Core Insights - Amundi has received regulatory approval to appoint Vincent Mortier as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of ICG, effective 31 March 2026 [3] - Following this appointment, Amundi will consolidate its stake in ICG using the equity method starting from the same date [3] - Amundi currently holds a 4.64% stake in ICG and plans to increase its economic interest to 9.9% through the issuance of non-voting shares by ICG [4] Company Overview - Amundi is the leading European asset manager and ranks among the top 10 global players, managing nearly €2.4 trillion in assets [5] - The company offers a comprehensive range of savings and investment solutions to 200 million clients, including retail, institutional, and corporate clients [5] - Amundi operates six international investment hubs and employs 5,600 staff across 34 countries, emphasizing responsible investment [6]

Core Viewpoint - The company ICG plc has announced a share buyback program of up to 15,280,825 ordinary shares, representing approximately 5.26% of its issued share capital, to facilitate the issuance of non-voting shares to Amundi as part of a strategic partnership [2][3][4]. Share Buyback Program - The share buyback aims to reduce the issued ordinary share capital and will be executed in tranches, with repurchased shares held as treasury shares before eventual cancellation [4][6]. - The total consideration for the repurchased ordinary shares will not exceed £316 million, and the program will commence on 26 February 2026 and expire on 30 June 2027, unless the 2025 Authority expires without renewal [7][8]. - The buyback will be conducted on the London Stock Exchange and will adhere to market regulations, with a maximum price set at 105% of the average market quotations for the five business days preceding the purchase [9][10]. Non-Voting Shares - The non-voting shares will have the same nominal value and economic rights as ordinary shares but will not carry voting rights. They will convert into ordinary shares upon a valid transfer under specific conditions [5][3]. - Amundi will reimburse ICG for reasonable costs associated with the share buyback, and the subscription price for the non-voting shares will match the price paid for the repurchased ordinary shares [3][4]. Appointment of Non-Executive Director - Vincent Mortier has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director, effective from 31 March 2026, as part of the strategic partnership with Amundi. He will also serve on the Nominations and Governance Committee [11][12]. - Mortier brings extensive experience from his roles at Amundi and Societe Generale, which is expected to enhance the expertise of ICG's Board [12][13].

Core Insights - Despite concerns about foreign investors selling U.S. assets, stock inflows remain robust, although foreign purchases of U.S. Treasuries have significantly decreased, leading to the emergence of the "hedge America" trade narrative [1][2]. Group 1: Market Reactions - Danish pension fund Akademiker Pension's $100 million sale of U.S. Treasuries was characterized as routine business due to deficit concerns rather than a political stance, indicating a shift towards hedging rather than outright selling [2]. - The U.S. dollar index (DXY) has decreased to 96.83 from a high of 108, reflecting a broader trend of dollar depreciation [3]. Group 2: Asset Performance - The S&P 500 is near all-time highs at $6,877, while silver prices have more than doubled from last year, currently above $77, showcasing strong performance in equities and commodities despite dollar weakness [4]. - Foreign investments in U.S. equities reached $689 billion through November 2025, significantly up from $197 billion the previous year, indicating a strong appetite for U.S. stocks [7]. Group 3: Market Sentiment and Predictions - Polymarket traders show varied expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, with 27% odds for either two or three cuts in 2026, and a declining market perception of a U.S. recession now at 24% [5]. - Rate cuts typically lead to a weaker dollar as investors seek better yields abroad, while increased liquidity tends to boost stocks and commodities [6]. Group 4: Crypto Market Dynamics - The anticipated correlation between cryptocurrency and gold during dollar depreciation has not materialized, with Bitcoin experiencing a 50% drop from its October highs, suggesting a potential decline in the 'digital gold' narrative [8].

