Credit Suisse - In Focus
The online magazine "In Focus" reports each week on current issues in business, finance, society, sport and the arts, offering expert advice, analysis, interviews, and feature articles.

• Not Investing in Climate Protection is a Risk
  With a new climate treaty about to be concluded in Copenhagen this December, many investors and businesspeople are eagerly awaiting binding rules so that their money can be securely and profitably invested in technologies to reduce CO2.
  
• Deciphering the Mystery of Equity Market Bubbles
  Investor psychology is a significant driver of all equity bubbles, giving each one similar attributes. In typical cycles, optimists and skeptics are adequately balanced. However, in bubble cycles, skeptics largely exit the markets, leaving optimists to push asset values to excessive levels.
• Charity Auction Rounds Off Art Tour
  Eight months and seven cities after its launch, a global tour of the Credit Suisse international "Art & Entrepreneurship" exhibition reached it finale in London on November 24 with a charity auction of pieces from the show, contributed by some of the world's most noteworthy new artists.
• Mounting Concern about the Value of Money
  For years, unemployment, health insurance premiums and retirement provisions have headed the top ten concerns identified in the Worry Barometer survey commissioned by the Credit Suisse Bulletin since 1976 – and the same is true this year. A new feature is the significant rise in concern about money losing its value.
• Switzerland is Still a Haven of Stability
  The fifth "Swiss Identity" survey, conducted in addition to the Worry Barometer, has yielded consistent results. The public is reacting cautiously in terms of its underlying attitude toward current problems and media debates. This provides grounds for optimism regarding 2009.
  
• Swiss Sports Personalities of the Year Named
  Gymnastics, cycling, Alpine skiing, tennis, judo and handbiking were among the varied disciplines featured at this year's Credit Suisse Sports Awards. Gymnast Ariella Käslin was named Sportswoman of the Year, and the Sportsman of the Year award went to racing cyclist Fabian Cancellara. Skier Lara Gut was the top newcomer.
• Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching
  The Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching honors lecturers in the field of higher education who go the extra mile on behalf of the students that they teach. With this award, the Credit Suisse Foundation aims to promote exceptional teaching and enhance Switzerland's position as a center of excellence for scholarship and research.
  
• Global Metal Prices Still Settled by Open Outcry
  At the London Metal Exchange, the method of trading remains just as it was 130 years ago. In five-minute sessions, frenzied traders cry out their bids and thereby negotiate global market prices for aluminum, copper, zinc and nickel, as well as tin and lead alloys.
• Basel – Europe's Most Important City for Life Sciences
  Together with the Swiss Venture Club, Credit Suisse organized the high-profile event "Life Science Cluster Basel – How Does the Regional Economy Benefit?" at the new Novartis Campus.
  
• Young Concert Goers Thrilled by Special Concerts
  To attract younger concert goers, many concert halls offer reasonable ticket prices. But that is not enough. This is why Swiss orchestras are actively involved in projects introducing children to the world of classical music, be it family concerts, mentoring or projects with school classes. And the target audience loves it.
  
• The Oil Cycle Will Tighten Again Within 18 Months
  Amid fears over worsening economic prospects, oil prices have fallen dramatically. But prices could soon bounce back, says Mark Flannery, Head of Global Energy Research at Credit Suisse. At some point we have to substitute oil. The US might become a leading power in the struggle to find alternatives.
  
• Schweizer-Tafeln: Putting Surplus Food to Good Use
  Every day, wholesalers and retailers end up removing produce from their shelves because it has passed its sell-by date. However, much of it is still perfectly edible and well within its use-by date. The Schweizer-Tafeln project aims to rescue as much of this surplus produce as possible and distribute it to those in need.
• European Food Makers Resilient to the Slowdown?
  European food manufacturers have, so far, proved to be resilient to the global economic slowdown. Credit Suisse research analyst, Olivier P. Müller explains why this is the case.
• Alzheimer's Research: Empiris Award 2008 Presented
  Two 30-year-old scientists, Anat Frydman-Marom and Carsten Sachse, have been commended for their outstanding work in the field of Alzheimer's research, having received the Empiris Award for Research in Brain Diseases from the Empiris foundation – which is supported by Credit Suisse.
• Arabella Steinbacher Performs Berg's Violin Concerto
  The German violinist, Arabella Steinbacher, will perform Alban Berg's moving violin concerto together with l'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande on December 5. In an interview, she explains what is so special about this piece, why she doesn't practice more than four hours per day and what her future plans are.
• The Internet Goes Universal
  Imagine a world in which every citizen had access to the internet. What might seem like a pipe dream could soon become reality thanks to satellite technology. Alongside internet giants like Google, leading satellite operators are working to make the internet universally available. These projects also provide opportunities for investors.
• "Making Renewable Energies Mainstream"
  Renewable energies and environmental protection have become big business. This is much to the delight of Greenpeace boss Gerd Leipold, who has been calling on politicians to establish a framework that will help reduce energy consumption. In this interview, he highlights the opportunities that long-term investments can bring.
  
• New Power Base in Washington Shifts to the Left
  Barack Obama comes from the left side of the US political spectrum, but campaigned very much in the center. The first 100 days will be crucial to measure if his administration actually moves left, with regard to economic, defense, education, health care and other policies, or chooses to build a coalition near the center.
• Switzerland - Finland and the AFG Arena
  Is St. Gallen set to become the new stronghold for the national team? At 8:30 pm on Wednesday, November 19 this theory will be put to the test. Come and experience the special atmosphere at the AFG Arena during the game against Finland.
• Online Forum with Volker Krajewski: His Answers
  Volker Kraje