Tightening financing conditions, slowing growth and soaring inflation are putting pressure on the European housing market. Swiftly rising mortgage rates have dramatically reduced home affordability at a time when home prices have already reached unsustainable levels in many European countries.
ESG is the trend in investing as an ever-increasing portion of portfolios from individual savers to large institutions is directed towards sustainable strategies. It is poised to become the key market driver over the next few years, with ESG assets set to grow by almost +13% p.a. until 2026, reaching USD34trn, compared to total market growth of only +4.3%.
Against the background of rising interest rates and a worsening economic outlook, still favorable credit dynamics in the Eurozone are unlikely to last for much longer. After a year of stabilizing lending standards, banks have become significantly more risk averse.
US discretionary retail sales (durable goods, apparel, entertainment and leisure goods) peaked in Q3 2022, mostly driven by prices. In the same period, retailers had an estimated USD54bn in additional inventories vs 2021.
The Covid-19 crisis and, more recently, the war in Ukraine have led to some re-thinking of financial globalization. In particular, large emerging countries are showing growing discontent against the Western USD-centered framework.
The green energy transition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for African development, a chance to reduce poverty and lift growth potential. To reap this opportunity, there are three levers to pull: strengthening political stability and the rule of law, reducing project risks by adopting blended finance, and formulating clear green-energy strategies backed by economy-wide transition plans with sector-specific pathways. This paper aims at the last point, providing guidance for governments and investors alike.
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