Latest news with #deVere
Biz Bahrain
3 days ago
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Millennials and Gen Z are betting on Bitcoin over Gold – But should they?
As gold prices hover near record highs, driven by insatiable central bank demand, a striking new global poll by deVere Group reveals that 73% of investors aged 24 to 45 now favour Bitcoin over the precious metal as a long-term investment. The survey of 730 clients worldwide captures a dramatic shift in mindset among younger investors, even as central banks quietly amass tonnes of gold at a scale not seen in decades. Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world's largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations, says: 'The momentum behind Bitcoin among younger investors is undeniable. They see it as digital gold – borderless, accessible, and aligned with the future. But gold is far from obsolete. In fact, it's surging, and there's no clearer sign of that than the silent buying spree by the world's monetary authorities.' According to recent analysis, central banks are snapping up around 80 metric tonnes of gold each month – the equivalent of $8.5 billion at current prices. Much of this buying is deliberately obscured, but trade data shows that China and several unnamed players, funnelling purchases through Switzerland, are key drivers. Combined with sovereign wealth funds, these institutions are thought to be absorbing over 1,000 tonnes a year, around a quarter of total global mined supply, according to the World Gold Council. This demand has helped propel gold into a powerful bull market. Prices have already breached all-time highs in recent months and continue to push upwards. Earlier this year, Nigel Green forecast that gold would climb to $5,000 per ounce in 2025, while Bitcoin would surge to $150,000 – setting new historical benchmarks for both. 'The two are not rivals,' explained the deVere CEO. 'They are radically different assets solving different problems. Gold is stability. Bitcoin is growth. If you want to build and protect wealth over the long term, you should be holding both.' He warns against an 'either-or' approach at a time when macroeconomic uncertainty, shifting monetary policy, and geopolitical risk are all in play. 'The world's most powerful institutions are increasing their gold reserves. That tells you everything. They don't do this on a whim. At the same time, Bitcoin's unique structure and scarcity make it highly attractive to a generation skeptical of legacy systems and inflationary currencies.' The younger cohort surveyed by deVere sees Bitcoin as a cornerstone of modern portfolios. Many respondents cited its transparency, portability, and potential for exponential upside as key reasons behind their preference. The fact that it operates outside traditional banking systems was also a frequently noted advantage. But Nigel Green cautions against being swept away by ideology or hype. 'This generation is right to question the old models. But diversification is timeless. Having uncorrelated assets in your portfolio is how you build true resilience. Gold and Bitcoin together offer that balance.' Central banks are unlikely to let up. Even as the details of their purchases remain cloaked, the trajectory is clear. The long-term accumulation of gold by official institutions signals a strategic response to currency debasement, growing fiscal risk, and a shifting global power dynamic. At the same time, Bitcoin is moving toward broader acceptance. Spot ETFs in major financial markets, growing corporate adoption, and increasingly accommodative regulatory frameworks have added legitimacy and fresh demand. 'We're living through a rare convergence,' adds Nigel Green. 'You have the old guard doubling down on gold, and the new guard surging into Bitcoin. Both are being driven by the same core fear: erosion of purchasing power. That should be a wake-up call.' He concludes: 'It's not about choosing sides. It's about positioning for a world where monetary policy, technology, and global influence are all in flux.'
