Artificial intelligence

The markets have been dominated by two major topics for some time now. One is the prospect of interest rate cuts, and the other is the megatrend of artificial intelligence (AI). While the former still involves a certain degree of uncertainty due to the persistent inflation dynamics, which is especially having an effect on the bond market, the latter took firm hold as a driver of the equity market by the spring of 2023 and has yet to lose steam.

The stock markets in Central and Eastern Europe suffered greatly from the war in Ukraine, especially in 2022. Last year, a noticeable recovery set in from April, which accelerated further in some markets. This was due to the stabilization of energy prices and security of supply.

Bonds and currencies in Central and Eastern Europe were hit very hard in 2022, but then rebounded significantly over the past year. How is the outlook for the region shaping up for 2024?

Is success guaranteed when you invest in “high tech” stocks? One might be tempted to think so, since high tech is the sector with the strongest long-term growth in turnover and profits. But it’s just not that simple. Find out more here!

Most equity markets continued to climb in March, with the developed markets (in USD terms) improving somewhat more than the equities in the Emerging Markets. The bond markets in the Emerging Markets were also friendly in most cases.

High yield bonds (i.e. bonds from issuers with lower ratings, thus making them riskier) have been a sought-after investment instrument for a long time. Last year, they were among the best performers on the bond markets. Are they still worth investing in?

For a long time, artificial intelligence was a subject found almost exclusively in the realm of science fiction. With the widespread use of ChatGPT, however, we have all been shown what artificial intelligence can do and how quickly it is penetrating many parts of day-to-day life. Artificial intelligence has the potential to change all of our lives. Of course, the debate rages on as to whether it will only have a beneficial impact or possibly an opposite effect as well.

Renewable energy, especially solar and wind power, are playing an increasingly important role in the global energy landscape. In recent years, however, many equities from this field have come under intense pressure, after share prices for companies involved in this business area had sometimes risen sharply. Is the party over? Or is right now a good time to enter this market segment?