Sustainable Investment Remains Strong Thanks to Europe and Its Ability to Adapt to Political Cycles

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Despite Donald Trump’s return to the White House and the rise of right-wing parties in Europe, asset managers remain optimistic about the outlook for sustainable investment this year. So far, sustainable investment funds have shown significant growth in recent years. According to 2023 data, these funds reached approximately €500 billion in assets under management, with Europe accounting for 84% of this total—around €420 billion.

How Do Investment Firms View 2025?

According to Pascal Dudle, Head of Thematic and Impact Investing at Vontobel, sustainability will remain important despite challenges posed by recent political shifts. It will be driven by companies maintaining their commitment for reasons ranging from economic opportunities to risk management.

“A key example of this was the unexpected yet encouraging support from ExxonMobil’s CEO during COP29 in November, urging incoming President Trump not to exit the Paris Agreement and to keep the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) intact. 2025 will also see continued investor scrutiny of the myriad ESG approaches being offered, with stricter strategies, such as impact investing, likely among the winners,” says Dudle.

He also believes that energy transition is here to stay, as clean technologies are now economically viable, scalable, and come with limited technological risk. “The need for reliability and resilience should, in particular, drive investments in infrastructure, such as increasing investment in power grids to ensure their reinforcement and modernization,” he adds.

Trump’s Challenge to Sustainable Investment

While investors—and Europe—continue their shift towards sustainability, the Trump administration has taken a different path. His first term was marked by rollbacks in environmental protections, the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, and skepticism toward climate science. These policies affected the global sustainable finance ecosystem, meaning his return could once again test the resilience of ESG investment.

In his second term, Trump has declared a “national energy emergency,” in line with his campaign promises. According to experts at Allianz Global Investors, the measure aims to strengthen the U.S. fossil fuel sector, the world’s largest oil producer, and cut energy prices by 50%.

“His actions will complicate the fight against climate change. Additionally, skepticism surrounds Trump’s ability to halve energy prices as he claims. During the 2020 pandemic, even when oil prices turned negative, U.S. energy costs only dropped by 19%. Other factors, such as his order to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, could even push prices up in the short term,” state Greg Meier, Senior Economist at Allianz Global Investors, and David Lee, U.S. Energy Sector Specialist at Allianz GI.

Their conclusion is clear: “While Trump’s actions reinforce his commitment to fossil fuels, their actual impact on lowering energy costs will likely be limited and far from his stated expectations.”

Key Takeaways for Investors

In this context, Sophie Chardon, Head of Sustainable Investment at Lombard Odier Private Bank, believes investors should focus on sectors less exposed to political shifts, such as infrastructure, digitalization, energy efficiency in buildings, water management, and precision agriculture.

“From an investment perspective, Trump’s second administration could increase sectoral and regional divergence as the U.S. loses momentum in sustainable investments. After the sharp declines in sustainable investment valuations in late 2024, earnings dynamics are now in control, making stock selection crucial,” Chardon explains.

She also highlights that while the U.S. may slow its climate efforts under Trump, global momentum—especially from China and the EU—should keep the transition to green energy moving forward.

“Investors will need to focus on sectors that are less exposed to policy risks and on those aligned with long-term demand for clean technologies, infrastructure, and climate resilience,” she insists.

Europe’s Advantage in ESG Investment

According to Deepshikha Singh, Head of Stewardship at Crédit Mutuel Asset Management, investment prospects remain uneven.

“Investors may witness significant rollbacks in federal climate action and reporting standards. Trump’s pick to lead the SEC, Paul Atkins, has been openly opposed to the SEC’s climate disclosure rules. However, states like California and New York will likely continue setting ambitious climate goals,” Singh states.

Despite this, Singh sees Europe maintaining its leadership in sustainable investment, which could be a key advantage for investors.

European companies that align with strict ESG regulations could attract more capital, while U.S. companies struggling to meet international standards could face higher costs and reduced access to foreign markets. The alignment of the European financial sector with the Paris Agreement and COP29 goals presents opportunities for those prioritizing green investments.

