Monday 29 March 2021
Research / Market
The proliferation of crypto-currencies (CCs) and the popularity of these assets among investors has led us to question their nature, function, valuation and potential development. CCs are at the crossroads of technological innovation, finance and monetary policy. While this innovation promises the development of a more inclusive form of finance, it cannot challenge the monopoly of central banks (CBs) in terms of monetary policy without putting the entire financial system at risk. It is up to regulators to find an appropriate regulatory framework to take advantage of the development of these assets without putting macro-financial stability at risk...
Markets have seen some relief in a year that overall is likely to be remembered as among the most challenging for investors.
Biodiversity, or the term used to describe all living organisms and ecosystems of which they are part, is declining at an alarming rate with now 1 million (out of an estimated 8 million) plant and animal species being threatened with extinction.
At its December meeting, the ECB hiked rates by 50bp, to 2.0% (deposit rate). The Bank delivered a very hawkish statement.
