first quarter had a few surprises in store for the markets. The US tariff announcements shook the markets to the core and caused a volatile stock market environment. The environmental technology sector was not spared either. What is the outlook for the sector? We asked fund managers Clemens Klein and Alexander Weiß in a double interview.
China Prepares Itself for Trade War and Makes Plans to Get Economy Back on Track
China’s government wants to get the country’s stagnating economy back on track and is preparing for a trade dispute with the US. Under the motto “Made in China 2025,” the goal is to achieve growth of 5 percent. The focus is on key industries: Did you know that China has become the global market leader in renewable energies and produces by far the most electric cars worldwide?
Read more about this and investment opportunities with funds in our blog.
Luxury goods sector could resume expansion
For years, the growing demand for luxury lifestyle products kept the tills of the luxury goods industry ringing. In 2024, that has changed: after years of booming sales, the industry experienced a decline for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak of 2020.
This year, the market could return to growth. Hopes are pinned on a comeback of the important sales market China and a growing appetite for luxury goods among Americans. How are the listed industry heavyweights LVMH & Co. faring in this environment and why are European stocks particularly worth a look in the world of glamor and luxury?
Investment View | February 2025
What’s happening on the markets? In our Investment View, the experts of our Investment Division regularly provide insights of current market events and their opinion on the various asset classes.
What effects could DeepSeek have on the technology sector?
The new AI model from Chinese start-up DeepSeek caused a stir on the stock market a fortnight ago. The seemingly much more efficient and therefore cheaper model caused the share prices of many a tech heavyweight to plummet. Although the initial market reactions were probably exaggerated, one question remains: what long-term impact will DeepSeek have on the big tech companies?
Space industry hopes for new boom under Donald Trump
With Donald Trump in the White House, the private space industry is hoping for a new lease of life. Right at his inaugural address, Trump announced a manned mission to Mars. Many experts see the SpaceX group, led by Trump confidant Elon Musk, as naturally being in pole position for new government contracts. But other companies, such as Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, also want to get involved. Experts also see potential for the European space industry.
DeepSeek: the Sputnik moment for AI?
A new AI model is making headlines and causing US tech giants to falter. Developed by a Chinese start-up, DeepSeek is now forcing us to fundamentally question some of the assumptions made during the AI boom. Find out what this could mean for the tech and chip industry in the article 👉
Pharmaceutical Companies Increase Sales, Focus on Innovation and Acquisitions
The pharmaceutical industry was able to further increase its sales in the last quarter. The biggest players in the sector are relying on acquisitions and innovations – including the increased use of AI. However, things could get more uncomfortable for pharmaceutical companies in the US market: the future US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Rober F. Kennedy Jr., is considered a critic of the industry and has already spoken out in favor of capping drug prices.
Going public: These companies might be floated on the stock exchange in 2025
After almost 3,000 IPOs worldwide in 2021, the number of IPOs has fallen in the past three years. This could change again in 2025, when some companies, primarily from the tech industry, are likely to venture onto the trading floor next year. In today’s blog post, we explain what these companies are and what an IPO actually means for a company.
Trump and green stocks – Interview with fund manager Alexander Weiss
Environmental stocks have corrected sharply in some cases as a result of the US election. We discuss with Alexander Weiss, fund manager of the ERSTE GREEN INVEST, how our fund management is positioned and what opportunities are arising for renewable equities.
Is the AI Rally Nearing its End?
Following this week’s interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve, shares related to artificial intelligence (AI) applications are once again in the spotlight. Investors are hoping that AI will have a positive impact on the business figures of the key players. With the ERSTE STOCK TECHNO fund, you can invest in the most important companies in future technologies.
US tech stocks: Mixed feelings after earnings figures
The shares of the major US technology companies, which had performed very well for a long time, have also fallen recently. The latest half-year figures left the market with mixed feelings: although the figures were largely as expected, there were hardly any increases in profit expectations. Nevertheless, the outlook remains positive, which for fund manager Bernhard Ruttenstorfer has several reasons.
Cleantech stocks: low valuations as opportunity?
Shares from the environmental sector have recently been less in the market’s favor. However, the expansion of renewable energies is continuing at a rapid pace and the AI boom could significantly boost demand for green electricity. Given the good growth prospects and the cheap valuation level, green stocks could currently be worth a look. Alexander Weiss, co-fund manager of the environmental equity funds ERSTE WWF STOCK ENVIRONEMNT and ERSTE GREEN INVEST, explains the background in an interview.
Socially sustainable investment – how does it work?