Core Viewpoint - The sale of Schroders to U.S. asset manager Nuveen signifies a critical juncture for European money managers, highlighting the need to either consolidate or sell in a competitive global market dominated by U.S. firms [1] Group 1: Sale Details - Schroders, a 222-year-old British fund manager, has decided to sell up to Nuveen, creating one of the world's largest active fund managers with $2.5 trillion in assets [1] - The founding family's 42% stake was previously seen as a barrier to sale, but they ultimately chose to cash out [1] - The deal is expected to prompt further consolidation in Europe's fragmented asset management industry, where the top 10 players control only 25% of assets [1] Group 2: Market Context - U.S. asset managers have been gaining market share by offering low-cost passive products, which has structurally challenged traditional stock-picking firms like Schroders [1] - An index of the largest U.S. asset managers has increased by 40% over the past five years, outperforming many European firms [1] - Analysts suggest that independent players like Schroders are now prime targets for acquisition, with companies like Jupiter, Liontrust, and GAM being highlighted as potential candidates [1] Group 3: Future Deal Expectations - Consultancy Oliver Wyman anticipates an acceleration in mergers and acquisitions in the asset management sector over the next four to five years, predicting 1,500 deals involving firms with at least €1 billion in assets [1] - However, challenges remain, such as acquisition premiums and the difficulty of realizing cost savings in a people-driven business [1] Group 4: Impact on London Financial Hub - The sale of Schroders has raised concerns about the trend of companies leaving London for other financial centers, although the CEO claims the combined group will still invest in the UK [1] - The deal will result in another company exiting the FTSE 100 index following a foreign takeover [1] - The Schroder family will retain some ties to the company, with one member continuing to work in the London office [1]

Core Viewpoint - The European Central Bank (ECB) advocates for a more centralized regulatory framework for the largest asset management companies in the EU to address potential regulatory blind spots and enhance oversight of cross-border financial risks [1][2][3] Group 1: Regulatory Recommendations - The ECB suggests establishing a more centralized regulatory mechanism for the top ten to fifteen asset management firms in the EU, such as BlackRock and Amundi, due to their significant asset management totaling €6.3 trillion [1] - The ECB recommends granting the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) greater authority to lead or coordinate the daily supervision of these large non-bank financial institutions [1][3] Group 2: Industry Growth and Challenges - The European investment fund industry has experienced explosive growth over the past decade, with total assets under management exceeding €20 trillion (approximately $23.76 trillion), outpacing traditional banking sector growth [1] - The fragmented regulatory framework at the national level complicates the tracking of risks associated with large asset management firms that engage in cross-border activities [2][3] Group 3: Systemic Importance and Financial Stability - The ECB expresses concerns that the current fragmented regulatory model may lead to regulatory blind spots, making it difficult to monitor cross-border capital flows and liquidity risks during market volatility [3] - A more integrated regulatory framework is expected to enhance the resilience of the asset management industry and support credit and liquidity supply during financial stress [3] Group 4: Historical Context and Resistance - Despite the ECB's long-standing push for unified regulation across the EU for funds, it has faced resistance from national regulators reluctant to relinquish control over sensitive markets [3] - The ECB's recent research indicates that asset management companies provide financing for approximately 15% of traditional lending institutions' balance sheets in the Eurozone, accounting for about 10% of total bank assets [3]

Group 1 - The trend of moving investments away from US assets is gaining momentum, with firms like BlackRock and PIMCO indicating a shift towards emerging markets due to unpredictable US policies [3][4] - The Israel ETF has seen a significant increase of 43%, while other markets like Brazil and emerging markets have also performed well, suggesting a broader global investment interest [2] - Institutional investors in various countries are increasingly investing in their own markets rather than sending capital to the US, indicating a shift in investment strategies [9] Group 2 - The US dollar has weakened by 9% over the past year, which is influencing investment decisions and contributing to the diversification away from US assets [11] - The global investment landscape is evolving, with many countries implementing market reforms to strengthen their capital markets, making them more attractive to investors [8] - The discussion around potential interest rate cuts in the US contrasts with the situation overseas, highlighting differing economic conditions that may affect investment flows [10]

