Investment Outlook

Investment outlook first quarter 2022

Prolonged low interest rates and a recovery in business activity over 2021 supported significant returns in equities, while fixed income experienced limited losses. World equity indices and 10-year Netherlands government bonds returned respectively +29% and -2% in euros. Laaken achieved historically high outperformance in its Defensive, Balanced and Offensive portfolios versus the benchmark. Hence, a pressing question arises: What is next?

Investment Outlook fourth quarter 2021

The main topics in financial markets are currently: vaccination rates, inflation and recent developments in China.

Investment outlook third quarter 2021

In this outlook for the third quarter of the year, we will briefly discuss four current topics: reopening after the pandemic, inflation, notable geopolitical trends and sustainability.

Investment outlook second quarter 2021

We have limited the duration in fixed income and are focusing mainly on shares in companies with enough pricing power to pass on the effects of inflation to the customer.

Investment outlook first quarter 2021

The outlook for the world economy has returned to positive. The latest consensus GDP growth estimates were minus 3,8% for 2020 but plus 5,2% for 2021 and plus 3,7% for 2022.

Investment outlook fourth quarter 2020

We continue to seek prudent investments in solid companies that trade at acceptable prices.

Investment outlook third quarter 2020

Investment outlook third quarter 2020

As we described in our Investment Outlook last quarter, we believe that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic will have long-term adverse effects on the economy.

Investment outlook second quarter 2020

Our base scenario is that most of the impact and consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic will ultimately be limited in time.