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Staycations 2025: Forest walks to lift your soul
It's been said that centuries ago, a squirrel could travel from one end of Ireland to the other without ever touching the ground, as more than 80% of the land was covered by trees. Sadly, we now are one of the least forested countries in Europe. Trees are powerful when it comes to promoting wellbeing and a walk in nature provides respite to daily stresses. Thankfully there are still lots of parks and woodlands to visit, it might take a little more planning to get there. We have chosen nine great forest parks to make a day of it this summer. Remnants of Rossmore Park's estate can be found throughout the forest and grounds, such as the buttresses of the castle, the walled garden and the Yew Avenue. And there are many miles and variations of walks one can take through the Scots pine, Cedars and Monkey trees of Rossmore. A large play area featuring double zipline, swings, climbing frames, hammocks and see saws is a boon for youngsters. Follow up lots of activity with a picnic and then a treasure hunt through the forest. Little ones can look for carved animals along the way, as well as some sleeping wooden giants, with heads popping up around the lake and through the trees, causing much excitement! Tell creepy tales at the mausoleum or keep an eye out for otters, badgers, fox, hedgehogs and pigmy shrews. Staying in Ulster, Glenveagh National Park in Donegal is mountainous, with lakes and rugged walking trails but also has woodland that is home to many native species of trees including Oak, Birch and Holly, as well as more rare trees such as Yew, Aspen and Bird Cherry. Red deer roam freely here, and the walks range from lakeside for those looking for something manageable to steeper mountain paths for the more intrepid. Trails are well marked but always heed the warnings to come well prepared and check weather before setting off on a more adventurous hike. For something gentler, see the Victorian Castle and Gardens along Lough Veagh and enjoy a picnic near the lake. Avondale Forest Park is situated within the Garden of Ireland and for this reason you can expect lush greenery all around. The focal point is however the newly built Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower, which overlooks and offers impressive views of much of those gorgeous Wicklow surrounds. Stroll at a very slight acclivity along 1.4km of wooden walkway as you make your way to the top, taking in the Yew, Larch, Fir, Oak, Spruce, as well as Giant Redwood trees along the spiral loop. Curragh Chase in Limerick has over 300 hectares of woodland walks, lakes, and the ruins of a big house, the former home of the deVere family. Children's play areas, and interactive learning make this a fun experience for young and old. However little members of your group will be thrilled to find a rather ingenious if not hair-raising route to the bottom, a gigantic slide, tickets for which can be bought as an add on. Those less interested in thrill seeking can take a more leisurely pace, back the way they came. Gougane Barra in Cork offers up 339 acres of rugged, wild scenery. Sitting in a valley on the edge of the Sheehy mountains, this place is ideal for hiking and to really switch off. Breath in the freshest air along the six walking trails including Slí an Ghaorthaidh which takes 30 minutes up to the more strenuous Slí na Sléibhe which takes about two hours. Do bring a picnic and supplies as there is no café on site and you'll find this place a real retreat from the stresses of modern life. Situated in the southwest of County Kerry is Killarney National Park, where you can check out those world-famous lakes, as well as mountains, waterfalls and forest. This park has a wide diversity of habitats including ponds, bogs, heath, grassland and rock, making Killarney National Park home to several species that are unique not only to Ireland but to the National Park itself. These include White Tailed Sea Eagle, Kingfisher, Red Deer and Ireland's only native reptile the Viviparous lizard. Walks take in historic sites like Muckross House and there are boat rides and horse carriages to be enjoyed too. Muckross and Torc Forest is a popular area within Killarney National Park, offering scenic trails, waterfalls, and historical attractions. Curragh Chase in Limerick has over 300 hectares of woodland walks, lakes, and the ruins of a big house, the former home of the deVere family. The trails around Curragh Chase will suit both the more casual walker and those looking for a little more stride. There is plenty of wildlife including deer and Red squirrel. It's not so remote and it great for kids to explore with loops that are clearly marked. The de Vere's put together a large collection of trees and shrubs from all over the world which really is worth checking out as well as the Yew woodland and the bats who reside in the old house. Slieve Bloom Mountains and Forest Park in Laois/Offaly features one of the largest continuous areas of upland blanket bog and thick forest in Ireland. Among its many features are the Glenbarrow Waterfall, Ridge of Capard, as well as long hiking routes for those in need of quiet solitude. Bring snacks as you won't find truck stop coffee here but it's the perfect place to get away from crowds and walk for hours in peace and not meet another human. It's a gem for those seeking silence, space, and fresh mountain air. It's also an ideal place for the avid birdwatcher, with spring and summer the best times to visit. Donadea Forest Park is compact and perfect for a short visit at any time of year. The castle and estate are the former home of the Aymler family and there are many lovely features to view at the park including St Peter's Church, the boat house and icehouse. There is a lake filled with ducks, waterhens and lilies, with picnic areas close by. There is even a 9/11 memorial carved in limestone. The café is open year-round, perfect for some refreshments after the Lake Walk or the longer Aymler Walk which will take you all around the park. There are also three permanent orienteering courses, short (1.8 km), medium (3.4 km) and long (4.6 km). In Galway, covering around 450 hectares is Portumna Park which mixes forested land with lakeside. An old abbey dates back to the 15th century and the nearby castle, which was once the seat of the Earl of Clanrickarde, has had considerable restoration work carried out on it. Made up mainly of coniferous woodland, there are smatterings of semi-natural woodland including Ash and Beech with Silver Birch along the lake shore. Red squirrels are frequently spotted in woodland areas and there is a large number of Fallow deer too.
