Richard Sengmany

Pictet raises $253m for its first environmental co-investment fund

Pictet Alternative Advisors announced the final close of its Environment Co-Investment Fund I after raising $253m, exceeding its initial target: $200m.

July 15, 2026 at 05:20 am

Klea Holding targets improved profitability in the second half

Klea Holding's revenue in the first half of 2026 came to €8.6m, down 25% on a reported basis and 20% at constant exchange rates. In an exceptional environment (a spring 2026 hit by the conflict in the Middle East), the long-term investment and operating holding company implemented immediate cost-control measures so that Smart Salem's business remained profitable throughout the half, with estimated EBITDA of €2.4m.

July 15, 2026 at 02:30 am

Europlasma: Valdunes Industries wheels exported to Southern Africa

Europlasma, an industrial group specializing in the development of strategic activities, pollution control and decarbonization, announced that its subsidiary Valdunes Industries has signed a multiyear contract with a leading player in Southern Africa for the manufacture of monobloc wheels intended for heavy rail freight applications, backed by deep expertise in mining operating conditions. Its proximity to African operators makes it a strategic supplier for this segment.

July 15, 2026 at 02:12 am

Shell sells Sprng Energy to Aditya Birla Renewables Limited for $1.8bn

Shell Overseas Investment B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell plc, signed an agreement on Monday with Aditya Birla Renewables Limited (ABRen) to sell 100% of Solenergi Power Private Limited. This Indian group includes Sprng Energy, along with its physical assets and commercial contracts. The deal is valued at $1.8bn. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

July 13, 2026 at 10:39 am

BNPP AM: 'The outlook remains favorable for risk assets'

'For this month of July, the market appears well positioned for potentially favorable performance. Against a backdrop of falling energy prices and less crowded positioning, the outlook is favorable for risk assets. They should be supported by seasonal effects, abundant liquidity, and less pressure on central banks to continue tightening monetary policy,' explains Boutaïna Deixonne, head of Euro IG & HY at BNP Paribas Asset Management (BNPP AM).

July 13, 2026 at 10:02 am

J. Safra Sarasin expects a Fed rate recalibration amid the AI boom

'Our new forecasts for the Fed funds rate now point to two rate hikes: one in the fourth quarter of 2026, then another in the first quarter of 2027, rather than an extended pause. These increases are therefore not imminent, but with markets currently pricing in only about 35 basis points of tightening over the next 12 months, expectations for the Federal Reserve's policy rates should be revised higher', J. Safra Sarasin says.

July 13, 2026 at 08:56 am

Modest gains in Europe, oil rebounds

Except for Amsterdam, European equity markets are edging higher at midday, against a backdrop of ongoing high tensions in the Middle East. Iran warned today that it 'would no longer consider itself bound by the memorandum of understanding signed in June with the United States if Washington failed to honor its commitments aimed at ending the war'. Around 12:00 pm, the CAC 40 is up 0.07% at 8,344.92 points and could close the session with a third straight gain. The Euro Stoxx 50 is adding 0.17% at 6,280.44 points.

July 13, 2026 at 06:16 am

United Kingdom: a change of prime minister threatens commercial insurers

'The imminent arrival of Andy Burnham, who is set to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as UK prime minister, is creating a wave of political uncertainty that could destabilize property and casualty insurers. For now, very little is known about the reforms Burnham intends to pursue and their potential impact on the insurance sector,' according to a report from GlobalData, the UK data analytics and consulting firm. Even so, uncertainty remains a constant source of concern for UK SMEs, which could disrupt specialist insurers in the short term.

July 13, 2026 at 04:45 am

Unify Group signs a memorandum of understanding to acquire SPAS Organisation

Unify Group is pursuing its external growth strategy with the signing of a memorandum of understanding to acquire SPAS Organisation (France's leading organizer of consumer and professional trade shows dedicated to organic products, natural health, wellness, and lifestyle). Completion of the transaction is subject to court approval of SPAS Organisation's bank debt restructuring agreement.

July 10, 2026 at 12:39 pm

Okwind Group: first-half revenue down 51%

In the first half of 2026, Okwind Group posted revenue of €6.5m, down 51% year over year. In total, firm orders for the semester came to €9.9m, including €9.7m from BtoB customers. They were driven by the new indirect sales channel as an equipment supplier, which accounted for 11.4% of orders, and the new trackers + BESS product offering, which already represents 36.5% of orders.

July 10, 2026 at 12:00 pm

MSCI and UBS digitize private-market transparency with AI

MSCI Inc. (a provider of tools and services that support financial decision-making) and UBS Group AG are announcing a strategic partnership aimed at advancing transparency in private markets. The alliance pairs MSCI's capabilities in delivering independent data, analytics and models with UBS's leading expertise in alternative assets.

