Investors funneled $44.8 billion into emerging market (EM) equities and debt portfolios in August, the largest inflow in almost a year, according to the Institute of International Finance (IIF). Jonathan Fortun, senior economist at IIF, notes: “Investor positioning appears increasingly sensitive to headline risk and policy noise, especially in economies exposed to external shocks or...
Italy’s government is working “constructively” with Pirelli and its investors to resolve a governance dispute that has impacted the tyre maker in recent years. The government aims to ensure that Pirelli remains fully competitive in all markets while complying with evolving regulatory requirements. The focus is on managing the role of state-backed Chinese shareholder Sinochem,...
Switzerland and UBS are reportedly signalling a willingness to find common ground on new bank capital requirements, potentially paving the way for parliament to approve rules acceptable to both the government and the bank. UBS has strongly criticised the government’s proposed regulations—introduced in June after the 2023 Credit Suisse collapse—which would have required an additional...
After years of muted activity, leveraged buyouts (LBOs) are staging a comeback. Private equity firms and sovereign wealth funds are increasingly targeting high-profile technology, media, and consumer companies. Cheap debt, abundant dry powder, and the search for stable cash flows amid public market volatility are driving this resurgence. Recent and historic deals illustrate the trend:...
Botswana has established a new sovereign wealth fund aimed at economic diversification, job creation, and management of state-owned companies. This initiative comes as the Southern African nation faces a downturn in its diamond-dependent economy, which contributes roughly 75% of exports and one-third of fiscal revenue. Unlike the existing Pula Fund, which primarily serves as a...
Stablecoin issuer Figure Technologies has increased both the size and price range of its IPO, now targeting $20–$22 per share and 31.5 million shares, potentially raising $693 million and valuing the company at $4.66 billion. Trading is set to begin on Nasdaq under the symbol FIGR this Thursday. Co-founded in 2018 by tech entrepreneur Mike...