DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Factbox: Russian gold taken out of exchange-traded fund stockpiles
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-21 | by ( Peter Hobson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

In an analysis about investors shunning Russian gold, Reuters examined lists of gold bars owned by eleven large funds. By late November, the proportion of Russian gold in the stockpiles of eight had fallen. SPDR Gold MiniShares, whose gold is stored by ICBC Standard, saw an almost 50% fall in the amount of Russian gold it holds. Russian gold bars refined before March 7 this year are still eligible to own and trade, it said. GRANITESHARESGraniteShares said it did not distinguish between different brands of good delivery gold including pre-war Russian gold, and that it had not asked its custodian, ICBC Standard, to reduce its holdings of Russian bullion.

☆ 3M to end 'forever chemicals' output at cost of up to $2.3 billion
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Perfluoralkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) do not break down quickly and have in recent years been found in dangerous concentrations in drinking water, soils and foods. Pressure to stop producing the chemicals has also increased, with investors managing $8 trillion in assets earlier this year writing to 54 companies urging them to phase out their use. 3M expects related total pre-tax charges of about $1.3 billion to $2.3 billion over the course of its PFAS exit. In the fourth quarter, it expects to take an estimated pre-tax charge between $0.7 billion and $1.0 billion, primarily non-cash and related to asset impairments. In August, the Biden administration said it will propose designating certain forever chemicals as hazardous substances under the U.S. Superfund program.

☆ Turnover surges as funds rush to exit private equity stakes
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Rae Wee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Conceived as an illiquid but lucrative method of accessing unlisted companies, private investments are typically structured into funds run by buyout firms. Investment firm Hamilton Lane says an unprecedented $224 billion in private equity stakes have been offered in the secondary market this year to mid-November. Others want to deploy their capital elsewhere - a sign that private equity funds are no longer so highly regarded. The need to sell to rebalance can occur when, as this year, private equity funds have outperformed public markets. On paper, plenty of private investments, which are typically valued quarterly, appear to have done very well this year.

☆ Abrdn: Downturn in private equity transactions set to continue into Q1 2023
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailAbrdn: Downturn in private equity transactions set to continue into Q1 2023Alan Gauld, private equity opportunities trust fund manager at Abrdn, discusses the firm's 2023 outlook for private equity.

☆ Malaysian central bank's need to raise rates is 'less desperate' than before, investment firm says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailMalaysian central bank's need to raise rates is 'less desperate' than before, investment firm saysGerald Ambrose of Abrdn says "headwinds have turned into tailwinds for the time being."

An index tracking high-yield dollar bonds of Chinese developers (.IBXXAX13) has jumped more than 70% from its Nov. 3 low, but is still down about 70% from its peak in May, 2021. A growing list of Chinese developers have entered into or are preparing to kick-off debt restructuring talks with offshore bondholders after defaulting on payments. Of 241 dollar-denominated bonds issued by Chinese property firms, 211 are trading in distressed territory below 50 cents on the dollar, Refinitiv data shows. The recent rally in developers' shares and bonds on the back of funding support measures, however, has given investors some respite. "A recovery in property sales would be firmer in a re-opening scenario," said Justin Ong of Columbia Threadneedle, which holds China property bonds, as it would offer a clearer timeline for re-opening.

☆ CEO discusses results of Malaysia's 2022 election
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailMany will be watching the makeup of Malaysia's Cabinet, particularly the Finance Ministry: CEOGerald Ambrose of Abrdn Islamic Malaysia discusses the results of Malaysia's election, which ended in a hung Parliament.

☆ Credito Real in talks with bondholders as bankruptcy ruling looms
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MEXICO CITY, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Troubled Mexican non-bank lender Credito Real (CREAL.MX) is in talks with foreign bondholders, prompting creditors to delay their request for an involuntary U.S. bankruptcy hearing, according to two sources close to the matter. Credito Real collapsed after it defaulted on a 170 million Swiss franc ($176 million) bond in February, prompting bonds to shed 99% of their value. The person added that while the talks did not constitute negotiations yet, there was chance they could develop into them. Credito Real, which offered payroll lending and unsecured credit, did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. The default by Credito Real, along with AlphaCredit and Unifin (UNIFINA.MX), have made banks less willing to finance non-bank lenders, analysts say, prompting fears about the non-bank sector in Mexico.

☆ Despite the recent chaos, UK stockpickers are rubbing their hands: Here's what they're buying
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The U.K. has been beset by political and economic instability in recent months, but as the investment environment undergoes a fundamental transition, investors see opportunity. These attractive valuations for U.K. stocks were also identified in a note last week by BlackRock Fundamental Equities. "Not only has the U.K. discount widened to a level not seen since 2008, but companies are buying back record amounts of their own shares. This compares to the current yield on UK 10-year gilts of around 4%." GAM holds around 50% of its U.K. equity income portfolio in small and midcap stocks, with a focus on companies with strong competitive moats.

