An investment strategy aligned with what feels right for you
Handing over the management of your wealth with confidence? For many investors, peace of mind is at least as important as returns. With a tailored investment strategy, managed by professional experts, you choose an approach in which human expertise and technology reinforce one another. Mailee Hovsepian, Customer Relationship Manager, speaks with Mark Van Assche, Senior Account Manager Private Banking & Wealth Office at KBC Asset Management, about this combination and how it helps shape well-considered investment decisions.
02-09-2026
How are investors reacting?
Long-term interest rates peak in the US and the eurozone
Higher inflation (expectations) as a result of, among other things, increased energy prices in combination with central bank actions are causing long-term interest rates to rise to levels not seen for more than 10 years.
We have recently seen some volatility in the equity markets as a result of higher bond yields. Technology companies in particular were temporarily under pressure after questions were also raised about the pace at which artificial intelligence is developing. The correction was very limited and share prices are now a few percent below the recent record levels.
What happened in the world?
Oil price remains stubbornly high due to the protracted conflict in the Middle East
The flare-ups in the conflict have caused a sharp rise in oil prices in recent weeks. The immediate impact seems to be better than expected for the time being, but in the medium term it is highly uncertain.
The fact that the economy is holding up well while energy prices are climbing higher does not escape the Central Banks. The European Central Bank raised its policy rate in June and again in September, and the US central bank (Fed) also raised its policy rate. Fed Chairman Warsh referred to high inflation and the strong labor market.
This web page is published by KBC Asset Management NV (KBC AM). The information and figures it contains are a snapshot, may be changed without notice and offer no guarantee for the future. The information provided should not be regarded as investment advice or as an investment recommendation. No part of this page may be reproduced without the prior express written consent of KBC AM. The information on it is governed by the laws of Belgium and is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of its courts. Publisher: KBC Group NV, 2 Havenlaan, 1080 Brussels, Belgium. VAT BE 0403.227.515, RLP Brussels. www.kbc.be.
