2025 - 01

24 feb 2025

On a global level, the re-election of President Donald Trump has caused quite a stir. A distinctly different economic wind seems to be blowing. One of deregulation, lower taxes and a smaller government. Involving Big Tech moguls like Elon Musk in policy is raising eyebrows among various market researchers. The IMF predicts economic growth of 2.2% for the US this year, over a percentage point more than for the EU.

In China there have been signs of economic recovery since the end of 2024, thanks in part to policy easing and fiscal stimuli. However, the threat of new American import tariffs is causing uncertainty and could influence the economic outlook. In summary: although Trump's policies are causing uncertainty, the economic indicators remain moderately positive for the time being.

Despite Trump's attempts to increase US power, Professor Charles van Marrewijk, whom we interviewed for this edition, sees the world's economic power shifting in the longer term from the West to the East, and then to the South. He is concerned about the formation of three large power blocs that will try to expand their regional power, with all the risks that entails.

Professor Anand Menon of King's College in London also sees these risks. He warns that the relationship with Europe will become less important for the US in the coming decades and advocates for more intensive cooperation within Europe.

The theme of cooperation is raised frequently in this edition. The major conclusion of the round table organised by Financial Investigator on Fiduciary Management & the Wtp is that the cooperation between pension funds and fiduciaries is becoming closer.

Cooperation is also important in the real estate chain to accelerate sustainable new construction, says Marianne Langelaar, who researched how each party in the chain can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions from new construction.

And finally, as the cover interview shows, cooperation is also a pillar of the concept of broad prosperity that Nikki Trip strives for. She is referring in particular to the cooperation between young and old, in which she, as a young professional, would like to encourage more courage among the older generation.

As is tradition, in the first issue of the new year we pay extra attention to young professionals. This year we asked 10 young professionals about their experiences with the tight labour market. How are they affected? And what advice do they have for employers?

Take advantage of their advice! And other than that, I hope you enjoy reading this issue!

 

Jolanda de Groot, Editor-in-Chief

 

Bijlagen

• Financial Investigator 2025 - 1 - LR.pdf