Additionally, Europe may seek to influence global financial markets by expanding ESG disclosure requirements for internationally operating companies, which could impact U.S.-based multinationals and other global corporations,” Singh explains.

The Future of ESG Investment Amid Political Cycles

For Singh, sustainable investment’s resilience lies in its ability to adapt to political cycles. While she acknowledges that Trump’s policies may pose challenges for some aspects of ESG investing, she sees it as unlikely that the overwhelming global shift toward sustainability will be reversed.

“Investors, driven by both risk management and opportunities, will continue to integrate ESG factors into their portfolios, even in the face of opposition. The demand for transparent and responsible investments will persist, regardless of who is in the White House.

In fact, Trump’s second term could even emphasize the urgency of private-sector leadership in driving the sustainable investment movement in the U.S. and beyond,” Singh concludes.

Jupiter Asset Management Presents Its First Actively Managed Global Sovereign Debt ETF

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Jupiter Asset Management has announced the launch of the Jupiter Global Government Bond Active UCITS ETF, the Group’s first exchange-traded fund (ETF), in collaboration with HANetf, a specialist in white-label ETFs.

Jupiter has been exploring new ways to distribute its products and expand access for more clients to its extensive investment expertise. With greater execution flexibility, a high degree of transparency, and competitive pricing, active ETFs offer clients an alternative and democratized entry point. In line with Jupiter’s truly active high-conviction investment management approach, active ETFs also provide investors with the potential for higher returns than traditional passive products.

The Jupiter Global Government Bond Active UCITS ETF, or GOVE, aims to outperform traditional sovereign bond investments by offering a diversified portfolio of developed and emerging market government debt, with low correlation to equities and other risk assets. Due to their complexity, potential for market inefficiencies, and sensitivity to macroeconomic factors, global sovereign bonds represent an ideal asset class for an active ETF.

The fund is managed by Vikram Aggarwal, a sovereign debt investment manager who has been with Jupiter since 2013. The fund’s investment strategy focuses on identifying inefficiencies in sovereign bond market valuations by comparing Jupiter’s perception of the current economic regime with market expectations. This contrarian approach seeks to capitalize on opportunities when there is a significant divergence between perceived and actual economic conditions.

“We are pleased to partner with HANetf for the launch of our first active ETF. We have been exploring new ways to provide clients with access to Jupiter’s extensive investment expertise, and today’s launch is part of that strategy. We know that greater transparency, faster execution, and competitive pricing are driving clients to increase their exposure to active ETFs. We believe Jupiter’s truly active investment approach and differentiated product offering position us very well to grow assets in this exciting new space,” said Matthew Beesley, CEO of Jupiter.

Hector McNeil, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of HANetf, stated: “We are delighted to work with Jupiter on its first active ETF at this pivotal moment for the market. Net inflows into active ETFs from European clients increased by more than 50% between Q1 and Q2 of 2024. Total assets under management in Europe now exceed $41 billion, and as clients increase their allocations, we are seeing very strong growth momentum.”

Rising Costs Force Baby Boomers to Delay Retirement

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Amid rising living costs and economic uncertainty, many baby boomers are reconsidering traditional retirement plans, with many opting to remain in the workforce longer than previous generations. 

According to a recent study by Indeed Flex, 88% of baby boomers remain engaged in full-time, part-time, or temporary employment. Additionally, more than one-third of respondents expressed uncertainty about their ability to retire this year, citing financial constraints and inflationary pressures. 

“Boomers are facing long-term care costs, obstacles in saving, or possible investing challenges; temporary work is a good bridge to make ends meet,” said Novo Constare, CEO and Co-founder of Indeed Flex

While previous generations relied on pensions and more affordable living expenses, today’s retirees face a different financial reality. The study found that only 10% of boomers are fully retired, with many delaying their exit from the workforce due to increasing healthcare expenses and market volatility. Some have even chosen to re-enter employment, with 23% of retirees seeking temporary work to supplement their income for discretionary spending, such as travel or gifts. 

