With the new year upon us, we are pleased to reshare some highlights from the 2024 weekly Brief series. From the ethical consumption of superfoods to the optimisation of sleep and the role of governments in nature conservation, these were the pieces you loved the most. They offered insights into lifestyle, markets and sustainability.
As we enter the new year, for many of us the topic of health and wellness becomes one of increasing focus. In an effort to counteract the indulgence of the festive season, three of the best-known superfoods – quinoa, olive oil and avocados – may feature on your shopping list. However, as with many food purchases, the question of sustainability arises. Jukka Väänänen, our guest contributor, explored the environmental impact of these popular products, from the industrial farming of quinoa to the long supply chains and associated carbon footprint of avocados, and whether we can still purchase these superfoods as conscious consumers. Learn more by reading the full article here.
In August, LGT Group announced its half-year results, reporting strong net asset inflows and business growth, despite global uncertainties. Key highlights include a 4% rise in total operating income to CHF 1.28 billion compared with the prior-year period. The Group saw organic net asset inflows of CHF 8.0 billion in the first half of 2024, and assets under management increased by 13% to CHF 356.0 billion. LGT continued to invest in developing digitalisation and its client offering, including sustainable investments, and expand its global presence, particularly in Germany, the UK and Asia. The Group is well positioned to achieve further growth and strengthen profitability, and remains well capitalised, with a tier 1 capital ratio of 19.0% as at the end of June 2024. Find out more and read the full press release here.
The perception of sleep among professionals has changed dramatically over the past decade. Once a badge of honour, sleep deprivation is now recognised as detrimental to health and performance, while the emphasis on getting sufficient sleep has transformed into a coveted status symbol. The burgeoning ‘sleep economy’, encompassing everything from mattresses and pillows to dietary supplements and tech, is expanding rapidly, reflecting our increased enthusiasm for sleep and the pursuit of a good night’s rest. However, while the benefits of sleep are evident, the pressure to optimise rest can paradoxically induce anxiety, counteracting its benefits. In ‘The pressure of the perfect sleep’, guest author Peter Firth explored the evolving perception of sleep among professionals and the sleep tech market boom.
Experts believe we could be on the verge of entering a new era of computing – the quantum era. The field, driven by principles like superposition and entanglement, promises unprecedented processing power and the ability to redefine the problems we can solve using computers. Although estimates of the total addressable market for quantum computers vary, the consensus suggests that the industry is poised for exponential growth during the current decade, ranging from a 15% to 50% compound annual growth rate. Indeed, investors are certainly awake to the potential opportunities, both within the public and private sectors. Read more from Alex O’Neill, Portfolio Manager, who explored how quantum computing is on the brink of revolutionising technology.
Government policies are increasingly prioritising nature, driving sustainability efforts through essential frameworks and incentives. Recent international agreements, such as the 2023 High Seas Treaty and the 2022 UN Biodiversity Conference, set ambitious targets for ecosystem protection and help to coordinate action and drive progress. While there are many factors that go into driving sustainability efforts, translating high-level sustainability goals into practical steps is crucial for meaningful change. Ben Palmer, Senior Sustainable Portfolio Manager, discussed how government policy is helping to drive the sustainability agenda by placing nature at its heart. Watch the video and download our Sustainability 360 report here.
LGT Wealth Management UK LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Registered in England and Wales: OC329392. Registered office: 14 Cornhill, London, EC3V 3NR. LGT Wealth Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in Scotland number SC317950 at Capital Square, 58 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BP. LGT Wealth Management Jersey Limited is incorporated in Jersey and is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission in the conduct of Investment Business and Funds Service Business: 102243. Registered office: Sir Walter Raleigh House, 48-50 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3QB. LGT Wealth Management (CI) Limited is registered in Jersey and is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission: 5769. Registered Office: at Sir Walter Raleigh House, 48 – 50 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3QB. LGT Wealth Management US Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a Registered Investment Adviser with the US Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Registered in England and Wales: 06455240. Registered Office: 14 Cornhill, London, EC3V 3NR.
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