That could support a rally in 10-year Treasury bonds and help stocks extend their recent gains, they said. "I think the markets are rallying at the prospect of gridlock," said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at Cresset Capital in Chicago. Historically, stocks have tended to do better under a split government when a Democrat is in the White House, with investors attributing some of that performance to political gridlock that prevents major policy changes. The benchmark index has risen about 5% over the last month, cutting its year-to-date decline to about 20%. With U.S. equity options market positioned for relative calm, a surprisingly strong showing by Democrats could upend markets.

☆ Shanghai bourse kicks off week-long conference to woo global investors
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SHANGHAI, Nov 8 (Reuters) - The Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) kicks off on Wednesday a week-long global conference to promote China's capital markets, according to an official agenda, the latest in a flurry of activities by regulators to woo international investors. Participants at the annual SSE Global Investor Conference, to be held Nov. 9-16, and closed to the media, include Chinese regulators, executives from global banks and asset managers such as abrdn, Deutsche Bank and PIMCO. At the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit in Hong Kong last week, the country's senior financial regulators reaffirmed China's commitment to economic growth as a priority. Senior Chinese officials also sent similar messages at the China International Import Expo over the weekend. In the "fireside chat" section, senior officials from China's securities and foreign exchange regulators will talk about promoting the opening-up of China's capital market, and facilitating cross-border investment.

☆ Analysis: Bank of England's recession warning turns spotlight to UK budget plan
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( William Schomberg | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

That would be a longer and shallower economic contraction than the ones that followed the COVID-19 lockdowns and the global financial crisis of 2007-09. But the backdrop of high inflation this time is limiting the policy options available to the government. Hunt has warned of tough decisions on taxes and spending as he prepares to announce the new government's first budget programme on Nov. 17. "This is not a recession we should be offsetting with lower interest rates and expansionary fiscal policy," Chadha said. Additional reporting by David Milliken;Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Jon BoyleOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ What to watch for in the Federal Reserve policy announcement
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The supersized hike would bring the central bank’s benchmark lending rate to a new target range of 3.75% to 4%. Here’s what to watch for: According to the CME Fedwatch tool, traders believe there’s nearly a 90% chance of a three-quarter-percentage-point rate hike this month. And through it all, the job market has remained tight. Looking forward: Wednesday’s policy announcement and the press conference that immediately follows will be closely analyzed for any potential forward guidance by the Fed. The much bigger question is around how the Fed signals its future policy path,” wrote Luke Bartholomew, senior economist at abrdn, in a note.

Chinese equities make up 31% of the MSCI Emerging Market index (.MIEF00000PUS), a popular stock index that many funds track and benchmark their performances against. Fund research firm Morningstar tracks nine new emerging market ex-China equity mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that were created this year, matching the number of launches in total over the previous two years. If Aubrey was to remove China from its emerging market strategy, the Indian market would take a significant portion, while the rest will be spread around other countries including Vietnam, Brazil and Mexico, he said. OUTFLOWSAndrew McCaffery, Fidelity International's global chief investment officer, said they have received increased requests from clients for emerging markets excluding China strategies, although the purpose was to “break China out as an allocation separately within global portfolios”. “The challenge is that they (global investors) are not going to be quick to add back in,” he said.

☆ These 13 sell-rated global stocks have serious downside risk, Wall Street analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( Ganesh Rao | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Equity analysts have slashed estimates and price targets over recent days as companies continue to report disappointing third-quarter results. Thirteen of these stocks — all part of the MSCI World Index — have median analyst price targets below their current share price, according to FactSet data. Global stocks Other stocks with price targets below current trading levels include Japanese multinational retailer AEON , U.S.-listed Clorox , and U.K. financial services company Abrdn plc. Equity analysts have slashed estimates and price targets over recent days as companies continue to report disappointing third-quarter results. Thirteen of these stocks — all part of the MSCI World Index — have median analyst price targets below their current share price, according to FactSet data.

☆ European banks are posting bumper profits — but don’t buy their shares yet, strategist says
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Ganesh Rao | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Those are comments from one investment advisor despite lenders on the continent posting bumper third-quarter results this week. Barclays on Wednesday reported net profits of £1.5 billion ($1.73 billion), while Deutsche Bank revealed a net income of 1.12 billion euros ($1.11 billion). Deutsche Bank's net interest margin grew to 1.5% in the quarter, up from 1.4% in the prior quarter and from 1.2% in the year-ago period. But this income source for banks is unlikely to be long-lived as European capitals debate imposing a "windfall tax" on banks' profits. Hickmore said that senior debt from European banks is more attractive now as they are immune to many risks banks face.

☆ Abrdn says banks 'well-prepared' for the most flagged recession in years
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailAbrdn says banks 'well-prepared' for the most flagged recession in yearsLuke Hickmore, investment director at global investment firm Abrdn, says banks look well-positioned to cope with a possible forthcoming recession. However, he adds that it may be too soon for investors to start buying into the banking sector.

