News
Explore the latest news from Balfour Capital Group, showcasing our strategic advancements and updates in the financial sector, reflecting our commitment to transparency and stakeholder communication.
Market Views: What impact has Trump’s first 100 days had on Asia?
Published on May 1st, 2025
Wealth Tips: Follow the 'Oracle of Omaha'—Can Beginners Profit in a Volatile Market?
Published on April 20th, 2025
Market Views: Is the US heading into a recession?
Published on April 8th, 2025
In AsianInvestor’s latest feature, “Is This Market Meltdown Signalling a Recession?”, Balfour Capital Group joins the conversation alongside top-tier institutions including Amundi Investment Institute, Aberdeen Investments, Invesco, First Eagle Investments, and Federated Hermes, to assess whether recent market volatility signals an impending recession or a short-term policy-driven correction.
Steve Alain Lawrence, Chief Investment Officer at Balfour Capital Group, offered a confident view of the U.S. economic trajectory, stating:
“Forget the noise. Despite headlines of geopolitical tension, rate debates, and tech decoupling, the U.S. economy isn’t just holding—it’s poised for a breakout.”
Asia-Pacific bank capital raising slumps as rate uncertainty weighs on market
Published on March 27th, 2025
“The drastic plunge in bank debt issuance [in Asia-Pacific] this February wasn’t coincidental — it reflected deep-rooted anxiety driven by ongoing global inflation pressures and tense negotiation dynamics” Lawrence noted.
Chinese megabanks expected to post 2024 earnings dip amid margin pressures
Published on March 23rd, 2025
CKH ports sale sparks mixed reactions amid geopolitical concerns
Published on March 21st, 2025
Steve Alain Lawrence, CIO of Balfour Capital Group, expressed optimism about the deal’s completion, highlighting BlackRock’s strategic expertise and resilience.
“While Chinese authorities could use media coverage as a geopolitical tool, BlackRock’s proven capability in managing political and diplomatic intricacies, coupled with strategic economic rationale, strengthens its position,” Lawrence said.
Analysis: Scrapped Nissan-Honda merger highlights Japan's restructuring challenges
Published on March 18th, 2025
Balfour Capital Group’s Lawrence notes that while ‘Japan Inc.’ may take a more cautious near-term approach due to trade tariffs, this doesn’t signal a return to defensive cash hoarding.
“Companies are likely to adjust capital allocation strategies selectively, balancing investments, buybacks, and dividends while navigating external pressures,” he said, underscoring that recent reforms have forced Japanese firms to unlock capital efficiency and to increase their return on equity (ROE).
Balfour Capital Group Announces Speaking Engagement by Johan Boos at Université Côte d’Azur
Published on March 16th, 2025
Balfour Capital Group is pleased to announce that Johan Boos, Head of the European Division at Balfour Capital, will be speaking at the esteemed Université Côte d’Azur (UCA) on April 2, 2025. The event will take place at 17:00 at Amphitheatre 6, Campus d’Angely.
Mr. Boos will address the university’s Finance Club, sharing his expertise on global markets and entrepreneurial strategies. As a distinguished member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and holder of a seat on the COMEX, Mr. Boos will provide valuable insights into the dynamic and rapidly evolving financial marketplace.
Market Views: What do China's Two Sessions mean for investors
Published on March 14th, 2025
Beijing’s 2025 Two Sessions outlined a 5% GDP growth target amid economic challenges, prioritizing technological innovation, private sector revival, and environmental sustainability. Key initiatives highlighted include enhancing industrial productivity through investment in high-tech sectors and R&D. AsianInvestor gathered insights from leading financial experts, including Steve Alain Lawrence (CIO, Balfour Capital Group), Jenny Zeng (CIO, Allianz), Elliot Hentov (Head of Macro Policy Research, State Street Global Advisors), and Chaoping Zhu (Global Market Strategist, JP Morgan Asset Management), to assess investment implications for institutional investors.
