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.

• Global Equity Markets to Remain Attractive in 2008
  Global equity markets are likely to remain attractive next year, even if the world economy is set to slowdown moderately, Credit Suisse forecasts. Bonds with short maturities are favored as the general level of interest rates remains low. Holding commodities is also recommended as their prices may reach new highs in 2008.
• Cutting CO2 Emissions Is Everyone's Responsibility
  Climate change is on everyone’s lips, but what are businesses actually doing to cut their greenhouse gas emissions? We’ve looked at Credit Suisse’s efforts in cutting its own CO2 emissions. "The bank aims to achieve global greenhouse gas neutrality by 2009 and is well on track," said John Tobin, Head of Sustainability Affairs.
• Worry Barometer 2007
  The Swiss are more optimistic than they have been for years, according to the annual Worry Barometer survey commissioned by the Credit Suisse Bulletin. Yet, unemployment, retirement pensions and health care are the three problem areas that the Swiss are anxious about this year, despite the fact that these same survey respondents believe the Swiss economy is on track.
• 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 Dh