Temporary employment has emerged as a practical solution for those looking to maintain financial stability while retaining flexibility. Indeed Flex’s data indicates that 83% of boomers are open to temporary work, particularly in retail, hospitality, and business support industries. Among those considering flexible work arrangements, 55% prefer working 10-20 hours per week, 27% prefer 20 or more, and 14% seek only a few hours per week. 

Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of an aging workforce. With decades of experience, baby boomers bring reliability, problem-solving skills, and a strong work ethic to multigenerational workplaces. Businesses struggling with seasonal demand or staffing shortages find that hiring older, experienced workers temporarily offers a strategic advantage. 

“Previous generations could rely on pensions and affordable living; today’s boomers are navigating a financial landscape where Social Security alone isn’t enough to meet current needs,” Constare continued.

With 88% of Americans ages 59 and older still working in some capacity, the study reflects a fundamental change in retirement norms. As financial concerns persist, many older adults adjust their plans and turn to temporary employment to bridge the gap between Social Security benefits and the rising cost of living. This trend presents an opportunity for businesses to tap into a workforce that remains highly engaged and eager to contribute.

ESG Transparency Demands Reshaping Investing

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The growing demand for transparency in ESG reporting is reshaping responsible investing. According to the latest Cerulli Edge – U.S. Institutional Edition, asset owners are facing increasing pressure from regulators, clients, and the public. In response, they now require asset managers to provide detailed disclosures on ESG-related activities. This shift is driving enhanced accountability across the investment industry. 

Cerulli’s research indicates that 58% of institutional investors currently require or plan to require asset managers to disclose portfolio-level exposure to financially material ESG risks, as well as impact and thematic reporting. Additionally, 23% of asset owners mandate reports on ESG-related engagement activities, while another 22% intend to implement this requirement within the next two years. 

“Institutional investors want to ensure ESG considerations are not just passing trend, but a fundamental part of the investment process,” said Gloria Pais, an analyst for Cerulli. 

Despite these demands, significant challenges persist. According to Cerulli’s findings, 38% of asset owners report difficulty in defining ESG boundaries, particularly when distinguishing between ESG and impact investing. The lack of standardized ESG reporting guidelines creates inconsistencies across sectors, complicating the evaluation of portfolio performance. 

Efforts to standardize ESG reporting frameworks are underway, yet obstacles remain. As asset owners continue to prioritize transparency, asset managers must invest in advanced reporting systems to meet these expectations. Those capable of delivering comprehensive and standardized ESG reports will be better position to attract institutional clients and maintain a competitive edge

“Integrated ESG considerations into investment processes will not only enhance competitiveness but also ensure alignment with the values of institutional clients,” Pais added. 

The push for ESG transparency extends beyond regulatory compliance and signifies a shift in investor priorities toward long-term sustainability and accountability. Asset managers who proactively adopt transparent ESG reporting practices will be well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in this evolving market. 

Miami Prepares for the FII PRIORITY 2025 Summit

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Investors and Industry Experts to Gather in Miami for the FII PRIORITY 2025 Summit to explore solutions through its core pillars: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Education, Healthcare, and Sustainability.

The event will take place from February 19 to 21 at the Faena Hotel & Forum in Miami Beach and will mark its third edition.

The Future Investment Initiative Institute (FII) is a global nonprofit foundation with an investment arm and a single mission: Impact on Humanity.

This third edition of the FII PRIORITY Miami Summit, under the theme “INVESTING WITH PURPOSE”, will serve as a platform for implementing practical strategies that promote long-term resilience and inclusive growth, according to an FII statement.

Alberto Valdés Joins Vector Global WMG in Houston

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Vector Global WMG has added Alberto Valdés to its international business in Houston, according to information available on BrokerCheck.

With 15 years of experience in the Texas business, according to Finra records, he joins the new firm to provide brokerage and advisory services to clients in Mexico.

