insights.

As the global COVID-19 crisis unfolds, we analyse the prospects for the US dollar in light of historic Fed action, and discuss how other G10 and emerging market FX could fare in the months ahead.

COVID-19 is causing a global and profound shock. We expect a global recession in the first half of 2020.Yet, as health, fiscal and monetary measures are coming into effect, we see a recovery in the second half of the year. But, we cannot exclude a deeper crisis. Watch more from our experts

The Covid-19 crisis and subsequent shutdowns will have a severe impact on short-term growth. However, it could extend to a deeper economic crisis. Much depends on how effective the measures in place will be. Read more on our analysis here.

How will we meet the growing problem of water scarcity? Discover the vital role of investors in our search for answers

Thoughtful and timely action can address both the COVID-19 medical emergency and the climate emergency. There is an opportunity to put capital to good use and stimulate the economy by financing a green transition. 

The COVID-19 pandemic coupled with oil price wars is causing untold market stress and volatility. But could there be a bright side? We believe it’s possible this extreme situation could help pave the way to decarbonisation. How? Changing consumer patterns, policy, falling oil demand and renewable energy sources could offer some light at the end of this dark tunnel. Read more here. 

To reach carbon neutrality, we must develop and invest in the circular economy. Today, we see a new industry emerging - urban mining. Initiatives and opportunities for investors are in full swing. 

The time to invest in the climate transition is now. We may have as little as seven years before we use up our carbon budget. There are four key revolutions that underpin this shift: the Energy, Transport, Industrial and Land Use revolutions. These sectors must be completely rethought as they are critical for economic growth. Companies that are at the forefront of this transition are likely to grow their market share and those who fall behind face existential threat.

The Fed’s aggressive intervention by slashing rates and providing a substantial rate of liquidity is a bid to combat the effects of COVID-19. Yet these sweeping measures may not be enough. Read more on the details of the Fed’s decision and what we are seeking from policymakers.

Global, coordinated stimulus is needed to put the current external shocks behind us. We need to see three types of responses: public health, monetary and fiscal. Read more on how policymakers are taking decisive steps to contain the virus, ensure liquidity at a cheap borrowing cost and shield economic players from temporary demand side shock

The Fed’s aggressive monetary policy easing is leading the currency market into a pivotal point. We revise our EURUSD forecasts higher and look for dollar downside over the medium term

The fallout between OPEC and Russia is a game changer for the oil market structure. We revise our 12-month price target to USD 40/barrel (Brent)

As the race to nominate a Democrat challenger to Donald Trump narrows, three very different choices for the next US president are now before American voters.

Financial markets are facing rising COVID-19 risks. We have reduced our economic growth forecasts for 2020, and continue to monitor the efficiency of containment measures and global policy response. 

With oil prices plummeting, now more than ever, we must find a way to better harness renewable resources. Switzerland is paving the way by reducing its dependence on oil, coal and gas and has a long history of opting for carbon-free energy. However, there is still more work to be done. We need to find a way to scale up carbon-free electricity and invest in new technologies. Discover more.  

Developing science and technology is key to our future. We are proud to offer scholarships to CERN students to support the next generation. Innovation is critical to the survival of banking and we see the opportunity that the fourth industrial revolution will bring. Read more on the scholarships and the positive trend science brings to our society here.

Gone are the days where consumers will only consider buying financial products from banks. Today, around a quarter of Swiss people are willing to buy a financial product from a fintech company. The next generation are demanding access to products and services anywhere and at any time so asset managers, tech firms and the government need to pool their resources to ensure the future financial success of Swiss banking. Hear more from Alexandre Zeller, Managing Partner.

Emerging market currencies have weakened sharply, and the pressure will likely continue until the coronavirus situation normalises. However, policy support will pave the way for a recovery later in the year.

How can you take full advantage of the income a company can offer while controlling your private taxation to build wealth that ensures you maintain your standard of living in retirement? Discover it in an interview with Stéphane Pedraja, our Managing Director of Bank Lombard Odier, Lausanne.

For the last five years, the SNB has kept interest rates in negative territory and intervened in foreign currency markets to contain the strength of the franc. Those tools face increasing constraints and are becoming less effective.

Gold, the yen, the Swiss Franc and the US dollar. We look at empirical evidence to find out which show the highest potential to preserve investment portfolios in risk-averse markets.

Launched in 2019, the partnership between the Lombard Odier Group and the CERN & Society Foundation demonstrates Lombard Odier's commitment to the new generation. This year, the partnership will once again provide financial support to two talented doctoral students, allowing them to continue their research in this unique laboratory. The two young researchers will be included in the ATLAS experiment, one of two general-purpose detectors at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Net new money flows were strong and the market impact on client assets was positive for the year. Total client assets at end-December, 2019 stood at CHF 299 billion, up 16% from end-December 2018.