Investing sustainably in companies with a social impact – this is possible with the ERSTE FAIR INVEST equity fund. In this interview, fund manager Bernhard Selinger explains how he finds socially sustainable companies for the portfolio and why a sustainable strategy is also good for the company’s success.
EVs: Industry plans to drive sales with price reductions, compact models, and new batteries
Even though the car industry continues to focus on e-cars, demand has recently stalled somewhat. In addition to the major car manufacturers, more and more tech companies are entering the market. Meanwhile, a new hope for the future is emerging in the field of battery technology.
Green technologies: US elections as showstopper?
The Inflation Reduction Act has triggered billions of dollars of investment in green technologies in the USA. Are the subsidies and tax breaks for renewable energies at risk in view of the upcoming US election? Clemens Klein, fund manager of ERSTE GREEN INVEST, provides some answers.
India: The new counterweight to China?
The Indian economy is booming as more and more companies see the country as a potential alternative to China. In the coming years, India wants to become the third largest economy in the world. What is behind these ambitious plans? Is India really the market of the future?
Best of Charts: Warm-up for the US election
The US presidential election in November is already casting its shadow. What impact could the outcome of the election have on share prices and how is the US economy performing in general.
Pharma industry continues to profit from booming weight loss drugs
The boom in weight loss products has long since spread to the stock markets. While the shares of pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are benefiting from the high demand, other industry giants are also looking to follow. However, experts are also warning of possible side effects of the drugs, which were originally developed to treat diabetes.
AI Boom Yields Strong Quarterly Gains for US Tech Giants
The topic of artificial intelligence continues to flourish on the stock market. The US chip company Nvidia recently attracted attention with another strong set of quarterly figures. How did the rest of the “Magnificent Seven” fare in the reporting season and what are the plans of the tech giants in the AI sector?
Money tip: Are biotechnology stocks at the outset of a new upswing?
Biotechnology stocks have been back in the spotlight since the beginning of the year. Successes in research and market approvals for new drugs could provide fresh impetus. Is the sector worth a look now?
Stock market at all-time high: What are the reasons?
Several important stock indices have recently reached new record highs. What are the reasons for the positive sentiment, what could move the markets this year and what about the much-cited Magnificent 7?
🍋 Dividend basics for shareholders
An increasing number of investors, when selecting shares, do not only focus on share price performance, but also on a stable, high dividend – for good reason.
Market outlook: What investors can expect in 2024
2023 brought many surprises – including positive ones, such as the unexpectedly good performance across all asset classes. What can investors expect in the new year and which topics could come into focus? Gerald Stadlbauer, Head of Discretionary Portfolio Management, provides an outlook.
Stock markets review: Hopes for interest rate cuts fuelled significant gains in 2023
The international stock markets closed out 2023 with significant gains. Hopes of abating inflationary pressure and declining interest rates were the main market drivers in Q4, resulting in a strong year for stock exchanges.
Norway: Visiting sustainable portfolio companies
Norway has the largest oil reserves in Europe. Nevertheless, the Scandinavian country is considered a pioneer in the use of renewable energies. There are also many companies in the industrial sector that are working on sustainable value creation. Fund manager Markus Gruber visited some sustainable companies from the portfolios of the impact funds ERSTE WWF STOCK ENVIRONMENT and ERSTE GREEN INVEST.
How can I as an investor benefit optimally from structural changes?
Megatrends are long-term developments that not only change the financial markets, but also global economic and social life. As an investor, you can benefit from these trends, especially with a long-term investment horizon, provided you are aware of the risks and opportunities of such a strategy. Find out which structural changes could shape the markets in the future and thus offer opportunities for investors in the blog post.
Turkish economy on the road to normalization
After years of numerous hardships, the political and economic signs are changing in Turkey. Growth, which has returned this year despite high inflation and interest rates, is expected to continue in the coming years according to forecasts. International investors have also rediscovered the Turkish stock market.
Megatrends on the equity market
Megatrends are long-term developments that have the potential to decisively change various industries and markets. We explain how investors can participate in these developments.
Biotechnology shares ready to stage a comeback?
In the first half of 2023, growth shares – and as such, also the biotechnology sector – came under pressure as investors were pivoting towards value shares. But the signs are changing. The possible high in interest rates in Europe and the USA could boost biotech shares again, as ERSTE STOCK BIOTEC fund manager Harald Kober explains in an interview.
Environmental equities – a good time to invest?
The sharp rise in interest rates is weighing more heavily on environmental and renewable energy equities than on assets from other sectors. Clemens Klein, fund manager of ERSTE WWF STOCK ENVIRONMENT, explains in an interview why this is the case, why environmental shares remain very attractive, and why this could even be a good time to enter the market.
