The financial environment has become slightly more relaxed since the beginning of November. This fact is manifesting itself on the market in the form of falling yields and rising share prices. This week, two indicators relating to the US economy in particular could provide clues as to the sustainability of this trend since the beginning of the month: retail sales and consumer prices.
LATEST CONTRIBUTIONS
Holiday sales: Hopes for record season in the US
The robust labor market and many special offers give hope for another record Christmas season in the USA. The latest market research data also shows that, despite inflation and high interest rates, Americans are once again planning to spend more over the holidays this year.
The new jumper and climate change: climate risks in the textile industry
The booming fashion industry is also confronted with a wide range of challenges due to climate change. These could prompt the entire industry to rethink.
India and the West – at the crossroads?
India was recently in the spotlight as the venue for the G20 summit. Shortly thereafter, however, the relationship with the major Western states cooled. How will the West’s relationship with India develop and what role will the country play in the future?
The Rise of the Fallen Angels
Rating agencies assess the creditworthiness of companies and thus play an important role in the financial market. They were also in the spotlight at the beginning of the corona pandemic, with many companies being downgraded as a result of the crisis. In the meantime, the pandemic has been overcome and some of the so-called “Fallen Angels” are once again in a much better position with regard to their creditworthiness and rating.
Middle East Conflict continues: worries about expansion to other countries
Roughly two weeks after the surprising terrorist attacks by the radical Islamic Hamas ruling the Gaza Strip, on targets in Israel, the military conflict in the country continues unabated. The war in the region also continues to dominate the financial and commodity markets, with global concerns that the conflict could possibly spread to other countries in the Middle East being the main driver of uncertainty.
Artificial Intelligence – Tool or Toy?
There is hardly any getting around artificial intelligence (AI). Are we only at the beginning of an AI hype or has it already peaked? For whom is AI good business at all and what can the new technology actually be used for?
Gold: From means of payment to safe haven
Gold has played an important role in the financial and economic system for centuries. While it initially served as a means of payment, the role of the precious metal increasingly changed over the course of history to become a crisis currency and a store of wealth in uncertain times.
Phillips curve: Is there a risk of structurally higher inflation?
Inflation rose sharply in 2021 due to several supply shocks. Although there is a clear downward trend. However, the supply shocks could also have a structural effect on inflation. A look at the Phillips curve model can shed light on this.
Climate risks: Is climate change that bad?
This year’s September went down as the warmest in measurement history. Especially in our regions, it was a welcome extension of the summer for many. However, the warmer temperatures clearly show us the consequences of climate change. The risks this entails for the economy and companies and how we take these into account in our investment processes is the topic of our new ESGenius Letter.