insights.

For the last five years, the SNB has kept interest rates in negative territory and intervened in foreign currency markets to contain the strength of the franc. Those tools face increasing constraints and are becoming less effective.

Gold, the yen, the Swiss Franc and the US dollar. We look at empirical evidence to find out which show the highest potential to preserve investment portfolios in risk-averse markets.

Launched in 2019, the partnership between the Lombard Odier Group and the CERN & Society Foundation demonstrates Lombard Odier's commitment to the new generation. This year, the partnership will once again provide financial support to two talented doctoral students, allowing them to continue their research in this unique laboratory. The two young researchers will be included in the ATLAS experiment, one of two general-purpose detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Net new money flows were strong and the market impact on client assets was positive for the year. Total client assets at end-December, 2019 stood at CHF 299 billion, up 16% from end-December 2018.

Germany’s economic needs to kick-start its ailing growth, benefiting its own economy and the rest of the eurozone at a time when the EU is lacking leadership.

Increasingly, companies are realising they cannot afford to ignore issues like climate change, income inequality and a whole range of governance questions. Investors are also saying they want more than just profits. 

USD has appreciated since the outbreak of COVID-19, as investors have sought its safety. Nevertheless, this will be transitory. Emerging currencies remain the best place to be in FX markets.

Boris Johnson ‘got Brexit done’. That doesn’t mean the uncertainties surrounding the UK’s economy have vanished.

At Lombard Odier, sustainability is part of our DNA. Our Islamic finance solution is naturally embedded into our sustainability approach because the two share a number of common values. We have built a global investment solution—a proper mandate—with three profiles: conservative, balanced, and growth. Discover more about our unique Islamic finance offering.

How has COVID-19 impacted Chinese economic activity and the rest of the emerging world thus far? Is their economic recovery at risk?

Every year, more sand than can be replenished is consumed to satisfy the global appetite for infrastructure. And curbing the plunder is proving far from straightforward.

Sustainability is a factor that can influence both risk levels and investment performance. In particular, it offers opportunities that we have to be able to spot. Read more from our experts

China has not reacted to the coronavirus by altering its long-term currency strategy. It is on a path to internationalising the carefully managed, floating currency as it transitions to becoming the world’s largest economy.

For the sixth consecutive year, Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd was honoured at the “WealthBriefing Swiss Awards 2020”. 

Waste in fashion is on a massive scale, and less than one per cent of recycled textiles are converted into new, wearable materials. But very gradually, that may be changing. The FT’s Madison Darbyshire takes a closer look at three companies moving toward a circular economy for fashion, each in a different way.

Philanthropy has never been bigger. Yet, philanthropists are under growing pressure to demonstrate the value they add to solving global challenges alongside local and governmental institutions. Our Global Head of Philanthropy Maximilian Martin discusses how intent, innovation and impact will be key principles for driving philanthropic vitality in the 2020s.

In order to slow global warming, we must decouple growth from our consumption of resources and energy. Some critics argue that a "degrowth" is necessary. However, degrowth is not a solution because it slows down the innovation necessary for resource efficiency, according to economist Dimitri Zenghelis. Investing in innovation, science and creativity will enable us to get more from the resources at our disposal.

This year will see changes, but not instability. Discover what our experts and former White House Director of Global Engagement Brett Bruen expect from the US elections and changes in China's economy.

As we monitor the spread of the Chinese coronavirus, we look at how best to position a portfolio for the current volatility challenges.

What were the key takeaways on sustainability from Davos? Shifting economic models, finding a home for capital and focusing on the fundamentals as well as ensuring that all actions need to be focused and direct.

Supported by the Fondation Lombard Odier, as part of a partnership with EPFL, the Center for Digital trust is a multidisciplinary platform which opens up new perspectives for a contemporary society entering the digital era.

How will the emergence of the coronavirus impact the main emerging market currencies? We have updated our EM FX forecasts.

With just seven years left of business-as-usual at current emissions rates, investors urgently need to address how best to help the transition to a net-zero carbon economy.

Discover the top stories driving the global economy and markets in Q1 2020, and how they’re shaping the way we build our portfolios. Our global investment strategy video is out.

We talked with Patagonia, the best B Corp worldwide since 2011. Discover what Ryan Gellert, General Manager - EMEA, said about the brand's journey towards sustainability, their challenges and the company's beliefs and frustrations.