The financial advisor, who comes from Alterna Securities, where he joined in 2021, worked for 12 years at BBVA in Houston, serving clients from Mexico between 2008 and 2020, according to his BrokerCheck profile.

According to industry sources, at Vector Global, he will focus on providing broker/dealer services and advisory services to clients in Mexico.

Valdés holds an MBA from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México and a Certificate in International Trade, Finance, Business, and Management from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

BlackRock Launches ETF Certification Program in Partnership with Kaplan

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The ETF industry continues to grow, and financial advisors need specialized training on the subject. In this context, BlackRock, in partnership with the Kaplan Financial Planning School, has launched a portfolio construction and ETF certification program for financial advisors.

The new program is designed to equip advisors with comprehensive resources and tools to have more informed conversations about the opportunities ETFs could bring to their clients’ portfolios, the School—founded in 1972—announced in a statement.

Among other topics, the course covers an understanding of ETF fundamentals, highlights global trends transforming the industry, and explores how ETFs can be used to build a wide range of diversified investment portfolios. The program is available through the university’s state-of-the-art learning platform, and students have up to 120 days to complete it.

ETFs have revolutionized the way investors build portfolios and have increasingly become the preferred vehicle for many,” said Daniel Prince, Head of iShares Product Consulting at BlackRock in the U.S.

“Product innovation and investor education are the foundation of how we empower investors with choices and easy access to help them achieve financial well-being. We are excited to partner with Kaplan to help financial advisors deepen their knowledge of different investment strategies and how they can be implemented in portfolios,” he added.

In 2024, the U.S. ETF industry experienced unprecedented growth, with more than 650 new ETFs launched by December 2024, surpassing the previous year’s record by over 150. Additionally, in 2024, net inflows reached approximately $1.1 trillion, exceeding the previous record of $901 billion set in 2021.

Nando Costa Joins JP Morgan Private Bank in Miami

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JP Morgan Private Bank continues to expand its team in Miami with the hiring of Nando Costa.

The banker, with nearly 20 years of experience, coordinates a team of specialists to design strategies for investments, lending, trust and estate planning, philanthropy, among other tasks described in his LinkedIn profile.

Costa, originally from Brazil, began his career at Morgan Stanley in 2006 before moving to JP Morgan Private Bank, where he worked from 2010 to 2018.

He later held positions at Merrill Lynch from 2017 until January 2025, when he returned to JP Morgan, as announced by Alonso Garza, Managing Director and Market Manager at the firm.

“We are pleased to welcome Nando Costa as executive director and banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in our Miami office. Throughout his career, Nando has built long-term relationships with centers of influence and enjoys connecting clients with like-minded individuals to explore synergies,” Garza posted.

Costa works closely with business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and U.S.-based families with international ties who seek the sophisticated capabilities of an industry leader, according to his profile description.

Trump and His Policies Were the Focus at the CFA Society Miami 2025 Economic Outlook Dinner

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The risks to the U.S. economy and inflation following Donald Trump‘s return to the White House dominated much of the discussion at the annual dinner where CFA Society Miami shares its economic outlook.

This time, the featured speakers were Eugenio Alemán, Chief Economist at Raymond James, and Jim Bianco, President of Bianco Research. The discussion was once again moderated by Jeremy Schwartz, Global CIO at WisdomTree, who proudly wore a Philadelphia Eagles jersey, celebrating the team from his hometown, the latest Super Bowl champions.

Guillermo Rodríguez González-Valadez, President and Director of CFA Society Miami, opened the event by emphasizing the organization’s important role as a hub for networking and exchanging ideas among its members.

He also highlighted CFA Society’s educational work with local universities such as Miami University, FIU, and UF, noting that students interested in finance can now start their CFA Charterholder certification as early as their junior year of college.

But before the dinner, Funds Society spoke with the two speakers and the moderator.

The Effects of Trump

Eugenio Alemán explained that after growing 2.8-2.9% in 2024, the U.S. economy is expected to grow 2.4% this year, driven by fiscal expansions inherited from the Biden administration. However, he warned that potential tariffs announced by Trump could reduce growth to 1.8-1.9% and also impact inflation.

