Investment consulting for private investors, family offices and UHNWI

About us: Changes to the Management

In the interests of proactive organisational planning and even better coverage of client needs, the management of PPCmetrics AG will undergo some changes as of 01.01.2024. Further information can be found in our media release.

UBS Takeover of Credit Suisse

On the evening of 19 March 2023, UBS announced its intention to fully acquire Credit Suisse in close coordination with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and the Swiss Confederation. According to the SNB's press release, the transaction is necessary to secure financial stability and protect the Swiss economy. In our presentation, we summarise the most important facts about the takeover as well as possible implications for investors.

Current Facts About Credit Suisse

Distortions at the banks in the USA as well as statements by major Credit Suisse shareholders led to renewed high price declines in Credit Suisse's bonds and shares. The bank's stability is particularly at risk if it enters a negative spiral and is confronted by a significant outflow of client funds. In a media release on 15 March 2023, the Swiss National Bank SNB and the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA commented on the uncertainties in the market as well as on Credit Suisse.

Transition from LIBOR and Alternative Reference Rates After the End of 2021

LIBOR will be replaced as the reference interest rate in Switzerland at the end of 2021. We explain the reasons for this, show alternatives and point out possible implications for institutional investors.

Interest Rate and Inflation Risk: How Are Pension Funds Affected?

The topic of inflation is currently in the spotlight. Our article looks at the economic context and the historical and current interest rate and inflation risks. It also shows to what extent Swiss pension funds are affected by interest rate and inflation risks and to what extent such risks are acceptable for them.

Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Asset Managers

Do large pension funds achieve better results?

Illiquid Investments: Challenges ahead

Illiquid investments should appeal to pension funds because of their long-term benefits, but are opportunities equal?

Is faith in past winners justified?

Rankings of top performers are publicly available for retail funds. However, databases for institutional mandates (segregated accounts and institutional funds) are still incomplete and rare. For our historical simulation of picking past winners we use a set of track records that were submitted by asset managers as part of public and non-public mandate tenders for institutional clients in Europe.

Responsible Investing – General Considerations and Implications for Fixed Income

Asset Liability Management Today – Is it Still ‘Fit for Purpose’?

The target of asset liability management is to align the assets to the liabilities, i.e. managing risks due to mismatches between the assets and liabilities.

Home Bias – Swiss Pension Fund Experience

Challenges Pension Funds Face due to Low Interest Rates

Risk-averse asset-only investors should go for short duration as risk return is distributed highly asymmetrically.

Common Pitfalls of RFPs

Investment Strategies in the Year 2013 - English Version

In the year 2013, there were losses in the bond markets, while equity markets had high positive returns. As a result, the investment results of the different strategies varied widely. Pension funds, which have fully used their risk capacity through a large equity exposure, were able to benefit from this market environment. In addition, currency hedging and investments in corporate bonds, small caps, and non-listed real estate were positive as well...