Fundamentals

Donald Trump's statements just days before his return to the White House have reignited tensions on the international stage. During a press conference, the elected president mentioned the possibility of annexing the Panama Canal and Greenland, strategic territories whose geopolitical significance far exceeds American borders. Far from being content with a mere statement of intent, he refused to rule out the use of force, provoking immediate reactions from the countries involved. As the world faces increasing geopolitical tensions, these stances raise many questions. Is Trump seeking to reshape international power dynamics, or is this a communication strategy aimed at influencing future diplomatic negotiations? What are the implications for relations between the United States and its partners? A look back at an announcement that certainly reignites fears of a return to an unpredictable American policy.

In a global economic context marked by successive upheavals, few sectors manage to maintain enduring stability. Long perceived as an unsinkable fortress, luxury, the quintessential symbol of prosperity and exclusivity, also faltered in 2024. Indeed, the fortunes of emblematic figures such as Bernard Arnault, Françoise Bettencourt Meyers, and François Pinault suffered colossal losses amounting to over 70 billion dollars combined. Such a decline finds its origins in a set of closely related factors: a slowing Chinese economy, national political tensions, and increased volatility in stock markets. These combined elements have shaken the pillars of the sector, revealing an unexpected fragility.

In a world facing increasing geopolitical tensions and sustained volatility in financial markets, the ultra-rich are reassessing their investment priorities. A recent study by UBS, titled "UBS Billionaire Ambitions," reveals that these billionaires are adopting defensive strategies to safeguard their wealth against constantly evolving risks. Among their preferred choices are traditional assets such as real estate, precious metals like gold, and even cash reserves. These trends, far from being trivial, reflect a desire for diversification and protection against global uncertainties.

In a new verbal escalation, Donald Trump, elected president of the United States, has shaken global markets. Indeed, he has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on the nations of the BRICS alliance. This statement comes in a tense economic context, where the dollar, a cornerstone of international trade, is increasingly being challenged by emerging powers. Such a challenge to the monetary status quo could well reshape the global geopolitical balance, but also lead to significant economic turbulence.