Social impact made visible - Microfinance projects 2025

Microfinance is becoming increasingly important as an asset class

In recent years, microfinance has developed into a serious alternative within institutional portfolios. In a market environment characterised by uncertainty, many investors particularly value its stable returns and low correlation with traditional capital market movements and asset classes. Even in challenging investment years such as 2008 or 2022, microfinance was able to deliver a positive return contribution to the portfolio. (Please note, however, that losses on the capital invested may also occur.) Microfinance investments offer direct access to the real economy in emerging and developing countries, thereby facilitating a combination of financial return and measurable social impact. In our view, it is precisely this link that is crucial: capital is not merely invested but is specifically deployed to generate economic development.

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I-AM Vision Microfinance Market commentary

New Investments in Latin America

During the month of July 2026, I-AM Vision Micro-finance placed investments in El Salvador, Armenia, Vietnam and China. The investment in El Salvador has the intention to foster a positive impact on the UN Sustainable Development Goals 5 for Gender Equality as the MFI directs more than half of its loan portfolio to female clients and their microbusinesses as well as small businesses.

Market commentary 07/2026

GreenStars Market commentary

Sector Rotation Broadens Market Performance

In July, market breadth increased as previously lagging sectors contributed more strongly to market performance alongside technology stocks. Despite mostly solid corporate earnings, equity markets traded broadly sideways. AI-related investment and strong cloud business provided support, while elevated valuations and rising bond yields weighed on sentiment.

Market commentary 07/2026

I-AM Global Macro Market commentary

Rising interest rates and a tech correction characterised July – Europe emerged as a relative winner

July was characterised by a correction in the US technology markets, a renewed rise in oil prices fol-lowing stalled negotiations with Iran, and a signifi-cant rise in interest rates, which drove bond yields to new highs for the year. European equity markets proved more resilient than their US counterparts; towards the end of the month, surprisingly strong corporate earnings and lower-than-expected US in-flationary pressure fuelled a recovery.

Market commentary 07/2026

Further information on funds, investments and financial markets can be found in the press section and blog of Erste Asset Management.

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This marketing document is provided for non-binding information purposes only and does not represent any offering or invitation to purchase or sell units in an investment fund, and nor should it be deemed an invitation to submit an offer for conclusion of any contract on investment services or collateral performance. This document cannot replace the advice of your personal investment advisor. Any unauthorized use hereof, in particular its reproduction, processing, transmission or publication is forbidden. The author hereof as well as any enterprises affiliated with them exclude herewith all and any liability in full for the correctness, completeness or actuality of the information contained and opinions stated herein. All performance figures indicated are gross performance figures.

Please note: Fund-based investments are subject to general economic risks as well as fluctuations in value which may result in losses – and even the total loss of the capital invested. Express reference is made to the detailed risk notices provided in the prospectus. Unit classes denominated in foreign currencies entail an additional currency risk.

Their performance may rise or fall due to currency fluctuations.