Credit Suisse - Economy & Finance
"In Focus" brings you news, interviews and advice on business and finance. The thematic line-up ranges from global economic forecasts through sector analyses to reports on various asset classes - be it equities, bonds, commodities, real estate, derivatives, or hedge funds.

• Riva: the Boats That Have Seduced the World
  It's a success story with style that's much more than just a fad; it's about exclusivity and prestige, about balancing tradition with innovation. People like Brigitte Bardot, Richard Burton and Aristotle Onassis have all surrendered to the charm of a Riva. We talked with Ferruccio Rossi, Riva's Managing Director.
• Banking on a Norman Foster Building
  The Murezzan is an attractive complex refurbished with new designs by Sir Norman Foster - and in which Credit Suisse has opened its new St. Moritz branch. Inside, a series of works by Swiss artists are on display. An open day is being held on Saturday, December 15, 2007, giving the public a chance to take a look behind the scenes.
• Ninety Million Smart and Hard Working Confucians
  Since its admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Vietnam has gathered full momentum at achieving integration into the world economy. Peter Ryder - Vietnam cognoscente with 15 years of experience - explains why Vietnam’s economy has become one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
• The Wonderful World of Forecasting
  The forecast is the most likely of all possible eventualities. But clients expect as close to 100 percent accuracy as possible. That's the dilemma facing meteorologists and investment strategists alike. Experts Thomas Bucheli and Philipp Vorndran provided some informative and entertaining insight at the "Outlook 2008" event hosted by Credit Suisse.
• Alternative Energy Experts to Meet in Abu Dhabi
  In 2008, Abu Dhabi will set the stage for the latest developments in future energy solutions with the World Future Energy Summit (WFES). This is the first international forum for this growing sector where key industry leaders will gather to discuss the issues and developments of sustainable and alternative energies and technologies.
• How Much Government Can the Economy Sustain?
  For two years now, the Swiss economy has been performing extremely well. But there is still some way to go in terms of removing all the obstacles to growth. A new report from Credit Suisse shows where more liberalization is needed, and explains how a slimmed-down state does not necessarily mean a weak state.
• Online Forum: Sustainable Investments
  Sustainable investing is gaining in popularity. As this trend grows, so do the number of products available. If you would like to learn more about the topic and have your questions answered by our sustainability experts from Credit Suisse, you can take part in our forum.
• Perceived Inflation - No Brake on Spending
  Consumers currently perceive price increases to be greater than official price statistics say they are. In other words, perceived inflation is exceeding the actual rate of inflation. Given the largely favorable current consumer environment, however, there appears no reason to fear a spending downturn.
• Research Alerts: Breaking News from Direct Net
  Direct Net, the online banking service of Credit Suisse, provides customers with comprehensive information. The bank's own analysts monitor the worlds of business and politics, and provide precise investment recommendations as desired at a moment's notice.
• Robots Lend a Hand in Japan
  It is no wonder Japan has been called "the robot kingdom." Of the world’s at least 923,000 industrial robots, about 4 in 10 are in Japan. Now Japanese interest is turning to so-called service robots, which could play a crucial role in looking after the nation’s aging population.
• Turkey Offers Promising Perspectives
  Despite political turmoil early this year, Turkey seems to be committed to its reform agenda. It is now setting out to double its per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and achieve an investment-grade rating, which could make Turkey the investment story of the decade.
• Sun Rises on Solar Energy
  The heat is on solar energy these days as concern about global warming and rising oil prices prompts more countries to launch programs to promote solar power. In doing so, they are helping this relatively young industry to boost innovation and achieve growth rates of which other sectors can only dream.
• Global Slowdown Is Part of Natural Cycle
  Oil prices are surging, the dollar remains weak and the sub-prime crisis is still ongoing. While there is a slowdown, Giles Keating, Head of Global Research for Credit Suisse, sees it as part of a natural cycle and emphasizes the opportunities of the current state of the world economy.
• Reduce Your Tax Bill with Pillar 3
  Employees and self-employed persons in Switzerland enjoy attractive tax advantages right from their first payment into a pillar 3a account. This is because pension contributions can be deducted from taxable income. The government sets the maximum amount every two years.
• Free SEPA Payments for Corporate Clients
  January 28, 2008 sees the launch of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) for European payment transactions. With SEPA, cross-border euro payment transactions will become faster, more reliable, and cheaper. Credit Suisse's corporate clients will also benefit from this new development: From that date, their euro payments will be processed free of charge if they comply with SEPA standards.
• Abu Dhabi Prepares for a Green Future
  Fifty years ago, Abu Dhabi was a sleepy emirate on the Persian Gulf and the main trades were fishing and pearl-diving. Then oil came, bringing wealth and many advances. Now Abu Dhabi is preparing for the post-oil era, and trageting luxury tourism, culture, and the development of alternative energy sources.
• The Best Bank in Switzerland - According to Euromoney
  "Our goal is to be Switzerland’s leading bank in terms of customer satisfaction and earnings growth," Ulrich Körner, CEO Credit Suisse Switzerland, told at a well-attended media lunch at the end of August. He also used the occasion to reveal some remarkable figures.
• Vietnam Will Follow Its Own Development Path
  Vietnam is an ideal example of how structural reforms can trigger the dramatic transition from frontier to emerging market. Nguyen Duy Hung, chairman of Saigon Securities, the largest investment bank in Vietnam, shares his insights on the nation's financial evolution.
• Slowdown a Good Thing for the Swiss Economy
  The international credit market crisis and rising price of oil will not derail the Swiss economy from its growth trajectory in 2008