Paris-based asset management firm Tikehau Capital deployed €7.6 billion ($9 billion) in 2025, and is targeting at least €60 billion in assets under management (AUM) by 2026, according to a presentation released February 2nd.

The firm’s 2025 deployment spanned its various strategies, signaling continued investor confidence despite a shifting global landscape. The target of €60 billion in AUM represents a significant increase for Tikehau, reflecting ambitions for further growth in the alternatives market.

Meanwhile, Mirova, the asset management arm of Natixis Investment Managers, highlighted geopolitical interventionism by the United States – specifically in Venezuela, Greenland, and Iran – as a key event of January 2026. The firm noted a diversification of trade away from US technology companies accelerated at the start of the year. Mirova’s February 2026 outlook also pointed to the appointment of Kevin Warsh as the next governor of the Federal Reserve, suggesting a receding “spectre of the loss of independence” for the central bank.

Gold prices reached a record $5,600 per ounce in January 2026 before falling back, according to Bloomberg data cited by Mirova. The firm’s assessment indicated solid macroeconomic figures and corporate earnings in the United States, while Japan’s Prime Minister is maneuvering to support the economy with potential for success. Germany is also showing signs of economic recovery, raising hopes for the European Union.

Mirova’s report emphasized Europe’s resource capabilities and a strategy of “autonomy at all costs, little by little,” particularly in relation to Greenland. The firm’s assessment, published February 17th, stated that the information provided reflects its opinion at the time and is subject to change.

Tikehau Capital also disclosed transactions in its own shares between February 13th and 19th, 2026, trading a total of 19,164 shares at a weighted average purchase price of €16.1931 per share. These transactions, conducted on multiple European markets, are in accordance with market abuse regulations.

In January 2026, Mirova achieved the highest possible score (★★★★★) across all modules assessed by the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), confirming its commitment to responsible investment practices.

Oil prices rose sharply on Monday, nearing a six-month high, as negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear program entered a critical phase. Brent crude futures settled at $71.39 a barrel, a decrease of 37 cents, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 27 cents to $66.21 a barrel, according to reports from CNN Business Arabic and Reuters.

The current surge in oil prices reflects market apprehension regarding potential disruptions to global supply, particularly as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain elevated. According to a report by Al Jazeera, the United States and Iran conducted talks in Oman last week, allowing Tehran to assess the seriousness of Washington’s intentions and revealing sufficient common ground to continue diplomatic efforts. However, the talks are occurring against a backdrop of military posturing and escalating rhetoric from both sides.

Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stated that the country’s missile capabilities are a “red line” and not subject to negotiation, as reported by Iranian news outlet Nour News. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox Business, suggested that Iran “wants to make a deal and it would be foolish not to.”

Iran is currently the fifth-largest producer of crude oil within the OPEC+ alliance, with production averaging approximately 3.3 million barrels per day, according to Al Jazeera. However, Iranian oil exports have fallen to a two-year low, according to data from Kepler, a commodity information company, amid ongoing tensions with the United States. Amine Bakr, head of energy at Kepler for the Middle East, told CNN that the decline in Iranian exports is linked to a slowdown in shipments to China.

The potential for further escalation remains significant. Erem News reported that Iran has threatened to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies, should tensions continue to rise. Clayton Siegel, an oil analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, has indicated potential scenarios that could impact prices, including a possible U.S. Or Israeli blockade of Iranian exports without direct military attack.

Market analysts are closely monitoring the situation. Sol Kavourukakis, a senior energy analyst at MST Markets, noted that oil markets are “in a state of anticipation awaiting developments in the Iranian situation, with a healthy dose of skepticism towards any rhetoric calling for de-escalation,” as reported by Al Eqt.com.

An Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran is prepared to make concessions regarding its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief and recognition of its right to enrich uranium. However, Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group, cautioned that the risk of an attack on Iran remains high.

The next round of negotiations between the U.S. And Iran is scheduled for Thursday, but the outcome remains uncertain.