>> ALL RIGHT. WELCOME BACK. LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SO-CALLED SELL US TRADE.MAYBE YOU SAY IT'S GETTING LOUDER IN CERTAIN AREAS. JUST AS A REMINDER, AS I MENTIONED GOING TO BREAK LAST YEAR THE OUTSIDE THE US TRADE TROUNCED THE INSIDE THE US TRADE BY THE WIDEST MARGIN IN A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. GIVE YOU AN IDEA.THE ISRAEL ETF UP 43%, S&P WAS UP 16.5%, BRAZIL 41, EMERGING MARKETS 31, JAPAN 26 AND THE FTSE IN LONDON UP 21. SO THAT GIVES YOU AT LEAST AN IDEA. THEN WE HEARD A WEEK AGO OR SO THAT BLACKROCK'S RICK RIED ...

It's 5AM in New York City. Good morning. I'm Vonnie Quinn with your Bloomberg Brief.Let's get you set up for the day. Traders paring back rate cutbacks following that payrolls report. Jobless claims up next.Stocks recovering from another scare trade while anthropic inching closer to a deal that would value the farm at $350 billion. And midterm anxieties rise for President Trump as the House passes a bill targeting his levies on Canadian imports. So futures are pointed higher today.Now, yesterday, we had ano ...

Victory Capital Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Victory Capital (NasdaqGS: VCTR) - **Assets Under Management**: Over $300 billion as of the end of 2025 [3] - **Business Model**: Operates a multi-independent investment boutique model, combining boutique advantages with centralized resources [3] Industry Consolidation - **Consolidation Trend**: The investment industry is undergoing significant consolidation, with larger firms acquiring smaller ones for scale and distribution [4][5] - **Victory's Role**: Victory Capital has completed 8 acquisitions since its management buyout in 2013 and aims to be a consolidator in the industry [4] - **Growth Objective**: Aiming for $1 trillion in assets under management, which is three times its current level, to remain competitive [5] Financial Performance - **Earnings Growth**: Victory has achieved a 21% cumulative annual growth rate in earnings since going public in 2018, the best in its sector [6] - **Net Flows**: Despite strong earnings, net flows have been negative recently, with active mutual funds experiencing $800 billion in net outflows [6] - **Distribution Investments**: The acquisition of Pioneer has allowed Victory to double its distribution efforts and expand internationally, managing money for clients in 60 countries [6][7] Growth Drivers - **International Distribution**: The international channel is seen as a significant growth opportunity, with a 15-year distribution agreement with Amundi, a $2.7 trillion manager [25][29] - **ETF Growth**: Victory's ETF platform, VictoryShares, is expected to continue growing, with an average fee of 34 basis points and a focus on active solutions [11][12] - **Investment Performance**: Strong investment performance across various asset classes is driving growth, with a focus on independent investment processes [34][35] M&A Strategy - **M&A Approach**: Victory's M&A strategy focuses on acquiring businesses that enhance its platform, expand distribution, and provide size and scale [15][16] - **Pioneer Acquisition**: The acquisition of Pioneer has provided significant synergies, including $110 million in net expense synergies and close to 20% accretion [16][17] - **Alternatives Market**: Victory is cautious about entering the alternatives market, viewing it as richly valued but acknowledges the need for retail investors to access private markets [18][19] Product Development - **SMA Initiatives**: Victory is looking to grow its retail SMA offerings, which are currently net flow positive but not at desired levels [48] - **ETF Share Classes**: There is potential for many mutual funds to have ETF share classes, which could positively impact flows, although not all funds will transition [51][52] Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: Victory Capital is positioned for growth through international expansion, ETF development, and strategic acquisitions, while maintaining a strong focus on investment performance and client experience [20][34]

UniCredit has already booked the provisions needed to cover penalties owed to its partner Amundi as the Italian bank keeps cutting the amount of funds from the French company in client portfolios, CEO... ...