Doha Bank recently hosted an unprecedented interactive virtual client conference titled ‘Investment Outlook’ with the participation of international speakers from BlackRock and Cantor Fitzgerald.
Over 500 guests from various virtual channels joined the event, which was sponsored by Doha Bank’s Private Banking Division. The webinar aims to raise local market awareness about international market trends, thematic investments, such as digital transformation, energy transition and ESG, and an introduction to SPAC (special purpose acquisition company).
Slim Bouker, head of Private Banking, said: “Doha Private Banking brings international wealth expertise at the doorstep of our HNW clients here in Qatar. We follow a standard allocation with moderate, balanced, and growth portfolios depending on our client risk appetite.
“We remain, however, very selective in the equity and bond offerings. Doha Private Banking has the capability to customise portfolios for individual clients. Most recent proposals included MISC ESG rated bonds, bond funds, ESG funds, equities, fixed coupon notes, and insurance as an allocation.”
Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seetharaman said, “The global economy is expected to grow by 5.9% in 2021. Advanced economies are expected to grow by 5.2% in 2021 and emerging and developed economies are expected to grow by 6.4% in 2021. The Federal Reserve is expected to announce tapering in the November meeting.
“Oil prices are above $80 per barrel and are expected to surge due to cold weather, while natural gas prices are above $6 per barrel. Headline inflation rates have increased rapidly in the US and in some emerging market and developing economies.”
On ESG frameworks and investments, Seetharaman said sustainability is driving investors’ behaviour. He said, “According to BCG, instead of shrinking, global financial wealth soared, rising 8.3% over the course of 2020 to reach an all-time high of $250tn. Qatar’s financial wealth grew by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% to $263bn during 2015-2020 and is expected to grow 3.1% CAGR to $306bn by 2025.”
Internationally recognised industry experts were invited by Doha Private Banking to the forum to cover key topics. The global investment and economic outlook was provided by an international speaker. Insights on global economies and key indicators of the US, China, Eurozone, Japan, and the UK economies were highlighted. The overall outlook is still supportive of risk assets and there is an expectation that inflation to prove transitory.
Alastair Bishop, portfolio manager in the Thematic and Sector Team for Fundamental Equity at BlackRock, spoke on sustainable investment strategies, giving insight on the climate risk, investments, and sustainable energy themes.
Bishop explained that regulation, society, and economics are the main drivers for change. “The path to a lower-carbon global economy is forecast to disrupt many industries and business models. However, this evolution is also expected to create remarkable opportunities. To quantify, the IEA estimates that to meet net-zero emissions by 2050, annual clean energy investment worldwide will need to more than triple by 2030 to around $4tn,” he said.
Sameer Kaul, director, Asia Equities Sales, Cantor Fitzgerald, explained how SPACs are structured potential risk and returns, as well as their lifecycles and how it benefits investors, sponsors, and sellers.
Bouker said, “Doha Private Bank supports the views of capital preservation and growth. That is our focus as we help our clients to manage their wealth for the generations to come.”
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