Trade Arabia
15-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
US and China headed for currency war: warns deVere CEO
US President Doland Trump's tariff-led trade war is pushing the world's two largest economies toward a new front: a currency war — one that will be gradual, deliberate, and globally disruptive, warns the CEO of global financial advisory giant, deVere Group. With US tariffs on Chinese goods now averaging 145%, Beijing is under growing pressure to respond. But with traditional trade retaliation options constrained, a new strategy is forming — one based on a controlled, step-by-step weakening of the yuan. The signs are already clear. The offshore yuan dropped to a record low of 7.4287 against the dollar. Onshore, the currency sank to its weakest since 2007. The People's Bank of China, while insisting on stability, has been setting the yuan's midpoint fix at levels not seen in years. Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: 'China is unlikely to openly weaponise the yuan. But under mounting tariff strain, they're likely to let it slip — slowly and carefully. It won't look like a headline war, but it will have headline consequences.' There's little appetite in Beijing for a sharp devaluation. The memory of 2015's capital exodus—when $700 billion fled Chinese markets after a sudden currency move—still haunts policymakers. A similar episode today could trigger 'damaging capital flight' and erode already fragile domestic confidence. He continues: 'Instead, China is walking a narrow path: using small, incremental devaluations to support exporters without inviting panic. It's an approach aimed at shielding growth while maintaining the image of financial control. But even a modest yuan decline matters.' A weaker Chinese currency lowers the real cost of exports, softening the blow from US tariffs. It also pressures other Asian economies to consider devaluing in response, setting off ripple effects through emerging markets. For the US, it complicates inflation dynamics—import prices may fall, but global volatility may rise. 'Currency shifts don't happen in a vacuum,' explains Green. 'They reshape capital flows, unsettle risk assets, and provoke reactions from other central banks. For global investors, ignoring this would be a serious error. 'Unlike the free-floating dollar or yen, the yuan is tightly managed. 'Every day, the Chinese central bank sets a central reference rate, allowing only limited movement around it. That system gives Chinese authorities control and it also gives them the tools to engineer a slow, sustained decline without outright triggering alarm bells. 'This approach fits a broader pattern in modern financial conflict: avoid sudden moves, but gradually change the terms of trade. The goal isn't shock. It's attrition.' The bigger concern is what comes next. If a slow yuan weakening begins to reverse capital inflows, Beijing could be forced to tighten controls further, or accelerate its depreciation. Either route could stoke fresh volatility across currencies, bonds, and equities. The deVere CEO says: 'Investors should be watching the yuan as closely as they watch the Fed or earnings season. The slow-motion currency shift between the US and China is central to how this phase of global economic rivalry will play out.' He concludes: 'I believe we're entering a new stage of financial confrontation—less visible, but no less strategic. The yuan is becoming a pressure valve, and investors need to understand what's coming. 'The trade war may have opened with tariffs, but it won't end there.'
Observer
01-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Will markets continue to look over the Trump-Zelenskyy clash?
Global markets are set to open Monday with 'surprisingly strong momentum' as investors build on Friday's late-session rally, looking over geopolitical tensions flaring in the Oval Office between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This is the bullish prediction from Nigel Green, the CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group, as the Ukrainian President arrives in London for a summit with European leaders after an unprecedented clash with his US counterpart and his Vice President JD Vance in Washington on Friday. Despite a volatile February and the spat, Wall Street ended the week with a powerful upswing, showcasing investor resilience. The S&P 500 surged 1.59% to close at 5,954.50 on Friday, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 601 points, landing at 43,840.91. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.63% to 18,847.28, rounding out a session that saw stocks rebound with force. 'The late-day buying momentum reflected a heavy tilt towards market-on-close orders, suggesting institutional confidence remains intact despite recent headwinds,' says Nigel Green. 'Investors are proving adept at looking beyond short-term political friction. The broader narrative remains one of strategic positioning—buying into weakness and capitalizing on technical setups that drive upward momentum. 'This Friday surge suggests institutional players and algorithmic trading models saw attractive entry points, reinforcing the notion that the bull market's foundations remain solid.' He continues: 'The resilience displayed at the end of the week will be tested against the next wave of macroeconomic catalysts. 'But one thing is clear: for all the noise surrounding political theatrics, investors are keeping their focus on earnings growth, liquidity conditions, and the broader trajectory of global markets.' This robust market performance comes amid a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, as the standoff between Washington and Kyiv has raised fresh concerns about international relations. However, 'investor sentiment appears unshaken', with Friday's strong rally suggesting that financial markets remain focused on fundamentals rather than political turbulence. In recent weeks, macroeconomic data has pointed to persistent underlying strength in the US economy, adding to the bullish case for equities. deVere suggests that institutional investors are taking advantage of these conditions, rotating into equities at strategic moments to capitalize on technical levels. The deVere CEO concludes: 'The bounce back on Friday reinforces the view that buy-the-dip strategies remain in play, driven by confidence in corporate earnings and monetary policy outlooks.'
