Experts Discuss Market Trends and Predictions at FuW Forum Opportunities 2024

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At the FuW Forum Opportunities 2024, experts shared their insights on the current financial markets, which are proving challenging to predict. The event was dominated by discussions on stock picking and alternative themes.

Many attendees anticipated a year-end rally in the stock market, with prices expected to rise early in the next year. However, financial professor and keynote speaker Thorsten Hens warned that a euphoric sentiment is typically a sell signal. He suggested that differing predictions could provide opportunities in the stock market.

The expert panel found it difficult to provide a clear picture due to fluctuating interest rate forecasts, soaring bond yields, and recession scenarios. Fabienne Hockenjos-Erni, Chief Investment Officer of Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB), recommended active management, particularly with Swiss stocks in a volatile environment. Gérard Piasko, Chief Investment Officer of Maerki Baumann Private Bank, agreed, stating that individual stocks become more important when the macro scenario is uncertain. Sandro Merino, Chief Investment Officer of Basler Kantonalbank (BKB), believes that the peak of interest rates has been reached, but it will take some time before inflation reaches the central bank’s target of 2%.

The subsequent panel of stock pickers focused on long-term trends, particularly in the healthcare sector. Investment recommendations included Tecan, Bachem, Skan, and Ypsomed. In the industrial and construction sectors, experts recommended innovative market leaders such as Geberit, Sika, SFS, Belimo, and the Bobst Group listed on the Bern Stock Exchange. Outside the Swiss stock exchange, US water treatment specialist Xylem, software company Autodesk, and industrial gas conglomerate Linde were highlighted, particularly in relation to climate issues. Swiss Large Cap Nestlé was also recommended.

Experts also advised the audience to consider investments beyond stocks. Sina Meier, Managing Director at 21Shares, is confident that cryptocurrencies are just beginning, following Bitcoin’s price doubling since the start of the year. Stefan Klauser from Aisot Technologies argued that investing without the use of artificial intelligence will be almost unthinkable in the future.

On the real estate front, Burak Er from Avobis is convinced that real estate will remain a safe and stable investment class, thanks to demand, low vacancies, and immigration. Despite high interest rates, real estate expert Donato Scognamiglio reassured the audience that there will be no crash in the housing market next year.

Urs Schöttli, a long-time Asia expert and correspondent for FuW, also provided a hopeful assessment, predicting no war between China and Taiwan.

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