Where is the German housing market heading?
Despite higher inflation and interest rates, demand for housing in Germany is expected to remain robust.
Semiconductor Industry Picking up Speed Again: AI Chips Are Booming
After a period of declining sales, the semiconductor industry is expected to get back on track and return to growth in 2024. In particular, chips developed specifically for AI applications are a big driver of the boom.
Miracle drug semaglutide: slim by injection
Originally, the Danish company Novo Nordisk wanted to develop Semaglutid as a drug for diabetes 2 patients. However, the appetite-reducing effect of the drug soon became apparent, making semaglutide a miracle cure for obesity. While Novo Nordisk’s share price has risen significantly since then, possible side effects of the drug are now also being examined.
Best of Charts: Beach Edition
The stock markets are also usually a little quieter during the summer months. Many market participants take a break due to holidays and the general activity decreases. In any case, a look at some important charts indicates that no nasty surprises are to be expected during the holidays.
E-vehicles boom unbroken
The automotive industry is slowly regaining momentum after the pandemic and supply bottlenecks. E-Vehicles are experiencing a real boom. How can you profit as an investor?
Strong first half of the year: What`s next for the stock markets?
The stock markets look back on a strong first half of the year. In addition to the already familiar factors of inflation and key interest rates, the trend topic of artificial intelligence (AI) came into focus. In this interview, fund manager Tamás Menyhárt looks back on the past six months and tells us what has to happen for 2023 to end as happily as the first half of the year did.
Economy in Japan growing again
The economy in Japan emerged from recession in the first quarter. Several important economic indicators signal an upswing after the Corona crisis and the Japanese benchmark index Nikkei also rose steadily recently.
Benefit from the megatrend Artificial Intelligence with equities
The megatrend of artificial intelligence is also on everyone’s lips on the financial markets. Some companies from the AI sector have posted significant gains in their stock price so far this year. We show you with which investments you can profit from the AI boom and what you need to bear in mind.
A tale of two volatilities
The volatility of bonds has increased significantly and is clearly higher than that of equities. What are the reasons for this difference in development?
IT-Giants focus on Artificial Intelligence
The cloud business of the leading tech companies continues to boom. However, many see the future primarily in the potential applications of artificial intelligence. With billions in investments, Google parent Alphabet and software giant Microsoft want to take a leading role in the trendy topic of AI.
“A mild economic downturn has already been priced in by the market”
With the ERSTE REAL ASSETS mixed fund, investors can invest in real assets – and have indeed been doing so for two years now. On the occasion of the fund’s two-year anniversary, Philip Schifferegger, fund manager of ERSTE REAL ASSETS, is taking a look at the current market situation. He also explains why the fund is well equipped for both positive and negative market phases.
Banking problems support share prices
Since the banking problems in the US emerged in March, share prices have risen and expectations for future key interest rates have fallen significantly. However, inflation dynamics remain the most important factor for the markets, but unfortunately also one that is difficult to assess.
Robust economy despite recent turbulences
Despite the recent turmoil in the banking sector, both companies and the global economy are currently proving to be extremely robust. Read more about the current market environment in the commentary by Gerald Stadlbauer, Head of Discretionary Portfolio Management at Erste AM.
Best of Charts II
Inflation, coupled with restrictive central bank measures and recession worries, continue to keep the markets busy. This is also shown by a look at some important financial charts.
The Credit Suisse takeover and its possible consequences
The effects of the takeover of the faltering major Swiss bank Credit Suisse by its competitor UBS are spreading far and wide. The risk of a recession has increased. Will the interest rate hikes soon be coming to an end?
Credit Suisse: Liquidity support after share price turbulence
The Swiss bank Credit Suisse came under pressure on Wednesday after uncertainty spread among investors. The experts from our Investment Division provide an overview.
Silicon Valley Bank – Impact on the Stock Markets
The turbulences surrounding the US Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) are currently keeping the markets busy. After the bank was closed last Friday, a comprehensive package of measures followed over the weekend to avoid possible consequences. In this blog post, the experts of our Investment Division explain what exactly happened and how they assess the situation.
A sustainable story of success
In July, the ERSTE RESPONSIBLE STOCK GLOBAL fund will celebrate its 20th anniversary. During its history so far, the fund has achieved a highly successful performance while the world of sustainable investments has changed fundamentally.
ChatGPT – what’s behind the revolutionary technology?
ChatGPT has made headlines in recent months and is seeing rapid user growth. What is behind this tech innovation and how are the major technology companies reacting to this new trend?