Investment Strategy

April 2012 Investment Strategy

Service.Priv-Communication@socgen.com (Societe Generale Private Banking) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:00:00 GMT

Markets found new reasons to be hopeful, with substantial political progress achieved in the Eurozone and upbeat news on the American economy. After such a positive performance, some kind of consolidation would not be surprising, even though we remain confident regarding future equity trends given the current low interest rate environment.

February 2012 Investment Strategy

Service.Priv-Communication@socgen.com (Societe Generale Private Banking) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Equity markets have experienced an unexpected upturn since the beginning of the year. Investors are relieved that Europeans are taking their destiny into their own hands as well as to see the ECB act with more determination by injecting liquidity into the market. The strength of US data has also made a contribution. Nevertheless, in the Eurozone, risks cannot yet been ruled out. Although we are increasing European equity holdings, we prefer emerging markets and the United States, which offer more favorable macroeconomic prospects.

December 2011 Investment Strategy

Service.Priv-Communication@socgen.com (Societe Generale Private Banking) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:00:00 GMT

The markets remain frozen, still awaiting after so many disappointments a credible European solution to the continent's debt crisis. The risk of another financial system collapse has grown since September with the European crisis spreading to the EU’s ‘safest’ countries. The hope now rests with Europe reacting appropriately, before time runs out, especially as regards the ECB, which appears to be the only viable line of protection. Against this backdrop, we maintain an allocation to defensive assets, consistent with a level of risk and volatility that remains high.

October 2011 Investment Strategy

Service.Priv-Communication@socgen.com (Societe Generale Private Banking) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 15:00:00 GMT

The financial markets are still in suspense over the developments in the sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone. Although the political desire to preserve the single currency has been clearly stated, action is a long time coming. Things will remain uncertain because investors will continue to question Italy and Spain's ability to pull themselves out of their budgetary rut. We have reduced our exposure to risk assets and do not expect to see a recovery in the equities markets whilst profit forecasts continue to be revised downwards. Conversely, corporate bonds are still attractive, upheld by flexible monetary policies and extremely solid balance sheets.

July August 2011 Investment Strategy

Service.Priv-Communication@socgen.com (Societe Generale Private Banking) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 17:00:00 GMT

The most recent macroeconomic data, especially figures released in the United States, have been disappointing with job creation well below expectations. The impact of the Japanese earthquake, combined with higher commodity prices and more restrictive economic policies, has hampered business activity.