Amundi’s Chief Valérie Baudson, based in Paris, is not swayed by panic over the potential trade dispute with the US. “We should remain pragmatic and not lose our nerve now. The US is seeking greater geostrategic independence. Europe, too, should aim for the same, purposefully and with a clear head” Baudson told the Spiegel.
Europe, Baudson notes, has a strong export industry and the enormous savings of its citizens, which should be leveraged to attract private capital into the continent’s economy. “Harnessing this fantastic pool of savings and investing wisely in European companies and jobs is also part of my responsibility” she said.
Right-wing populism, according to Baudson, does not cause her significant concern. “There are significant differences between individual countries and in the European Parliament, nationalists have less power than feared after the recent elections. Even if it doesn’t fit the current prevailing mood: Europe is developing in the right direction.