Germany’s economic needs to kick-start its ailing growth, benefiting its own economy and the rest of the eurozone at a time when the EU is lacking leadership.

Increasingly, companies are realising they cannot afford to ignore issues like climate change, income inequality and a whole range of governance questions. Investors are also saying they want more than just profits. 

USD has appreciated since the outbreak of COVID-19, as investors have sought its safety. Nevertheless, this will be transitory. Emerging currencies remain the best place to be in FX markets.

Boris Johnson ‘got Brexit done’. That doesn’t mean the uncertainties surrounding the UK’s economy have vanished.

At Lombard Odier, sustainability is part of our DNA. Our Islamic finance solution is naturally embedded into our sustainability approach because the two share a number of common values. We have built a global investment solution—a proper mandate—with three profiles: conservative, balanced, and growth. Discover more about our unique Islamic finance offering.

How has COVID-19 impacted Chinese economic activity and the rest of the emerging world thus far? Is their economic recovery at risk?

Every year, more sand than can be replenished is consumed to satisfy the global appetite for infrastructure. And curbing the plunder is proving far from straightforward.

Sustainability is a factor that can influence both risk levels and investment performance. In particular, it offers opportunities that we have to be able to spot. Read more from our experts

China has not reacted to the coronavirus by altering its long-term currency strategy. It is on a path to internationalising the carefully managed, floating currency as it transitions to becoming the world’s largest economy.

For the sixth consecutive year, Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd was honoured at the “WealthBriefing Swiss Awards 2020”. 

Waste in fashion is on a massive scale, and less than one per cent of recycled textiles are converted into new, wearable materials. But very gradually, that may be changing. The FT’s Madison Darbyshire takes a closer look at three companies moving toward a circular economy for fashion, each in a different way.

Philanthropy has never been bigger. Yet, philanthropists are under growing pressure to demonstrate the value they add to solving global challenges alongside local and governmental institutions. Our Global Head of Philanthropy Maximilian Martin discusses how intent, innovation and impact will be key principles for driving philanthropic vitality in the 2020s.

In order to slow global warming, we must decouple growth from our consumption of resources and energy. Some critics argue that a "degrowth" is necessary. However, degrowth is not a solution because it slows down the innovation necessary for resource efficiency, according to economist Dimitri Zenghelis. Investing in innovation, science and creativity will enable us to get more from the resources at our disposal.

This year will see changes, but not instability. Discover what our experts and former White House Director of Global Engagement Brett Bruen expect from the US elections and changes in China's economy.

As we monitor the spread of the Chinese coronavirus, we look at how best to position a portfolio for the current volatility challenges.

What were the key takeaways on sustainability from Davos? Shifting economic models, finding a home for capital and focusing on the fundamentals as well as ensuring that all actions need to be focused and direct.

Supported by the Fondation Lombard Odier, as part of a partnership with EPFL, the Center for Digital trust is a multidisciplinary platform which opens up new perspectives for a contemporary society entering the digital era.

How will the emergence of the coronavirus impact the main emerging market currencies? We have updated our EM FX forecasts.

With just seven years left of business-as-usual at current emissions rates, investors urgently need to address how best to help the transition to a net-zero carbon economy.

Discover the top stories driving the global economy and markets in Q1 2020, and how they’re shaping the way we build our portfolios. Our global investment strategy video is out.

We talked with Patagonia, the best B Corp worldwide since 2011. Discover what Ryan Gellert, General Manager - EMEA, said about the brand's journey towards sustainability, their challenges and the company's beliefs and frustrations.

Investors are optimistic about Brazil’s economy in 2020. The path to recovery might, however, prove challenging. We discuss five key macro issues.

The US/China trade truce illustrates just how far globalisation has slipped in the past decade, and the stakes of reverting to a ‘might makes right’ world.

As more and more of our clients are beginning to involve their children in the management of the family’s wealth, we are acquiring bankers who have more in common with them. So what do the next generation expect and what are their interests and concerns?

Sterling has had a remarkable year-end run. We are now lowering our 2020 forecasts and turning neutral on GBP. 

LO Women’s Club is an initiative launched by a number of female bankers is enjoying growing success. Almost three years after its inception, one of its founders reflects.

Meet the jackfruit. This little known fruit in Europe is making waves in South East Asia. One of the largest tree-borne fruits in the world, it has a meaty texture (akin to pulled pork), is extremely versatile and is seemingly heading to a meat-free plate near you. Read more on how this fruit might just be the new avocado.