☆ 'Unloved, undervalued' UK stocks back in focus on Rishi Sunak stability hopes
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Britain's new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak walks past Larry the cat outside Downing Street, in London, Britain, October 25, 2022. "The fact that we have Rishi Sunak as prime minister is definitely calming on markets. We believe that it is under owned, it's unloved, undervalued, and there is some upside from here." Sunak in his inaugural speech outside Downing Street on Tuesday stressed the importance of "economic stability and confidence" while warning of "difficult decisions to come." Central to the potential stability narrative, as far as U.K. markets are concerned, is the assumption that the central bank will now be less aggressive in raising interest rates.

☆ Pound holds ground as Rishi Sunak leads race to become UK prime minister
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Julia Horowitz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

London CNN Business —Britain’s third prime minister in seven weeks will face the huge challenge of projecting stability after a period of historic political and financial market chaos. Rishi Sunak emerged over the weekend as the clear front-runner in the dramatic race to replace Liz Truss, who’s set to be the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history. “A key focus for the next Prime Minister and their chosen Chancellor needs to be fiscal responsibility,” Carl Emmerson, deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said in a statement. An economy in recessionThe Bank of England forecast last month that the UK economy was already in recession. 10 Downing Street, investors and economists expect the revamped economic plan outlined by current finance minister Jeremy Hunt to remain intact.

☆ Lurking behind Britain’s political mess is an economy on the edge
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-21 | by ( Julia Horowitz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

London CNN Business —The spectacle surrounding Liz Truss, who on Thursday secured her fate as the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history, has quickly given way to a frenetic race to determine who will replace her. 10 Downing Street next will inherit an economic mess with no easy fixes. “A key focus for the next Prime Minister and their chosen Chancellor needs to be fiscal responsibility,” Carl Emmerson, deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, said in a statement on Friday. An economy in recessionEconomists agree that if the United Kingdom isn’t already in recession, one is likely to arrive soon. The cost of uncertaintyTruss has said the Conservative Party will install a new prime minister within a week.

☆ Philip Morris’ Swedish bet may take multiple tokes
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Oct 20 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Philip Morris International (PM.N) may need to show more flexibility. PMI Chief Executive Jacek Olczak has strengthened his hand by sealing a $2.7 billion deal with Altria to buy the rights to sell IQOS heated tobacco products in the United States, giving him an alternative way to grow in smokeless tobacco products. Still, it may be hard to get the Swedish Match deal over the line, given PMI’s ambitious 90% acceptance rate. That’s probably why the shares are currently trading close to the offer price at 112 crowns. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

HONG KONG, Oct 19 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Solving Hong Kong's brain drain problem need not be complicated. Leader John Lee hopes lower property taxes and a new visa scheme will persuade foreign talent not to move to destinations like Singapore. As a result, Hong Kong's mid-year population dipped 1.6% to 7.29 million - the steepest year-on-year drop on record. Non-residents are also eligible to apply for a refund of the extra stamp duty paid for buying property in Hong Kong once they become a permanent resident. Lee may be ignoring them, but the main policy solutions are staring him in the face.

☆ Analysis: The UK just stepped back from the brink. But there's more trouble ahead
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Julia Horowitz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The sudden reversal of almost all tax cuts announced just three weeks ago could put financial markets on more stable footing. Yields on 30-year UK government bonds, which move opposite prices, have dipped to 4.34% after topping 5% last week. But concerns about the economy are resurfacing in lieu of angst about the country’s financial markets — though on that front, too, uncertainty remains. The specter of additional volatility in financial markets still lingers. And restoring investor confidence in UK assets will be an effort that takes time — especially as questions about Truss’ political future swirl.

☆ British pound and gilts soar after Hunt rolls back tax cuts
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

Jeremy Hunt on Friday replaced Kwasi Kwarteng, who Prime Minister Liz Truss sacked following the so-called "mini-budget" on Sept. 23 that sent UK assets sliding. Hunt on Monday announced a series of tax changes that he said would raise 32 billion pounds ($36.19 billion) a year in extra revenues. STERLING: The pound rose against the dollar and the euro, gaining 1.1% and 0.7%, respectively , . So the UK is not the outlier when it comes to its monetary policy and its fiscal policy. STUART COLE, HEAD MACRO ECONOMIST, EQUITI CAPITAL, LONDON:"I think it would be a brave person to be buying sterling quite yet.

☆ Cevian slashes stake in Vodafone after calling for faster change, Financial Times reports
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 15 (Reuters) - Europe's largest activist investor Cevian Capital has slashed its stake in UK-based Vodafone as scepticism grows that the telecoms company will be able to reverse its sluggish performance, the Financial Times reported. Cevian built a significant but undisclosed stake in Vodafone last year through shares and derivatives, becoming one of the ten largest shareholders, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter. However, Cevian sold the vast majority of its stake by June, it added. Vodafone and Cevian Capital did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Earlier in January, the FT reported that another of Vodafone's biggest shareholders, Abrdn, supported Cevian's call for a restructuring.

Search resuls for: "ABRDN"

25 mentions found