July 10, 2026 at 10:00 am

Oil: the IEA expects a demand rebound despite market volatility

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report, the oil market is starting its recovery. Global consumption is expected to rise after its May low, driven by seasonal patterns and the release of pent-up demand, alongside a rebound in product supply. While the annual contraction is expected to ease quarter by quarter in 2026 (from 4.8 mb/d, million barrels per day, in the second quarter to 1.7 mb/d in the third quarter), a rebound of 1.2 mb/d is expected in the fourth quarter. The projected growth of 2 mb/d in 2027 nonetheless implies a two-year pace of expansion well below historical trends.

July 10, 2026 at 09:35 am

JPMorgan pushes ArcelorMittal to the top of the CAC 40

ArcelorMittal is leading the CAC 40. The stock is up 5.72% at €57.64 within Paris' flagship index, supported by a favorable note from JPMorgan published this Friday. The US bank upgraded its rating on the steelmaking giant's shares, moving from underweight to neutral, while raising its price target from €45 to €57.

July 10, 2026 at 08:13 am

More than €225bn raked in during the first half of 2026

According to the Monthly ETF Observatory launched by Yomoni, an index-management specialist, June remained very strong with €39bn in net subscriptions. This report, which summarizes the major trends in a sector attracting a growing number of retail investors, says cumulative inflows since the start of the year have comfortably exceeded €225bn. That performance represents growth of just over 40% versus the first half of 2025. On their own, the €39bn recorded in June far exceed last year's average monthly inflow, which stood at €28.9bn.

July 10, 2026 at 05:54 am

Amundi: the positive impact of its green bonds confirmed

Amundi, Europe's leading asset manager, has published its 2025 green bond impact report, which assesses the environmental impact of its flagship green bond strategies and their contribution to financing projects that support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

July 10, 2026 at 05:04 am

La Fabrique Abeille assurances: 2026 winners in its anniversary edition

Abeille assurances, a major insurer in coverage, protection, savings and retirement, has unveiled the winners of the 10th anniversary edition of La Fabrique Abeille assurances, its national competition dedicated to impact initiatives. Gathered on July 8 in Paris for the grand final, the 40 finalist projects presented their initiatives to the juries tasked with determining the 2026 rankings. Following deliberations, 4 thematic winners, 1 winner of the special "Terres d'avenir" prize and 1 Jury's Favorite prize were recognized.

July 10, 2026 at 04:51 am

Two-wheelers: rising road vulnerability in the first half of 2026

The latest results from the Solly Azar - AAA Data Two-Wheeler Observatory have been published, offering a mixed assessment of claims in 2025 and in the first half of 2026. Road traffic accidents account for virtually all interventions: they represent 82% of claims over the first six months of 2026 (versus 78% in 2025). This shift confirms an upward trend in the share of accidents, underscoring the persistent vulnerability of two-wheeler riders.

July 10, 2026 at 04:21 am

LBP AM Redefines Its Role as an Engaged Shareholder

Governance, transition plans, and the preservation of shareholder rights were the primary priorities for the LBP AM group (the asset management subsidiary of La Banque Postale) in exercising its voting rights during the 2026 annual general meeting season. The group is also calling for a modernization of these rights at the European level, with an emphasis on simplifying procedures and digitalization.

July 09, 2026 at 08:42 am

Oil vs LNG: AlphaValue flags a widening split in energy trajectories

AlphaValue has published a sector study on the LNG market: '2050: A Gas Odyssey'. Global LNG (liquefied natural gas) demand is expected to rise from 422 Mtpa (million tonnes per year) in 2025 to nearly 700 Mtpa by 2050, an increase of 65% over the period. South and Southeast Asia account for roughly 40% of that growth.

July 09, 2026 at 04:46 am

Swiss Re Institute: 'global insurance premium growth is expected to slow in 2026'

The recent conflict in the Middle East is the fourth major shock to hit global supply chains in six years. It is weighing on economic activity, fueling inflation pressures, and underscoring a shift toward an increasingly fragmented global economy. In this context, global insurance premium growth is expected to slow to 1.3% in real terms in 2026, from 3.9% in 2025, according to the latest sigma report from the Swiss Re Institute, 'World insurance in 2026: a bulwark against global fragmentation'.

July 09, 2026 at 03:48 am

Mip Mutual maintains favorable outlook for 2026

After four years of sustained growth, Mip Mutual in 2025 confirms the strength of its model. In a context marked by intense competitive pressure and the continued rise in health care spending, the mutual demonstrates its ability to adapt, preserves a high level of solvency, and maintains a favorable outlook for 2026.

July 09, 2026 at 03:34 am