On 5 August 2024, the stock markets suffered a historic fall, with almost unprecedented turbulence reminiscent of the great crashes of the past.
I've always been fascinated by the financial markets. I began my career as a stockbroker in 1987, on the floor of the Brussels Stock Exchange, during a historic crisis that did not discourage me from working for more than 20 years at the heart of so-called 'traditional' finance.
However, the 2008 crisis was a turning point for me. It was then that I became aware of the excesses of the financial system and decided to create BeeBonds to offer simple, transparent investment products accessible to all savers.
For more than seven years, I have been proud of the work accomplished with BeeBondsa regulated alternative financing platform.
Even though the occurrence of another stock market crisis is regrettable (and predictable), we are pleased to be able to offer an insurance-backed investment today, with attractive returns and a minimum amount within the reach of as many people as possible.
Background to the current stock market crisis
The recent fall in the markets seems to be the result of several factors:
- Economic indicators : Volatility increased after the US Federal Reserve suggested at its meeting on 31 July that interest rates would soon be cut. Initially seen as a favourable incentive for the equity market, this announcement was quickly interpreted as a sign of weakness in the world's largest economy. A number of economic data contributed to this, including the US unemployment rate, which rose to 4.3 1Q19T in July, raising concerns about a possible recession.
- Fall of the Nikkei 225 and global market trends : the Nikkei 225 lost more than 12 %, its biggest one-day fall since the 1987 crash. The fall in Asian markets, particularly the significant losses in Japan, contributed to a negative sentiment that spread to other stock markets.
- Investor sentiment : The combination of rising unemployment, fears of recession and instability on world markets has created a climate of uncertainty, pushing investors out of equities.
Forecasts and alternatives: a secure solution for investors
Some experts fear a financial bubble due to expansive monetary policies and overheated investment in artificial intelligence.
In this uncertain climate, we are proud to offer a secure and responsible investment alternative. BeeBonds, with Atradius, offers a green bond loan with insured capital and interest and a gross annual yield of 7 %.
Available from as little as 100 euros, this offer democratises access to opportunities previously reserved for professionals. The funds will be used to renovate building Riverside H in Anderlecht, an energy renovation project in a business park in the Brussels-Capital Region where compliance with environmental standards is essential for regional economic development.
This context highlights the difference between complex financial products, which are often opaque, volatile and purely speculative, and participative financing solutions. The latter are more transparent and combine yield and security, with a positive impact for savers, the local economy and the environment.
To find out more, discover our projects in the pipeline.