China lowers bar for foreign managers to tap its pension market
Published on March 14th, 2025
Balfour Capital Group sees China’s pension market reforms as a prime opportunity, alongside firms like Allianz Global Investors and MFS Investments. With the private pension sector expected to hit 7 trillion yuan ($985.67 billion) by 2030, the demand for global investment solutions is set to grow. While challenges remain, success will hinge on localization, strategic partnerships, and innovative financial products—areas where Balfour, Allianz, and MFS are well-equipped to lead.
‘Both SARs remain pivotal in globalising RMB use and sustaining investor confidence in 2025,’ says Steven Alain Lawrence of Balfour Capital Group
Published on February 10th, 2025
For the chief investment officer of Balfour Capital Group and veteran hedge fund manager, the question is whether that momentum will carry into 2025 and how Macao will position its burgeoning financial ambitions alongside more established trading centres like Hong Kong. Despite the gap, Lawrence points to active participation from Chinese banks such as ICBC and BOC, as well as global underwriters like UBS, HSBC, and CICC, in drawing deals in Macao, which have included the participation of sovereign wealth funds and ESG-focused investors.
Analysis: What a crypto friendly White House means for Asia’s digital assets
Published on January 21st, 2025
“Shifting global regulations and regional competition from Singapore will require Hong Kong to strike a balance between maintaining its competitive edge and ensuring compliance with international standards,” noted Steve Alain Lawrence, Chief Investment Officer of Balfour Capital Group.
These nuances are new, requiring time to allow long term opportunities for well positioned investors to emerge, Lawrence says, adding that “at the end of the day, the largest institutions deeply invested in Hong Kong’s success will not allow [regulatory framework] to fail.”
Adani wipeout hurts but won’t derail foreign investor faith in India
Published on November 29th, 2024
Trump’s ‘tariff tantrums’ threaten Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam – and beyond
Published on November 23rd, 2024
Asian countries could retaliate with tariffs on the US and Western firms,” said Steve Alain Lawrence, chief investment officer of wealth management group Balfour Capital. “They could [also] impose non-tariff barriers, such as stricter regulatory measures or delays at customs, to frustrate American businesses.”
Indian shares dive as polls show Modi’s mandate weakening
Published on June 04, 2024
“India is all about infrastructure,” said Steve Lawrence, chief investment officer at Balfour Capital, who manages €350 million ($381.61 million) across different funds.
“It’s all about infrastructure investments; roads and electricity. With the type of technology that they have, you could see a tremendous amount of growth.”
India’s Markets React to Modi’s Potential Slim Majority
Published on June 04, 2024
As Steve Lawrence, the chief investment officer at Balfour Capital, put it, “India is all about infrastructure. It’s all about infrastructure investments; roads and electricity. With the type of technology that they have, you could see a tremendous amount of growth.”
India kicks off vote counting for the world’s biggest election, with exit polls projecting a Modi victory
Published on June 03, 2024
“You can’t compare the infrastructure of India to China yet. India will catch-up, but they’re not there yet, ” said Steve Lawrence, chief investment officer of Balfour Capital Group, adding that the two countries can however go head-to-head in “intellectual horse power.”
“You have two societies that are hardworking, educated, getting smarter, and understand the diversifications of global markets,” Lawrence told CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” on Monday.
Stocks set to scale record highs as vote counting for LS election begins
Published on June 04, 2024
Indian stocks were poised to hit a record high while the rupee was steady as votes were being counted in the world’s largest election on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi widely expected to score a decisive mandate and a rare third term.
India shares plunge as polls show Modi’s mandate slipping
Published on June 4, 2024
Indian markets faced a significant downturn as initial vote counts indicated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party might not achieve the overwhelming majority anticipated by exit polls, causing investor concerns.
India shares plunge as polls show Modi’s mandate slipping
Published on June 4, 2024
Weak Yuan Boosts the Appeal of Hong Kong Stocks Over China’s
Published on May 24, 2024
Investors in China stick to bargains as fiscal bazooka proves elusive
Published on March 5, 2024
