2050 Investors — Economic and markets megatrends, ahead of 2050’s global sustainability targets

The Safest of Them All: What If Safe Assets Aren't Safe? (ft. Vincent Mortier, Group CIO of Amundi and Deputy CEO of Amundi AM)

34min | 07/08/2026

Description

A king looks into a mirror and asks a simple question: "Markets, markets on the wall, who is the safest of them all?"

For centuries, investors have sought refuge in gold, government bonds and cash. Yet history tells a more complicated story. Inflation erodes cash. Rising rates punish bonds. Even gold can fail to protect when investors need it most.

In this episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua explores a provocative idea: safety is not something you buy, it is something you build. Drawing on finance, philosophy and economic history, he examines whether safety is an intrinsic property of an asset or the result of diversification, adaptation and sound judgment.

To deepen the discussion, Kokou welcomes Vincent Mortier, Deputy CEO of Amundi Asset Management and Group Chief Investment Officer. Vincent shares his perspective on today's markets, the evolving role of safe-haven assets and the challenge of building resilient portfolios in a world where old certainties are being challenged.

From Spinoza to Sartre, from gold to Treasuries, from crowd psychology to portfolio construction, this episode is a thought-provoking conversation about risk, resilience, and the search for certainty in an uncertain world.

Listen to this episode of 2050 Investors to understand what it will take to adapt in a more volatile world.

Credits

Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Producers & Editors: Jovaney Ashman, Jennifer Krumm, Louis Trouslard.

Sound Director: La Vilaine, Pierre-Emmanuel Lurton. Music: Cézame Music Agency. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.
English voice: Barry Neumann

Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About 2050 Investors — Economic and markets megatrends, ahead of 2050’s global sustainability targets

Welcome to 2050 Investors your monthly guide to understanding the intricate connections between finance, globalisation, and ESG.

Join host Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Head of Economics, Cross-Asset & Quant Research at Societe Generale, for an exploration of the economic and market megatrends shaping the present and future, and how these trends might influence our progress to meeting 2050’s challenging global sustainability targets.

In each episode, Kokou deep-dives into the events impacting the economy, financial markets, the planet, and society. Through a magical blend of personal anecdotes, in-depth research and narratives overlaid with music, sound effects, and pop culture references, there’s certainly something for everyone.

Kokou also interviews industry-leading experts, personalities, entrepreneurs and even Nobel prize winners! You will learn from the best on a wide range of subjects on current affairs, market shifts, and economic developments.

If you like 2050 Investors, please leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your support will help us spread the word and reach new audiences. If you’re seeking a brief and entertaining overview of market-related topics and their business and societal implications, subscribe now to stay informed!

Previous episodes of 2050 Investors have explored the post-COVID growth cycle, inflation, ESG-influenced financial assets, changes in the workplace and labour market, climate change, artificial intelligence, greenflation, smart cities, mobility, insurance, the macroeconomic impacts of the war in Ukraine, the food industry, hydrogen versus other renewables, the water cycle, the end of abundance, globalization and international trade, plastic pollution, health care, happiness and economic growth, biodiversity collapse, the fashion and retail industry, the energy transition, and more.

Credits
Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editor: Vincent Nickelsen, Linda Isker, Jovaney Ashman. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Marc Valenduc. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cédric Cazaly.

Although the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.