In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged within the elite circles of family offices—an aggressive escalation in executive compensation that raises questions about the core values underpinning wealth management. Once modest, performance-based rewards have now ballooned into lavish, structured incentives that seem more designed to reward self-interest than genuine contribution or stewardship. It’s no
Wealth
The recent imposition of a 15% tariff on European-made recreational boats and yachts reveals a troubling trend in global economic policy—one that risks undermining long-standing international markets while ostensibly protecting domestic interests. While policymakers often champion tariffs as a way to bolster local industries, the reality is far more complex and often detrimental. In this
The recent performances within the high-end market reveal a landscape riddled with contradictions, exposing the fragility of the so-called recovery. Despite headlines touting signs of revival, behind the scenes, luxury brands are grappling with a troubling persistence of softness that threatens to undermine any optimistic projections. The market is painted with a veneer of resilience,
In recent years, the narrative of unrelenting economic growth has painted a picture of unprecedented wealth accumulation among the world’s elite. Stock markets soar, real estate prices reach historic levels, and the ultra-rich are said to be thriving. Yet, beneath this glossy veneer lies a troubling paradox: despite this record-breaking prosperity, the art market—a traditionally
Moncler’s recent strategy of implementing minimal price increases to combat rising tariffs is a classic example of a luxury brand attempting to preserve profit margins in turbulent economic times. However, this approach, characterized by “very slight price increases,” risks offering only temporary relief. It assumes that consumers, despite inflation and economic hardships, will remain loyal
In the relentless pursuit of exclusivity, the luxury industry has cynically redefined opulence as a transient, fleeting experience rather than timeless quality. This shift—from craftsmanship rooted in tradition to fleeting moments of pleasure—reveals a disturbing trend: luxury as a mere commodity in the experience economy, increasingly tailored towards the ultra-wealthy desperate to distinguish themselves in
The latest report on Burberry’s sales reveals a tentative glimmer of hope: a modest 4% increase in the Americas during the recent quarter. While this uptick might seem promising on the surface, it masks the underlying fragility of the brand’s recovery trajectory. The broader context presents a more sobering picture—marked by overall declines in key
The recent decline in Japan’s luxury market reveals the fragile veneer of resilience that many luxury brands, including Richemont, have clung to amidst shifting economic tides. For years, the Japanese yen’s weakness during 2024 ignited a frenzy of tourism-driven spending, temporarily transforming the country into a lucrative playground for high-income consumers worldwide. But such a
In recent years, the allure of private jets has often been dismissed as a frivolous symbol of excess, yet recent policy shifts suggest a deeper, more troubling dynamic at play. The federal government’s decision to reinstate bonus depreciation for business jets may seem like a savvy move to stimulate economic activity, but beneath this veneer
The recent legislative push, often hailed by its supporters as a victory for economic growth, reveals a more troubling reality: the system continues to prioritize the wealthy at the expense of the broader population. While headlines tout tax cuts as a means to stimulate the economy, they often mask a deeper, systemic skew in who