Inspiration91
The global market for sports and leisure apparel is undergoing dynamic change. While short-term economic uncertainties are occasionally weighing on consumer demand, the long-term outlook continues to be shaped by structural growth trends. Health, fitness, running, and an active lifestyle are gaining importance worldwide. At the same time, the lines between sportswear, casual wear, and everyday clothing are becoming increasingly blurred. This raises the question for investors: Which companies could benefit most from these developments?
The Fed delivered its first interest-rate hike in three years, and several other central banks around the world have already done the same. With rate increases having resumed across major economies, the global easing cycle has effectively come to an end. But much of the inflationary pressure central banks are responding to stems from supply-side factors, such as higher oil prices and the lingering effect of tariffs, which monetary policy can’t do much about. As such, the scope for additional tightening is likely limited.
Just a few years ago, Sandoz was known primarily as a generic drug specialist. Today, biosimilars are increasingly taking center stage. In the first half of 2026, they emerged as the company’s most important growth driver. While the traditional generic drug business faces price pressure, Sandoz is benefiting from a billion-dollar market that is rapidly gaining importance as numerous patents on biologic drugs expire.
Rising defense spending is often associated with the procurement of vehicles, aircraft, or weapons systems. At the same time, the digital transformation of modern armed forces is gaining in importance. Software, data analysis, cybersecurity, and networked communication systems are becoming key components of military capabilities and are thus increasingly coming into focus from an investor’s perspective as well.
Summer barely provided respite, whether on the thermometer or in markets. Tensions between the US and Iran flared up again, sending oil prices higher, while questions over AI spending weighed on technology stocks. Strong earnings and demand for AI infrastructure then helped equities recover. Bonds were less forgiving, as US government debt surpassed USD 40 trillion and concerns over heavy issuance pushed long-term yields higher.
Know-How9
For individuals who invest in Knock-Out products such as Warrants with Knock-Out or Mini Futures, it is crucial to know when and under what conditions their product can be knocked out. But what many do not know: The trading times of the underlying asset play a decisive role here. If the underlying is not a share or an index, the trading times of the underlying and the product may diverge.
Discount certificates feature a discount compared to the underlying asset at the time of issue. The reduced issue price shows its strengths when the market environment is stagnant or slightly positive, as it cushions possible price losses. However, the profit potential is limited by the cap. The level of the cap determines the price discount compared to the price of the underlying and can be set below, at or above the current price of the underlying. Here, the level of the cap determines whether the discount certificate is defensive, neutral or offensive.
Among investment products, capital protection products represent the lowest-risk investment option. A special feature of these products is a minimum repayment at maturity and participation in the positive performance of the underlying asset. Capital protection products are particularly interesting for risk-averse investors who want to avoid price losses but still participate in a positive performance.
Bonus certificates are suitable for investors who expect prices to trend sideways, fall or rise slightly over a certain period of time. A bonus certificate generally relates to an underlying asset, usually a share or an index, and can be superior to a direct investment in certain scenarios. If the price of an underlying asset moves within a predetermined price range over the term, the exercise price (bonus level) is paid out to the holder of the bonus certificate. The upper end of the price range is limited by the strike price. This also determines the redemption amount, taking into account the conversion ratio specified in the product terms and conditions. The barrier is located at the lower end of the range. If the price falls below this barrier during the term, the entitlement to the strike price expires and the investor receives the underlying securities on maturity or a cash settlement.
Constant Leverage Certificates (CLCs) allow investors to participate in the performance of an underlying asset with leverage. They are equipped with a constant leverage (factor) that multiplies the daily percentage change of the underlying asset. With Long CLCs, investors can bet on rising prices, while Short CLCs allow them to bet on falling prices of the underlying assets. These products are suitable for short-term investment horizons and are not intended for a buy-and-hold strategy.