Economy
Family businesses: Why do they survive?
Family businesses can become a source of conflict between the different members making up the it. However, why are there businesses that have been very successful in generational change and others that have not? Discover with BBVA in Switzerland how a family protocol can contribute to success.
Solvency against risk of non-payment
U.S. treasury bonds act as safe-haven assets in circumstances such as deflationary crises, economic recession or shocks in financial markets. This is due to the fact that, at times such as these, investors in fixed income often reduce their investments in corporate bonds of low credit quality and, as such, high risk of non-payment. Instead, they prefer the maximum solvency of U.S. treasury bonds.
Consequences of the euro-dollar volatility
The low volatility during the first quarter of 2018 appears to have come to an end. A look at the euro-dollar (EURUSD) exchange rate shows a marked change in price after the first rate rise this year, in a decision taken by the FED in its last meeting on 21 March, while awaiting the definitive consolidation of the inflation data in the US.
BBVA in Switzerland with talent: discover the leader in competitiveness
The 2018 Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) has reported Switzerland as leader in talent competitiveness, followed by Singapore and the US. In addition, the city of Zurich is considered the No. 1 in the ranking of the global cities for talent attraction and development.
The investor's chief problem
“The investor's chief problem, and even his worst enemy, is likely to be himself” This phrase of Benjamin Graham (considered to be the father of 'value investing', is without a doubt what has stuck with me for a long time and that I try to remember often.
How to invest in an economic debt environment
At present, most economies, both developed and also emerging market, are reporting excessive debt levels compared to the past. The amount of debt in the US economy, which in turn sets the pace of the world economy, stands at almost four time the wealth this country produces (measured by it gross domestic product).
Investment trends in private banking
The global economic reality has changed significantly over the past few years impacting decisively on the style and way in which investors manage their wealth.
Switzerland, an international finance center ideal for portfolio diversification
Many people around the world choose to place part of their savings in investments outside their home country, in order to diversify their holdings. That’s why they put part of their capital in international financial centers. Switzerland is one of them.
BBVA in Switzerland: a benchmark among private banks in developing digital solutions
BBVA’s presence in Switzerland dates back 25 years – a quarter century during which the bank has accompanied its clients, advising them on the management of their wealth and the diversification of their investments. It’s the only bank in the BBVA Group devoted exclusively to private banking, offering a superb value proposition in international asset management.
what factors affect stock market prices?
The volatility on the stock markets produces some alarm among investors who are speculating about the causes of the falls. Many clients have called us and expressed typical concerns regarding these events. Hence, in the Markets Department at BBVA in Switzerland we feel it would be interesting to explain what factors affect stock market prices.
Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) vs. traditional sovereign bonds
In this survey we shall try to identify the main differences between traditional sovereign bonds and Treasury inflation-protected securities (or TIPS), and to do so we shall focus on the US market, although the conclusions may be extrapolated to other key markets such as Germany, the UK, etc.
How emotions affect investment decisions?
Our emotions influence our decisions. It is vital therefore that we analyse how emotions impact investment decisions, and according to our investor advice and the favourable market indicators, we can reach success when investing.
Investing in art: the traditional advice
BBVA offers its private banking clients access to the best art advisory service in the world, to help them develop their taste and passion within the most promising sectors of the art market. But, what does art advisory really entail?
Positive indicators for 2018
Joaquín García Huerga, Global Strategy Director from BBVA Asset Management, pick out from their management their forecast for economies and markets at 2018.
Private banking: educating the next generation of customers
BBVA Global Wealth held the seventh edition of its ‘Next Generation’ Madrid program, intended for second generations of Private Banking customers. The purpose of the program is to bring value to customers’ families, providing them with a specific educational experience.
A world with clean energy
Different opinions exist regarding the causes of climate change: Some experts state that temperature increases are a normal part of the Earth’s cycle, whilst others interpret this phenomenon as man’s doing.
Great moment for the global growth
Jorge Sicilia, Chief Economist of BBVA Group and Managing Director of BBVA Research, explains the keys why global growth stands at its greatest moment since the last ten years and provides a regional forecast.
Cryptocurrencies: benefits and risks of virtual currencies
2017 has been the year of cryptocurrencies: More than 300 new virtual currencies have been created. Bringing their total to over 900. In other words, the number of virtual currencies in the world more than triples the number of conventional, state-issued currencies, which according to the UN currently stand at 180.
Demographic growth, key factor for inflation
The authorities, the various institutions and investors are surprised and wonder what is causing inflation in developed countries has remained at all-time lows since the outbreak of the crisis in 2008.
Economic fragility despite of positive figures
Most of the developed countries continue publishing positive macroeconomic figures and those reflecting growth and economic activity in particular. This could have an important effect on the trend in global financial asset prices.
Copper: world economy expansion
In the decision of whether to invest in gold or in copper, there are two very different underlying views of the future of the world economy.
Dots, points that plot our destiny
Despite Janet Yellen, the chair of the US Federal Reserve, is the most influential component in said organisation, we should never forget that she is not alone and there are other members whose vote, and often whose opinion, are equally important.
The expected trend in benchmark rates
At the end of 2015, the US Federal Reserve began official rate hikes at a much slower pace than on other occasions and with no apparent reasons for doing so, because neither inflation nor economic growth had passed thresholds for concern.
The greatest challenge on the Swiss watch industry
The traditional Swiss watch is a synonym of quality, elegance and luxury, features that have made it a benchmark in the sector. Such is the case that its watches account for 57% of the world market and represent a large source of income for the sound Swiss economy. The sector is, however, far from at its best and the arrival of smartwatches on the scene has been a disruptive force that is putting the industry’s capacity and adaptation severely to the test.
Latin American Entrepreneurs in Switzerland (I)
The cosmetics industry and the perfume segment in particular are especially competitive sectors. Two Swiss firms, Givaudan and Firmenich, account for between 30% and 40% of the global market, making them the world’s main fragrance and flavour creators.
Classic Cars, An Exquisite Investment (I)
At some time in our lives, we have most certainly stopped in the street to take a serious look at a car that for some reason has caught our eye. It is often a colour, a design or simply the person driving it, which whisks us off to that imaginary world where we dream we are driving that same car or we at least have one parked in our garage.
Swiss Vineyards, white gold amid the mountains
When people think of Switzerland, its best known features are its chocolate, skiing, private banking and watches. What is not quite so usual, however, is to associate it with wine production.
Wages and salaries, consumption's indicators
Bearing in mind that consumer confidence in the USA has shot up over recent years (to even stand above the levels prior to the start of the 2008 crisis), it gives every indication that worker remuneration in the world’s biggest economy is going to start rising strongly over the coming quarters.
The effects of monetary policy on the Eurozone
The appearance of European Central Bank President Mario Draghi on Thursday 20 July last, when he was expected to give details of a possible turnaround in the central bank’s current monetary policy, eventually had little repercussion.
