Business insights

An analysis by Robert Labbeke, Account Manager at Fortis Bank.

The Kyoto climate treaty aims to limit the emissions of six greenhouse gases worldwide.

Fluctuating commodity prices pose a growing financial risk for businesses

The view of Jacques Cornette, General Manager of Fortis Lease Belgium and Chairman of the Belgian Leasing Association.

Geert Vanwildemeersch, Financial Manager at Brachot-Hermant, explains the advantages of the Pan-European liquidity management built up with Fortis Bank.

Many companies are holding record amounts of cash. Owing to the current low level of interest rates, however, the return on cash is not very attractive.

The oil market has virtually always been liberalised. Until recently, gas and electricity were in the hands of monopolies but things are changing rapidly, to the extent that the European Union wants the markets to be freed up entirely.

As a name, Acquisition Finance is rather misleading. It really covers more than acquisitions in the strict sense. The term "Leveraged Finance" is more in line with the reality.

Cash management uses techniques designed to improve operating conditions, risk and the financial results of a company's or group of companies' cash management.

Public authorities, utilities, real-estate companies and distribution companies benefit from high inflation. Insurers, pension funds and private investors benefit from low inflation.