Current market information and expert opinions 📈🌍📉
What’s happening on the stock markets? Which sectors and trends are currently popular on the market? Where is the global economy heading, and how are the latest economic developments affecting share prices? Here, our experts and fund managers provide answers to the most pressing questions for investors 👉
The semiconductor industry is considered one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI boom. Investors therefore kept a close eye on the sector’s figures for the first three months of 2025. One thing became clear: the expansion of AI infrastructure continues to deliver good results for most chip companies – but the sword of Damocles in the form of impending US tariffs is still hanging over industry giants such as Nvidia & Co. Read more in today’s blog post.
Following the tariffs shock and the accompanying market turmoil, the deferral of said tariffs has led to a surprisingly rapid upturn on the equity markets. That being said, uncertainty remains high, even though the US reporting season has been positive so far. Read more in the market commentary by Gerald Stadlbauer, Head of Discretionary Portfolio Management.
The US government’s extensive tariff plans have been causing volatility on the stock markets since last week. Yesterday’s announcement of a 90-day pause for the new tariffs was met with relief by the markets – even though a further escalation between the US and China is on the horizon. We take a look at the current situation on the financial markets and analyse the possible consequences of an escalation in the trade conflict.
In September, the US labor market performed surprisingly well, with significantly more new jobs created than expected. This has pushed back concerns about an impending recession, which is positive for the financial markets. Was the strong labor market report just an outlier, or is the US Federal Reserve perhaps on the right track to achieving the hoped-for “soft landing”?
Oil prices have fallen significantly in the year to date, which also had a noticeable dampening effect on inflation. However, this could change with the further escalation in the Middle East. Following the Iranian missile attack on Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced retaliation.
Lower interest rates in the USA mean that investments in emerging markets are becoming more attractive. The ERSTE RESPONSIBLE BOND EM LOCAL fund, which received the Austrian Ecolabel in August, could also benefit from this.
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.
After the rapid and sharp interest rate increases in 2022 and 2023, the pendulum is now swinging in the opposite direction. After the European Central Bank (ECB), the US Federal Reserve will cut key interest rates for the first time this Wednesday, thus initiating a new cycle of interest rate cuts. What does all this mean for the economy and what conclusions can be drawn from it for investments?
In recent weeks, there has been much discussion about the so-called Sahm Rule – a usually quite reliable recession indicator in the US that was triggered in August for the first time since the coronavirus crisis. There is no corresponding indicator for Europe so far, which raises the question: What is the risk of recession with regard to the European labor market?
Weakening growth in the eurozone has been an issue on the markets for some time now. In the Central and Eastern European countries, however, this is largely a non-issue. According to forecasts, the region is also likely to grow faster than the eurozone this year. Private consumption in particular has recently proved to be a growth driver. However, the tense situation in German industry is causing concern.
The Sahm Rule, an important recession indicator in the US, was triggered at the beginning of August – causing uncertainty on the markets. We explain what is behind the indicator and why everything could be different this time.
The Japanese stock market quickly recovered from the slide at the beginning of the month. However, attention remains focused on the Japanese central bank after it announced that it would hold off on further interest rate hikes for the time being. However, the Bank of Japan’s direction of travel seems clear: away from the ultra-loose monetary policy of recent years.
Both the markets and central banks are pointing to a shift in economic risks from inflation towards growth. The focus is currently on the US labor market.
On the stock markets, the focus is shifting back to the downside risks. Nevertheless, there are still hopes that inflation will gradually fall and that there will be no recession. But how realistic are the hopes for this “soft landing” of the economy and how can investors position themselves in the current environment?
Everyone knows Netflix these days. The company has developed from a DVD rental service into a globally renowned streaming service. The company’s history is also an example of the important role the high-yield market can play in corporate bonds for young and innovative companies.
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.
There was little to cheer about on the stock markets at the start of the week: there were significant price losses in both Europe and the USA and the Japanese Nikkei-225 recorded one of the biggest daily losses in its history. What were the reasons for Monday’s sharp sell-off, what impact could the latest events have on the markets and what will happen with the increasingly weak economy?
The price of gold has recently climbed from one high to the next. The rally seems almost puzzling due to a number of negative factors in the first half of the year. However, two reasons in particular provided plenty of tailwind. Can the rally go even further?
The path towards a clearly fragmented global economy is continuing. Recently, the increase in tariffs on Chinese electric cars in the USA and the European Union has been particularly noticeable. What impact is the rise of protectionism having on the global economy?
The withdrawal of incumbent US President Joe Biden from the presidential race is bringing new momentum to the election campaign. Kamala Harris, currently Vice President under Biden, is now seen as the likely Democratic candidate. What policies could Harris stand for and what plans could she have for the US economy?
Sustainability factors are actively integrated into the investment process in our bond portfolios. This ensures that climate risks are minimized and climate opportunities are actively seized in our corporate bond funds. Fund manager Matthias Hauser explains exactly how this works.