“The January inflation report was bad: it rose 0.5% instead of the expected 0.3%, with housing costs decreasing but other factors rising. Trump‘s administration’s tax cuts, especially in federal spending, could negatively impact the economy, affecting consumer and business confidence,” he stated.

“The Fed has not yet reached its 2% target, and the imposition of tariffs could make inflation control more difficult,” Alemán added.

In his view, the biggest risk is the shift in consumer and business confidence, which could lead to an economic slowdown. “Federal government workers and multiplier effects could be severely affected, leading to broader economic issues,” he predicted.

Investment Strategies

The one-on-one discussion between Jim Bianco and Funds Society focused on market expectations and investment strategies in this uncertain environment. The expert introduced the concept of the “4-5-6 market” and forecasted returns of 4% for cash, 5% for bonds, and 6-7% for stocks in the coming years, highlighting inflation’s impact on interest rates.

Bianco explained that inflation has pushed the Fed‘s next rate cut back to September. “The bond market has suffered significant losses due to rising rates from near-zero levels, but that phase is now behind us, with an average bond market coupon of 5%,” he pointed out.

He revisited the concept of TINA (“There Is No Alternative”), arguing that cash and bonds now provide viable alternatives to stocks. According to him, the traditional 60/40 portfolio is evolving, with bonds potentially offering returns similar to stocks but with lower volatility.

Finally, in his interview with Funds Society, Jeremy Schwartz predicted that the 10-year Treasury yield could rise to 5.5% due to a potential Fed pause and historical interest rate trends. This, in his view, could pressure stock valuations.

“Earnings estimates for the year are high: between 16-17%, a significant increase from the previous 8-9%,” he said. His short-term outlook is cautious, but he expects 6-7% long-term returns, based on earnings yields and inflation. He also warned of the risk of a market correction due to high earnings expectations.

The panel also discussed the role of passive investing in equities and fixed income, with Bianco suggesting that there could be a shift toward active management in equities in a slower-growth market. Other key topics included long-term productivity trends and the impact of AI on the U.S. economy.

Temperance and Caution: How the Montevideo Industry Is Reacting to the Trump Earthquake

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In a 2025 marked by Donald Trump‘s frenetic political and media activity, portfolio diversification is no longer the doctrine of the model investor but a matter of survival. Without rushing or overreacting, Montevideo firms are considering how to strengthen their portfolios while making some moves.

AIVA: High-Quality Fixed Income and Caution with Emerging Markets

Analysts at AIVA Asset Management* point out that the Biden administration also imposed tariffs, albeit more quietly, and that Trump’s first term taught us that making noise is a key strategy for the current U.S. president.

Volatility in the coming years is a certainty, and Carmela Hernández, Investment Specialist at AIVA Asset Management, highlights that fixed income continues to offer attractive opportunities in high-quality, medium-duration bonds, providing stability and protection against fluctuations.

In equities, the U.S. and Europe still present opportunities, with sectors that could benefit from the anticipated economic policies. However, while selective opportunities exist in emerging markets, caution is essential, as these markets may face greater challenges due to potential trade retaliation and adjustments to global growth.

Nobilis: Diversifying Beyond the U.S.

Looking at history and valuations is crucial in these times. Nobilis analysts note the optimism among U.S. investors and question how long the S&P 500 can keep rising.

Mauricio Tchilingirbachian, Commercial Manager at Nobilis, suggests preparing portfolios with a global and diversified industry approach, avoiding overconcentration in the U.S. and technology sector, even though this segment has yielded the best returns over the past decade.

“Additionally, given the increased correlation between bonds and stocks in recent years and concerns about a potential high-inflation and high-interest-rate scenario impacting corporate earnings, we see value in diversifying portfolios by incorporating private alternative assets, such as private debt, which offer better returns than high-yield bonds and are less volatile than investment-grade bonds,” Tchilingirbachian adds.

