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.

• 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.
• 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.
  
• 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.
  
• Building Blocks of Healthy Economic Growth
  Intangible factors such as education, health care, technology, and the legal system are the main drivers in ensuring sustainable growth. In its first study, the newly established Credit Suisse Research Institute highlights the importance of this intangible infrastructure.
• 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.
  
• Rethinking Risk Governance Following the Crisis
  Risk governance needs to be rethought in the wake of the credit crisis which has struck the global financial system, experts taking part in a discussion about risk said. Chief risk officers need to be independent and empowered to take a contrarian view, but ultimately it is the chief executive who is responsible, they agreed.
• 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.
• 2009 Is Going to Be a Difficult Year
  As a result of the current turmoil on the world's financial markets this year's Outlook 2009 event at the Lake Side Casino in Zurich met with significant interest. Philipp Vorndran spoke for the last time in his function as Credit Suisse investment strategist about the outlook for the financial services sector.
• 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.
• More Fiscal Action Needed to Ease Crisis
  The US, Europe and Japan are in significant recession says Giles Keating, Head of the Credit Suisse Global Economics and Strategy Group (GESG) and Head of Global Research. He explains how the global financial crisis continues to evolve and why further large-scale capital injections are needed to ease the global financial crisis.
• Banking Sector: Major Changes Ahead
  The ongoing financial crisis has required urgent and broad government intervention, as well as capital injections to save numerous banks around the globe. Such measures were crucial to stabilize the financial system as such. Credit Suisse’s banking analyst Christine Schmid explains how the banking sector could evolve.
• Basics of Distressed Debt, Turnaround Investing
  Some hedge fund managers specialize in distressed debt and turnaround strategies. Credit Suisse's fund of fund manager Marko Sobic explains how such strategies work and whether they are still interesting when the broad financial markets drop.
• Financial Crisis Threatens Real Economy
  The credit crisis will inevitably impact on the real economy. Auto sales have already fallen sharply in the US, because consumers are finding it more difficult to get loans. But companies too are suffering from the credit squeeze, and this is causing a fall in investment.
• Gold Continues to Subjugate the World
  For millennia, gold has been a symbol and a store of wealth. But why does gold hold such allure? What makes this precious metal a valuable commodity in its own right? Matthew Rees looks at gold from a historical perspective.