UBS has announced its top retail stock picks for the upcoming holiday shopping season, highlighting key opportunities for investors. The report, published on November 29, 2024, provides insights into the retail sector's performance and potential growth during this critical shopping period.
Venture capital is increasingly shaping Europe's innovation landscape, with regions like 'Swiss Valley' and 'Silicon Canals' emerging as key hubs. Switzerland's healthcare sector attracts significant investments, while Amsterdam fosters a diverse start-up ecosystem. As sustainability becomes a priority, VC firms are integrating ESG criteria, driving innovation in climate tech and renewable energy.
Venture capital is increasingly shaping innovation in Europe, with regions like 'Swiss Valley' and 'Silicon Canals' emerging as key hubs. In 2024, Europe holds USD 47.2 billion in 'dry powder' for VC investments, particularly in healthcare and technology, despite facing competition and economic uncertainties. The growth of start-ups in these sectors is supported by strong academic institutions and strategic acquisitions by major companies, highlighting a vibrant landscape for future investment.
Ford shares have struggled amid fierce competition and high financing costs, recently consolidating between $10 and $11.30 after disappointing earnings. A potential exit from this range, particularly upwards, could signal a bullish trend, especially if political changes favor local manufacturers. Analysts may revise targets higher if sentiment shifts positively.
Anandamoy Roychowdhary has left Peak XV Partners after over 11 years, marking the firm's second senior exit in less than a year. He joined in February 2013 as Director of Technology and was promoted to Partner in June 2023. His next career move remains undisclosed.
Ethereum is facing significant challenges as user activity and fees decline, raising concerns about its future role in crypto commerce. The rise of Layer-2 blockchains, such as Arbitrum and Optimism, has led to a 430% increase in transactions since March, while Ethereum's fees have plummeted by 87%, highlighting a shift in the ecosystem.
Canada's Competition Bureau is suing Google for alleged anti-competitive practices in online advertising, seeking to compel the sale of two ad tech tools and impose penalties for non-compliance with competition laws. Google contends that the complaint overlooks the competitive landscape, asserting that its advertising technology supports content funding and customer outreach for businesses. The investigation, which began in 2020, revealed that Google holds a dominant position in Canada's ad tech market and has engaged in conduct to maintain its market power.
India's GDP growth slowed to 5.4% in Q2 FY25, the lowest in seven quarters and below the 6.5% forecast, raising concerns about economic momentum. Despite this, the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty rose nearly 1% on November 29, driven by gains in pharma, auto, and IT sectors, with investors now eyeing potential interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank of India.
Nominal wages in Switzerland are projected to rise by 1.5% in 2024, according to the Federal Statistical Office. However, this increase may be largely offset by an expected inflation rate of just over 1%. In 2023, nominal wages rose by an average of 1.7%, but real wages fell by 0.4% due to a 2.1% inflation rate.
EU inflation has risen to 2.3% in November, prompting speculation about the European Central Bank's upcoming interest rate decision on December 12. Despite this increase, investors remain optimistic about easing monetary policy, while the Fed may cut rates by 25 basis points before Christmas.