While the US macroeconomic data flow last week was on balance broadly in line with expectations, euro area data surprised again on the downside intensifying concerns about a slowing economic momentum.

Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd. (“NAM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nomura Holdings, Inc., announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with FinTech company 8 Securities Inc. (“8 Securities”) and its Hong Kong headquartered parent company 8 Limited (“8 Limited”) to acquire shares through a third-party allotment.

With monetary tightening expected, investors will need to consider the sensitivity of their equity portfolio to sovereign bonds and protect it as far as possible through active stock selection and sector allocation.

State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) announced the appointment of Kathleen Gallagher as head of ETF model portfolios for EMEA and Asia Pacific, effective immediately.

We think it is time to strengthen L/S Neutral funds allocation. While they faced months of challenging transversal stock rotations, we expect their environment to improve for several reasons.