Investors are optimistic about Brazil’s economy in 2020. The path to recovery might, however, prove challenging. We discuss five key macro issues.

The US/China trade truce illustrates just how far globalisation has slipped in the past decade, and the stakes of reverting to a ‘might makes right’ world.

As more and more of our clients are beginning to involve their children in the management of the family’s wealth, we are acquiring bankers who have more in common with them. So what do the next generation expect and what are their interests and concerns?

Sterling has had a remarkable year-end run. We are now lowering our 2020 forecasts and turning neutral on GBP. 

LO Women’s Club is an initiative launched by a number of female bankers is enjoying growing success. Almost three years after its inception, one of its founders reflects.

Meet the jackfruit. This little known fruit in Europe is making waves in South East Asia. One of the largest tree-borne fruits in the world, it has a meaty texture (akin to pulled pork), is extremely versatile and is seemingly heading to a meat-free plate near you. Read more on how this fruit might just be the new avocado. 

A twenty-year-old economic theory is challenging conventional thinking on debt. Modern Monetary Theory promises spending solutions as the US enters an election year. 

Orthopedic hospitals in DRC, Mali and Nigeria are under construction thanks to a pioneering social humanitarian bond we supported in 2017, in partnership with the Red Cross. Discover an in-depth report on the project’s development in Le Matin Dimanche and hear more about the rehabilitation of victims of war.

Rising US-Iran tensions are weighing on markets. What kind of impact should investors expect on oil, gold and equity markets, and how can they best protect their portfolios against geopolitical uncertainty?

The demand for food protein is rising and investors are looking at what is a fast-growing market. But despite the potential, the industry shows some substantial downsides. Discover the problems in our video with the Financial Times.

Recent de-escalation of trade uncertainties should lead to better emerging market currencies performance in 2020. But selectivity is key. Discover our new FX publication, which discusses the EM FX outlook.

Switzerland’s export-oriented economy has slowed dramatically and monetary policy looks set to continue little changed. We look at the implications and outlook for Swiss assets and the franc.

Almost a quarter of Swiss entrepreneurs plan to sell their company within the next five years. How can they pass down their business? How can they optimise their tax situation? And how can they plan for retirement? Read more from one of our experts her.

Occupational pensions give you the opportunity to increase your retirement capital while benefiting from tax deductions, whether you are an employee, a business owner or self-employed. Here's how and why.

In 2020, growth will remain slow and yields low. Discover how we position our clients’ portfolios for the challenges ahead.

Lombard Odier supports the updated version of the Global Investor Statement to Governments on Climate Change (IIGCC), issued at the COP 25 and endorsed by a record-breaking 631 investors. As asset managers, we believe it is vital we use our influence to help reduce the systemic risks climate change represents, but also to help accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable economy.

How likely is the Conservatives’ victory on 12 December 2019, and what should investors do if the outcome is a hung parliament? What’s the outlook for the economy and UK assets? 

Our Managing Partner, Alexandre Zeller, gave a speech on the future of Swiss private banking at the British Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Zürich last week. “The Swiss banking industry will flourish in the future as long as it continues to anticipate change and provide value-adding services to clients,” he said.

Gilles Panchard, Financial Planner and Gerard Leyvraz, Tax Advisor at Lombard Odier Patrimonia analyse the tax treatment of companies and business owners in Switzerland as well as the pension provision challenge. Salary or dividends? Our experts analyse the best strategies to adopt.

Emerging markets look set to recover in 2020 as interest rate cuts feed through to their economies and tensions from the US/China trade dispute stabilise.

When selling your company, many options are available to you. Whether you plan to launch a new project, go travelling, spend some precious time with your family or retire, planning your exit is key. Read what our experts say on how to adapt the planning and management of your wealth.

In 2020, growth will remain slow and yields low. Discover how we position our clients’ portfolios for the challenges ahead.

Can we avoid drowning in a sea of e-waste? The world produces some 50 million tonnes of electronic waste every year. It is becoming ever more important that we extract e-waste’s valuable elements more efficiently and refine the second-hand market for products. But more importantly, consumer habits must change. Watch our FT Rethink video here

We analyse the potential dollar implications of four presidential contenders – Donald Trump, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden and Michael Bloomberg.

Persistently negative yields have profound long-term portfolio construction implications. Gold has become a key safe-haven asset.