Milestone Celebration Marks Ten Years of Growth

In a vibrant atmosphere at the K47 event venue along Vienna's Ringstraße, Metis Invest marked its ten-year anniversary with a celebratory event led by Jürgen Pock, spokesperson for Merkur Versicherung. The gathering saw the attendance of key figures from the finance sector, including Andreas Gaugg, Chief Financial Officer of Merkur Versicherung, Christian Kladiva, one of the founding members of Metis Invest, and Barbara Wiedernig, Deputy Chair of the Supervisory Board of Merkur Versicherung.

Bernhard Tollay, often referred to as the 'founding father' of Metis, took attendees on a brief journey through the company's history. Established in 2014, Metis Invest began its operations in 2015 during a challenging economic climate for new securities firms. Tollay recounted the arduous process that extended from spring 2014 until the official launch on November 21 of the same year. The first product, Sirius 25, was introduced in 2015, investing in Euro-denominated corporate bonds with an investment-grade rating.

Over the past decade, Metis Invest has navigated various global challenges, including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising inflation, yet it has continued to thrive. Presently, the firm manages over three billion euros in assets, with Sirius 25 surpassing the 400 million euro threshold. The company now offers six public investment funds, showcasing its growth and resilience.

Insights on Economic Outlook

A highlight of the event was the presentation by Stefan Bruckbauer, Chief Economist at Bank Austria, who provided insights into Europe's economic recovery prospects for 2025. He emphasized the importance of focusing on local economic developments rather than external political figures, asserting that Europe possesses the capability to address its challenges effectively. Bruckbauer expressed optimism regarding Austria's economic recovery, noting that the sentiment among businesses is improving despite persistent difficulties in certain sectors, such as steel production.

However, he also pointed out ongoing weaknesses in the retail sector, attributing them to inflationary pressures that affect consumer spending. He criticized the lack of energy price caps, which has exacerbated the situation for consumers. Bruckbauer warned that rising costs and a demographic shift pose significant challenges for the labor market, necessitating substantial efforts to enhance competitiveness.

Investment Strategies and Asset Management

Following Bruckbauer's presentation, a panel discussion took place on the topic of investment in a changing interest rate environment. Panelists included Claudio Gligo, Chief Investment Officer of Bonus Pensionskasse, and Martin Stihsen, Executive Board member of Merkur International Holding, moderated by Lukas Feiner, co-managing director of Metis Invest. The discussion centered on the importance of bonds in asset allocation, with Gligo highlighting their role across various risk categories in investment portfolios.

The panelists agreed on the necessity of a balanced approach combining both active and passive investment strategies, especially in the context of fixed-income assets. While acknowledging the advantages of automation in investment processes, they stressed the irreplaceable value of professional asset management in ensuring stability and reliability in investment portfolios.

The final presentation of the day was delivered by Bardia Monshi, a vitality psychologist and author, who discussed the role of artificial intelligence in the financial sector. He emphasized that while AI can assist in various capacities, it cannot fully replace the nuanced judgment and expertise of human advisors in complex market conditions.

Company Background

Metis Invest GmbH was founded in Graz in 2014 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merkur Versicherung. The firm is dedicated to providing tailored investment solutions that meet client needs in a dynamic market environment. With a strong focus on corporate bond segments, including the Metis Euro Corporate Bonds and the Euro Corporate Bond Fund Sirius 25, Metis Invest continues to leverage its extensive experience in insurance investment.