General News

June 22, 2025 @ 5:19 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

High yield bonds, often referred to as “junk bonds,” have long been a compelling option for investors seeking enhanced portfolio income. However, their asymmetric return profile—characterized by significant downside risk during market stress and sharp rebounds in favorable conditions—presents unique challenges. BlackRock’s recent insights, as… Read More

June 21, 2025 @ 1:13 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In the first quarter of 2025, real assets funds demonstrated remarkable strength, with 18 funds raising an impressive $52 billion. This, according to a report from PitchBook. The report noted that this figure represents roughly half of the total capital raised by real assets funds… Read More

June 19, 2025 @ 5:33 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

As tariffs and the potential for rising cost of goods have dominated the news cycle since early April, a new TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) Q2 2025 Consumer Pulse study found that 27% of U.S. consumers are now pessimistic about their household finances over the next 12… Read More

June 19, 2025 @ 4:02 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

On June 16, 2025, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), announced its decision to dual-list its shares on NYSE Texas, effective June 17, 2025. This strategic move underscores ICE’s commitment to capitalizing on Texas’ pro-business environment while… Read More

June 19, 2025 @ 3:54 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Following the ongoing recession, the latest European Economic Outlook from KPMG signals a moderate recovery for the German economy in 2026, with real gross domestic product (GDP) expected to grow by 1.1% – the first noticeable upturn in four years. This year, it is likely… Read More

June 19, 2025 @ 3:09 am By Omar Faridi  |  

In a statement addressing the latest inflation figures, Yael Selfin, Chief Economist at KPMG UK, highlighted the growing uncertainty surrounding the UK’s inflation trajectory, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The recent surge in energy prices, with oil prices climbing over 13%… Read More

June 15, 2025 @ 4:33 pm By Michael Wong  |  

Wealthbox, a customer relationship management (CRM) software provider for financial advisors, has secured a $200 million strategic majority investment from Sixth Street Growth, the growth investing arm of global investment firm Sixth Street, according to an announcement. The investment aims to accelerate Wealthbox’s expansion across… Read More

June 14, 2025 @ 12:39 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The Q1 2025 US PE Middle Market Report from PitchBook provides a data-driven analysis of the trends shaping private equity (PE) investment in the US middle market, a segment critical to the broader PE landscape. Covering deal activity, exits, fundraising, and macroeconomic influences, the report… Read More

June 13, 2025 @ 12:28 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Yael Selfin, Chief Economist at KPMG UK noted that the rise in pay growth expected to be short lived as labour market “faces headwinds.” Yael Selfin from KPMG UK added that while unemployment rose to 4.4%, it remained “fairly low in the three months to November.”… Read More

June 13, 2025 @ 11:19 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The latest KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs survey, compiled by S&P Global, pointed to a further reduction in UK recruitment activity in May. Permanent placements fell at a “slightly sharper rate, but the decline in temp billings was the slowest in six months.”… Read More

June 13, 2025 @ 8:11 am By Omar Faridi  |  

The world’s largest economies will need to spend around $64 trillion on physical infrastructure by 20502 if they want to keep the lights on and the wheels turning, new modelling from Aberdeen Investments, the specialist asset manager, suggests. This is equivalent to “1.7% of global… Read More

June 12, 2025 @ 12:17 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The global economy stands at a crossroads, with mounting challenges like trade tensions, policy uncertainty, and rising public debt reshaping the financial landscape. Key updates from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlight critical strategies for navigating these turbulent times: fostering a united Europe to bolster… Read More

June 12, 2025 @ 8:18 am By Omar Faridi  |  

NatWest Regional Growth Tracker showed renewed increases in business activity across several parts of the UK, alongside a general revival of firms’ growth expectations for the coming year. The Tracker – which surveyed businesses operating in the manufacturing and services sectors across 12 regions of… Read More

June 11, 2025 @ 2:44 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Deloitte’s Gen Z and Millennial Survey offers a look at the priorities, concerns, and aspirations of over 23,000 respondents across 44 countries. The report highlights how these generations are navigating a rapidly evolving world, balancing their pursuit of financial stability, meaningful work, and personal well-being…. Read More

June 10, 2025 @ 4:08 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

Over 7 in 10 (71 percent) of firms in Ireland expect their investment in Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) to grow in the next three years, but cite concerns over funding barriers and increasing economic and competitive pressures. These are just some of the findings… Read More

June 9, 2025 @ 2:49 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

From April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, Kaspersky detected over 19 million attempts to download malicious or unwanted files disguised as popular Gen Z games. With GTA, Minecraft and Call of Duty among the most exploited, it’s clear that cybercriminals “are actively following gaming… Read More

June 6, 2025 @ 9:52 am By JD Alois  |  

Perhaps this is emblematic of the global venture market, but in France, the funding of startups “collapsed” during the month of May. According to a report in JDN, just €199 million was committed to tech startups in May – the lowest number since March 2020. This represents a… Read More

June 5, 2025 @ 10:37 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The UK economic outlook could brighten over the next two years as the economy stands to benefit from easing trade tensions and lower uncertainty arising from potential trade agreements with some of its key trading partners according to KPMG’s European Economic Outlook. A temporary pick… Read More

June 3, 2025 @ 10:08 pm By Omar Faridi  |  

The European Central Bank (ECB) has made significant strides in 2025 to bolster financial stability, advance the digital euro initiative, and address consumer expectations in the Eurozone. Recent updates highlight the ECB’s proactive measures to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, foster private-sector collaboration for a… Read More

June 3, 2025 @ 4:03 pm By JD Alois  |  

Crowdfund Capital Advisors (CCA), a data service provider for the securities crowdfunding sector, says the Securities and Exchange Commission missed the mark in its recent report on Reg CF (Regulation Crowdfunding). CCA states that while the SEC relies on Form C-U, these filings have historically… Read More