World’s largest sovereign wealth fund announces record $213 billion profit

Fund manager

Norway’s giant sovereign wealth fund reported record profit of 2.22 trillion kroner ($213 billion) in 2023, supported by returns on its investments in technology stocks.

Despite high inflation and geopolitical unrest, the equity market in 2023 was strong, compared to a very weak year in 2022. It follows a record loss of 1.64 trillion Norwegian kroner for the whole of 2022, which the fund attributed to ‘very unusual’ market conditions at the time.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund on Tuesday 30th January 2024 reported a record profit of 2.22 trillion kroner ($213 billion) in 2023, supported by robust returns on its investments in technology stocks.

Government Pension Fund Global

The ‘Government Pension Fund Global’, one of the world’s largest investors, reportedly said the fund marked its highest return in kroner ever, with the fund’s return on investment last year coming in at 16% for the year.

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, was established in the 1990s to invest the surplus revenues of the country’s oil and gas sector. To date, the fund has put money in more than 8,500 companies in 70 countries around the world.

See wealth fund rankings table here

What is Quiet Luxury?

Quiet Luxury

Quiet luxury is a fashion trend that emphasizes understated elegance, timeless style, and high-quality materials.

It is the opposite of flashy logos, loud colors, and fast fashion. Quiet luxury is about investing in pieces that are durable, versatile, and refined. 

Some examples of quiet luxury brands are Hermes, Prada-owned Miu Miu, Brunello Cucinelli, Compagnie Financière Richemont and Swatch Group, The Row, Totême, Tove and LVMH. Quiet luxury is also influenced by social changes, popular culture, and economic factors. It reflects a desire for simplicity, sophistication, and sustainability in a seemingly never-ending chaotic world.

Quiet luxury was one of last year’s biggest viral fashion trends, but unlike other short-lived fads on TikTok or Instagram, this one has made its way into investor portfolios and shown lucrative returns.

Luxury stocks have long been regarded by some as an effective hedge against inflation.

LVMH success – one way to invest in luxury

LVMH shares jumped more than 8% on Friday 26th January 2024, after the world’s largest luxury group posted higher-than-expected sales for 2023 and raised its annual dividend.

The owner of Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon and Hennessy, as well as brands including Givenchy, Bulgari and Sephora, on Thursday night 25th January 2024 reported sales amounting to 86.15 billion euros ($93.34 billion) for 2023, forecasts. This equated to a 13% growth from the previous year.

The result was boosted in particular by 14% annual growth in the critical fashion and leather goods sector, along with 11% growth in perfumes and cosmetics. Wines and spirits meanwhile posted a 4% decline.

Bernard Arnault is one of the top 10 wealthiest people in the world.

Is there room in your portfolio for a luxury brand?