Category: Portfolio Management

Analysis of the Global Automotive Industry and Market INTRODUCTION The global automotive industry is undergoing significant transformations driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and evolving regulatory landscapes. In 2024, the sector faces both challenges and opportunities as it navigates these changes. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW Global vehicle sales are projected to reach approximately 94.7 million units in 2024, marking a 3.3% growth compared to the previous year. This growth is influenced by factors such as interest rates and economic conditions. The transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) continues to accelerate, with manufacturers investing heavily in electrification and digitalisation to meet consumer demand and regulatory requirements. CURRENT STATE OF THE GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY Regional Highlights: China: maintains its position as the world’s largest automotive market, contributing over 30% of global vehicle sales. Europe:…

TRUMP’S RETURN TO PRESIDENCY: impacts on the stock market and economic outlook Donald Trump's return to presidency is a highly debated topic, with the markets reflecting both hope and apprehension. His presidency promises to bring drastic changes in economic policy, with key discussions around tax reforms, deregulation, and trade policy. All these factors are already influencing investor behavior and shaping market trends.After Trump's victory, the stock market had a noticeable rally as investors became relieved with the clarity of the election outcome and the anticipation of market-friendly policies. The S&P 500 reached a record high after the news, while the VIX went down, amidst the exciting expectations of tax cuts and deregulation.The Republican leader has long demonstrated his fascination with cryptocurrencies, and the leading crypto now stands close to the…

ELI LILLY FACES RATING DOWNGRADE DUE TO SALES ISSUES, WHILST MOODY’S STOCK REACHES ITS ALL TIME HIGH Erste Group, one of the main European banking groups based in Austria, recently modified its rating of portfolio holding Eli Lilly (LLY) (0.2 units purchased @582.99). Its recommendation changed from Buy to Hold and the main factors that contributed to this downgrade are two ratios: inventory/sales and receivables/sales. What analysts pointed out is that, despite the positive expectations about Eli Lilly’s earnings trend in the near future, the previously cited ratios increased too much, reaching their highest values in the last 6 years. A high inventory/sales ratio may indicate an overstocking or a worrying decrease in customers’ demand, while a rising value for receivables/sales probably reflects the difficulties faced by Eli Lilly in…

Market Volatility Amid Earnings Season and Policy Shifts: NVIDIA, Oklo, and Eli Lilly in Focus During the last two weeks, the stock market has fluctuated greatly, partly due to the election of the new US president, Donald Trump, and partly because we’re right in the middle of earnings season, when many companies report their earnings and forecasts, leading to changes in stock prices.NVIDIA Our holding, Nvidia (NVDA), has probably been one of the most talked about stocks in recent years due to its amazing returns. As of today, it is also the world’s largest company by market cap. The company reported its Q4 results on Wednesday 20 after the market closed, and despite topping expectations, the stock shares fell, failing to continue to fuel the AI spark. The company reported…

Swiftonomics, a term coined to describe the economic influence of Taylor Swift, encapsulates the intersection of pop culture and economics. As one of the world's most influential artists, Swift's activities generate significant economic ripples, affecting various industries and market behaviors.  Concert Tours and Local Economies Taylor Swift's concert tours are a prime example of Swiftonomics in action. Her tours, such as the "Reputation Stadium Tour" and "The Eras Tour," attract millions of fans worldwide, leading to substantial economic benefits for host cities. When Swift performs in a city, there is a noticeable spike in local spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and merchandise, peaking at the "Reputation Stadium Tour", which grossed $345.7 million, and its economic impact on local businesses was estimated to be even higher. Market Power and Pricing Strategies…

The value of Copper, often referred to as "Dr. Copper" for its role as an economic indicator, is experiencing a significant rally in its market value. Prices have surpassed $10,000 per ton for the first time since April 2022, reaching around $10,220 per ton, driven by soaring global demand and tight supplies, rising 29% from year to date. Copper's critical role in the global transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 underscores its increasing importance. As the world accelerates efforts to combat climate change, copper will be central for the development of different green-initiatives and must overcome the different hurdles in its way in order to solidify its status as the most vital metal in the energy transition. Copper's role is expanding beyond traditional sectors like construction and electronics to new,…