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At a time when stock market indices all over the world are hitting new highs, the Swiss market is standing out for its remarkable restraint. The DAX, CAC 40, DJII and S&P500 have all been putting in impressive performances and setting new records, but the Swiss equity market is stuck some 10% below its all-time high at the end of 2021. This raises questions, especially as the Swiss franc has appreciated strongly against the dollar and the euro, and as major stocks like Roche and Nestlé show signs of weakness. In our interview with Chief Investment Officer Luca Carrozzo we investigate the reasons behind the poor performance of the Swiss market, discuss the role of the strong franc and consider whether the Swiss National Bank (SNB) needs to cut interest rates to get the equity markets going again. Find out why Swiss securities are out of favour at the moment and what this means for investors.

2023 was a challenging year for stock markets. Ultimately it drew to a positive end, but along the way it showed us the increasing importance of good risk management. 2024 too has risks investors should not underestimate. There is no end in sight to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the tensions in the Far East are also unlikely to ease. On top of that, some countries are facing elections which could have consequences beyond national borders or even for the whole world.

ESG is becoming an increasingly prominent issue for private clients, and for younger ones in particular sustainable investing is essential. Even more attention will be focused on the issue from 1 January 2024, when the mandatory minimum investment standards of the Swiss Bankers Association come into effect.

«Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,» proclaimed Hippocrates, founder of western medicine, as long ago as 460 BC. This means just as much now as it did then. The pressing health and social challenges of today include not only obesity and sugar, but also the growing impact of food production on the planet. But it is precisely here that we are experiencing more than just a trend reversal – it is an outright food revolution. This presents attractive investment opportunities.

Conventional wisdom has it that those who rely on yields and wish to sleep soundly buy bonds. This is only partially true, as was demonstrated clearly last year.

On 1 January 2023, Luca Carrozzo became the new Chief Investment Officer of Bank CIC, making him responsible for investment strategy. It’s time to take a look at the markets with him.

When it comes to saving, choosing the right investment matters. This article looks at two popular ways of investing: term deposits and savings accounts. Find out more and take a well-informed decision in order to make the most of your savings potential.

The situation surrounding banks has eased a little in the last few days, but the crisis is not over yet.