The year 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity. And yet, while major global forums – COP 15 in Montreal in December, the International Seabed Authority Council in Kingston and the One Forest Summit in Libreville in March – have punctuated the news in recent months, a detailed understanding of biodiversity issues is still limited to a college of experts. The climate threat has long dominated political, economic and media debates, with many believing that the fight against climate change automatically goes hand in hand with the preservation of life. Yet while the consequences of biodiversity loss may seem less glaring than climate catastrophes, their scale is enough to make you break out in a cold sweat: we're on the verge of a sixth mass extinction, with species disappearing at a rate 100 to 1,000 times higher than the natural rate; almost 75% of terrestrial environments and 40% of marine ecosystems are reportedly already degraded. 

As part of Natixis Investment Managers' Premium Partnership for the 20241 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ostrum AM is proud to support Amandine Buchard judokate.

Investors, whether institutional, banks or retail, are all looking for investments in line with their convictions, especially in terms of environment. Beyond the climate concern, they seek to participate in changes according to a Just Transition, which is socially responsible. These ambitions support the sustainable bond market, with the search for impact solutions, both from issuers – including governments – and from investors.

As yields rebound, investors seek high credit quality and strong SRI credentials Money markets are in a good place, offering low volatility, near zero rate sensitivity and an interesting yield. Amid rising rates and high volatility, money market investments offer investors a sound temporary portfolio solution. Well-resourced teams and rigorous risk control are key to a good risk-return ratio. Active management of interest rates and credit selection increases returns and reduces volatility in net asset values. SRI should be a significant component of asset selection too. Even though money market assets are short-term, long-term SRI issues can impact returns.

In line with its CSR action plan and its desire to actively engage all its employees on climate issues, Ostrum AM is continuing its training efforts on this theme in 2023 by offering “Climate Fresk”  workshops.

In its 2022 Annual Report, the 30% Club France Investor Group finds that gender diversity in the SBF 120 has improved, but there is still a long road ahead. That’s why, in keeping with its ESG policy, Ostrum AM is confirming its active participation in the “30% Club France Investor Group”.

A moderate recession is likely, opportunities among fixed-income markets and relative caution in European equities After a particularly turbulent year in 2022, Ostrum Asset Management’s (Ostrum AM) experts are expecting a moderate recession in 2023. However, investors may be able to capitalise on investment opportunities and attractive entry levels in the markets, particularly in fixed-income and credit. With the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, extreme caution is required in stock picking. Philippe Waechter, Chief Economist, Stéphane Déo, Head of Market Strategy, Alexandre Caminade, CIO Core Fixed Income & Liquid Alternatives, Philippe Berthelot, CIO Fixed Income and Frédéric Leguay, Head of Equity Investments, present their views on the economy and on which markets and investment strategies to prioritise in order to find value in 2023.