The Time for Alternative Assets – Gastón Bengochea

In 2025, alternative asset investment is gaining traction in the Montevideo market, which has traditionally been cautious in this segment.

Diego Rodríguez, from Gastón Bengochea, summarizes the shift in the firm’s portfolios:

“We have been adding mid and small caps in the U.S., as we believe conditions are favorable for strong performance, at least in the early years of Trump’s presidency. We continue to increase bond exposure, favoring seven-year duration bonds, and are beginning to incorporate more private debt alternative assets.”

Vinci Compass Favors U.S. and Latin American Equities

Vinci Compass maintains a constructive risk stance in asset allocation, with a slight overweight in equities, favoring the U.S. and Latin America, the latter supported by a favorable commodities environment. In fixed income, they remain underweight, holding cash positions amid persistent volatility.

Renzo Nuzzachi, CFA, Head of Intermediaries Latam, explains that in equities, they favor global strategies with a core bias:

“The core bias in equities helps avoid overexposure to a single factor in a context of high valuations and amid potential market leadership shifts, such as the DeepSeek event.”

In fixed income, Vinci Compass prefers flexible strategies in both asset types and duration:

“Being flexible in fixed income is crucial, as spreads are at historic lows. Strategies that can navigate between different fixed-income segments will have better chances of strong performance. Likewise, being flexible in duration is key, as interest rate volatility is likely to persist throughout the year. The market is still adjusting its expectations regarding growth, the deficit, and inflation following the new U.S. government’s measures,” concludes Nuzzachi.

PUENTE Prioritizes High-Quality Segments

At PUENTE, analysts also note strong valuations in U.S. equities.

Nicolás Cristiani, Head of Wealth Management for the Punta del Este office, believes this is the time to be selective, prioritizing high-quality segments in the equity market:

“In fixed income, attractive entry points have emerged given the high interest rates, especially in short- and medium-duration bonds, to mitigate price volatility. Additionally, alternative investments could be a suitable option, with a focus on private credit and private equity, leveraging macroeconomic stability, long-term potential, lower volatility, and attractive expected returns.”

BECON IM: Between Trump’s Bluff and a Necessary Reflection

“We believe Trump’s tariffs are more of a negotiation tactic than a revenue-generating effort. However, there is more than enough uncertainty around them to make investors reflect,” says BECON IM.

The Rio de la Plata-based firm remains long-term constructive on U.S. growth and summarizes its portfolio strategy as follows:

“Maintaining calm during volatility is essential to capitalize on opportunities in both fixed income—where we overweight short-duration bonds, emerging markets, ABS/CMBS, private debt, and multi-sector strategies—and equities, where we favor small caps (at historically attractive levels), value stocks, and real estate.”

Buda Partners: Hedged Assets and a Focus on Emerging Markets

For Buda Partners analysts Guillermo Davies and Paula Bujía, the greatest risk is that inflationary pressures could be high enough for the Fed not only to abandon rate cuts but also for the market to start pricing in rate hikes.

“While this is not our base scenario, its probability is not insignificant,” they note.

“At Buda, we recommend a medium duration in fixed income (3x-4x) and have maintained exposure for over a year to naturally inflation-hedged assets, such as energy stocks and gold. We also favor diversification outside the U.S., prioritizing emerging markets and core global funds with exposure to Europe and Asia.”

LATAM ConsultUs: Applying Common Sense

LATAM ConsultUs recommends flexibility, diversification, and hedging mechanisms—and, above all, a healthy dose of common sense, which they say is “the least common of senses,” in the face of market volatility.

“While Trump’s tariff announcements triggered immediate market reactions, the long-term fundamentals of many companies remain unchanged. This highlights the difference between short-term noise and the factors that truly affect an investment’s value.

That’s why, before reacting to market movements, we ask: Does this event fundamentally change the companies or assets I’m invested in? Often, the answer is no. Keeping your focus on the long-term value of your investments helps avoid costly emotional decisions,” says Deborah Amatti.