Amundi Perspectives 2024 welcomed 250 French investors in Paris

Valérie Baudson opened the conference, mentioning a dynamic and contrasted end to the year on the economic and geopolitical fronts. On the economic front, she spoke of the resilience of the US economy, Europe's declining dependence on Russia and China's disappointing post-Covid recovery momentum. She mentioned a decline in inflation in all major economies, which opens up the prospect of a new monetary cycle in 2024. On the geopolitical front, she pointed out the impact of the growing number of international conflicts on economic uncertainty and a wait-and-see attitude among economic players and investors. She reaffirmed Amundi’s commitment to being a trusted, long-term partner for its clients and shared the Group’s strategic priorities and ambitions.

Edouard Philippe, Mayor of Le Havre and former Prime Minister, acutely analysed the multiple challenges surrounding the current economic and geopolitical panorama, the threats weighing on our democracies and the hurdles facing the implementation of a just transition. His message resonated strongly: "In times of uncertainty, audacity is always a wise choice."

Then, Monica Defend, Head of Amundi Investment Institute, presented our macro-scenario. She predicts normalisation of inflation and a potential slowdown in growth in developed economies.

Vincent Mortier, Group Chief Investment Officer, went on the impact on portfolios. He shared his views on the major investment themes in 2024 and expectations for Asia and emerging markets, highlighting a notable potential.

Amaury d’Orsay, Head of the Bond Management Platform and Benoît Tassou, Head of the French Partner Networks division, discussed bond markets in the face of monetary normalization. They pointed out the importance of prioritising fixed income quality in light of the evolving inflation-growth dynamics.

Elodie Laugel, Chief Responsible Investment Officer, highlighted the key trends and challenges for responsible investment in 2024. Regulatory developments, amplification of ESG backlash, changes in demand for ESG products and strategies, the impact of ESG on performance, corporate transformation in connection with the energy transition, are the topics covered this year.

Then, Romina Boarini, Director of the OECD WISE Centre, focused on equal opportunities and dynamics of inequality across OECD countries, insisting on the need for effective policies to address these disparities.

Jean-Jacques Barbéris, Head of Institutional and Corporate Clients and ESG, and Fannie Wurtz, Head of Distribution & Wealth Division, Passive Business Line, concluded the conference.