Open banking is a rapidly growing industry with a market size valued at US 20.2 billion in 2022 and a projected CAGR of 20.5% from 2023 to 2032, fuelled by the escalating demand for digital banking.

We expect the US & global economy to cool down in the months to come, leading to a Fed pause. This would be a positive for equity and bond markets over time.

Uranium, a heavy metal known for its dense properties and radioactive isotopes, has recently become the focal point of discussions and analyses in the financial and energy sectors. This element, which is fundamental to the production of nuclear energy, has witnessed a significant surge in prices and attention, marking a pivotal moment in the global commodity markets.

U.S. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, or TIPS, stand out as a distinctive class of U.S. government bonds meticulously crafted to shield investors from the corrosive effects of inflation. While the value of traditional bonds gradually erodes due to inflation, TIPS promise a different path. Their value adjusts in harmony with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

In the realm of innovation, few nations stand as prominently as Switzerland. The alpine nation holds the distinguished position of being the most innovative economy globally for the 12th consecutive year, as substantiated by the 2023 Global Innovation Index (GII).

A consolidated view of the markets, across geographies and asset classes.

The Electric Vehicle (EV) segment is growing rapidly, but faces a number of challenges, not least of which are charging solutions. Wireless EV charging is a revolutionary technology that promises to redefine the way vehicles are powered.

Key takeaways: • After a strong first half of the year, the mood has shifted during the Summer as markets are adjusting to the reality of “persisting inflation & sticky rates”, a narrative which is adding pressure on equities and valuations. • While equity and bond market volatility could persist in the short-run, particularly through a historically choppy September/October, we expect more positive market conditions towards the end of the year. Indeed, with the US & global economy cooling down in the months to come, central banks are expected to pause their monetary policy tightening. This would be a positive for equity and bond markets over time. • We remain neutral on equities, rates and credit. Cash and bond yields are a clear competition to equities and our multi-assets portfolios reflect this reality. We are negative on the EUR and CHF against dollar. We upgraded Swiss equities to positive. We are keeping Gold as a diversifier. • We continue to favour 3 main investment themes: 1) Diversify into the lagging segments of the equity market that carry lower valuations; 2) Use volatility at our own advantage by buying on pullbacks; and 3) Use the bear steepening of the curve to extend duration within fixed-income portfolios.

In recent times, the United States has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in strikes and union activities, a phenomenon echoing the voices of workers from various sectors.

The city of Birmingham, the second largest in England after London, has announced to its residents that it can no longer meet its financial obligations. What are the causes and consequences? Birmingham has always been at the heart of the UK's growth, from its role in the Industrial Revolution as a manufacturing powerhouse to its current importance as a centre for finance, education and culture. Its diverse population, rich heritage and strategic location have made it a magnet for business, tourism and investment. However, the recent financial crisis has cast a shadow over its illustrious history, raising questions about its future and the wider implications for other UK cities.