Taiwan's stock market performed strong in 2023 Despite geopolitical tensions throughout 2023 and tense elections at the start of 2024, the Taiwanese stock market -as measured by the MSCI Taiwan Index- had a splendid year in 2023. Taiwan equities delivered a 31% return, primarily driven by the technology sector (73% of the Index). It was the best performing Asian market last yea ...
Why the green transition train is one nobody wants to miss
Countries worldwide are actively reducing their emissions to combat climate change. This involves changes in policies and laws regarding sustainability across various sectors, requiring additional efforts and, inevitably, extra funding to meet new standards. This situation raises a natural question: Should developing countries be held to the same environmental standards? It's n ...
New year, new IPO market?
In financial markets, the Initial Public Offering (IPO) market stands as a barometer of economic vitality and investor sentiment. An IPO marks the transition of a privately held company into a publicly traded entity, opening its doors to a broader investor base and entering a new chapter of growth and visibility. As companies embark on the IPO journey, the market's response bec ...
What Happens in the Arctic, Doesn't Stay in the Arctic: Understanding the Polar Vortex and Climate Change
This week, Belgium witnessed a picturesque winter scene with its first snowfall. As temperatures are likely to rise in the following weeks, it marks a beautiful end of a two-week cold snap. This cold snap had its roots in the fascinating and complex dynamics of the polar vortex. To grasp this concept, let's delve into some essential meteorological concepts. During the northern ...
Indulgence vs. Essentials: navigating brand loyalty and market dynamics in the food industry
Food for thought: While driving through downtown Omaha with a CEO friend in 2009, Warren Buffett posed a question: 'Do you know what the best-selling candy bar was in 1962?'. When the friend said he wasn’t sure, Buffett told him it was Snickers. Then, he told him what the best-selling candy bar was now: Snickers. When it comes to food, it appears that brands can have enormous ...
A Bright Future: Insights into the Solar Power Landscape of 2023
The year 2023 has wrapped up, offering a vital opportunity to analyze the significant trends that have shaped the solar power industry. Last week, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has provided preliminary data, giving a glimpse into the evolving solar landscape. Although final numbers are pending, the current data unveils intriguing insights. Two key observations already s ...