Dialogue with management and the active exercise of voting rights are intended to encourage companies to operate in a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner – engagement & voting is the keyword. But what are the benefits of these measures? An overview of scientific studies on this topic provides interesting results.
With the surprising fall in inflation in the US, the scenario of a “soft landing” has become more likely. Meanwhile, the shocking attempted assassination of US presidential candidate Donald Trump at the weekend will likely have an impact on the current election campaign.
The second half of 2024 has already kicked off on the financial markets – but what can investors expect from it? After expectations of interest rate cuts in the US were pushed back further and further in the first half of the year, the scope for the US Federal Reserve could increase again in the remainder of the year. The main focus is likely to be on upcoming political decisions – which could also lead to greater fluctuations.
The recent elections in France and the UK have brought about a realignment of the political balance of power in both countries and thus also a new start for economic policy in the two major economies. What lies ahead for the two countries?
Economic and political uncertainty is increasing. Nevertheless, inflation is falling in the USA and the eurozone. This increases the scope for central banks to react to a slowdown in economic growth by lowering key interest rates.
In football, things have been going well for the European Championship host country Germany recently with its place in the round of 16, but the economy has been in the doldrums in recent quarters. According to leading economists, this could now change. Positive signals from industry and private consumption indicate that the German economy is regaining momentum.
In the EU parliamentary elections, right-wing parties made significant gains in some major countries. In France, early elections are now on the cards following President Macron’s defeat. What possible effects could a shift to the right have in the EU?
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.
The European People’s Party (EPP) remained the strongest group in the EU Parliament in last Sunday’s EU elections. Right-wing populist parties made significant gains in many of the 27 EU member states. What impact will the election result have?
The European Central Bank is likely to cut its key interest rate tomorrow for the first time since the interest rate turnaround in 2022. But what comes next? Will the first cut herald a series of interest rate cuts or will the monetary guardians remain cautious? Chief economist Gerhard Winzer takes a look at the ECB’s possible future interest rate policy.
Taking advantage of short- and medium-term opportunities on the markets while at the same time focusing on long-term future trends – the new mixed fund ERSTE OPPORTUNITIES MIX makes this possible. We have summarized the most important questions and answers on the launch of the new fund.
Thanks to booming exports, the Chinese economy started the year with surprisingly strong growth. As growth has now lost some of its momentum, the aim is to keep the export boom going with new investments. However, this could have a negative impact on the trade dispute with the US and the EU.
At this year’s spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the focus was on the increasingly unlikely recession in the USA as well as the future monetary policy and the political situation. Fund manager Tolgahan Memİşoğlu reports on his impressions.
Investing in the major trends of the future while taking advantage of short-term market opportunities – the new mixed fund ERSTE OPPORTUNITIES MIX makes this possible. Alexander Lechner, Head of Multi Asset Management, explains the concept behind the fund in an interview.
The topic of an impending recession has recently become quieter again – especially in the USA. A look at a few indicators helps to assess whether the spectre of recession has actually been banished (at least for the time being).
The EU is celebrating a political and economic success story with the 20th anniversary of the EU’s eastward enlargement on 1 May. The countries that joined at that time and those that followed have caught up massively in economic terms. The signs continue to point to solid growth in the region.
Combining long-term trend themes with short and medium-term market opportunities: The new broadly diversified mixed fund ERSTE OPPORTUNITIES MIX makes this possible with its active and flexible approach.
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.
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.
The stock markets performed consistently well in the first quarter of the current year. From the USA to Europe and Japan, many indices reached new all-time highs. In view of this positive performance, can we already speak of exaggerated euphoria on the markets?
The smouldering conflagration in the Middle East reached a new level of escalation last weekend. Iran attacked Israel directly with drones and missiles for the first time in history. There is a risk of further escalation between Iran and Israel. How is the market reacting to this?
The parliamentary elections in India, which will last 44 days, will begin in the coming days. The economically up-and-coming country has also recently become the most populous country in the world. What can we expect from the election and how could India develop afterwards?
More and more indicators are pointing to good global growth. Even regions and sectors that had recently weakened are likely to return to growth. The soft landing after the sharp rise in inflation and the turnaround in interest rates could succeed. The decline in inflation is pausing at the same time, as yesterday’s US inflation data shows.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Even though the ECB recently left its key interest rate unchanged, central banks are increasingly signaling an inclination to cut interest rates for the first time. At the same time, the indicators point to good economic growth at a global level. These are positive signals for the stock markets.
The risk premiums on corporate bonds are close to their lows. What are the reasons? Is a correction imminent or is everything perhaps completely different on the bond market this time?
Ahead of the ECB’s upcoming interest rate decision, there is much discussion about the central banks’ interest rate policy and the key interest rate – will it be lowered or not? Its development has a significant influence on the economy and the financial markets. In this article, we discuss the role of the key interest rate and which interest rates are relevant.
Alternative investment strategies are not comparable with traditional asset classes such as equities or bonds – this is precisely their charm. But how do these strategies work and how can investors invest in them?
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?
