Mercedes Ruehl
@mjruehl.bsky.social
Switzerland and Austria correspondent for @financialtimes.com based in Zurich, via Singapore and Hong Kong. ft.com/mercedes-ruehl
Get in touch: Mercedes.Ruehl@FT.com
Get in touch: Mercedes.Ruehl@FT.com
One of the more unusual referendums I’ve reported on so far in Switzerland : citizens in June will vote on on putting a hard cap of 10mn on their population (it’s already at 9.1mn 😳)
www.ft.com/content/6755... Switzerland to vote on plan to cap population at 10mn
www.ft.com/content/6755... Switzerland to vote on plan to cap population at 10mn
Switzerland to vote on plan to cap population at 10mn
Country has 9.1mn permanent residents and experts fear the move will limit companies’ access to foreign talent
www.ft.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:44 PM
One of the more unusual referendums I’ve reported on so far in Switzerland : citizens in June will vote on on putting a hard cap of 10mn on their population (it’s already at 9.1mn 😳)
www.ft.com/content/6755... Switzerland to vote on plan to cap population at 10mn
www.ft.com/content/6755... Switzerland to vote on plan to cap population at 10mn
From Switzerland, Partners Group built a $185bn business by serving individual investors. Bigger US rivals now have the market in their sights. Can it keep its edge? www.ft.com/content/7b9e...
How private equity’s pioneer in tapping retail money lost its edge
From Switzerland, Partners Group built a $185bn business by serving individual investors. Bigger US rivals have the market in their sights
www.ft.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:04 PM
From Switzerland, Partners Group built a $185bn business by serving individual investors. Bigger US rivals now have the market in their sights. Can it keep its edge? www.ft.com/content/7b9e...
In today's paper: How the celestial calendar met high finance for the upcoming SpaceX IPO www.ft.com/content/0ee3...
SpaceX weighs June IPO timed to planetary alignment and Elon Musk’s birthday
Celestial calendar meets high finance, as billionaire’s personal impulses shape plans to raise $50bn in record listing
www.ft.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:03 PM
In today's paper: How the celestial calendar met high finance for the upcoming SpaceX IPO www.ft.com/content/0ee3...
Reposted by Mercedes Ruehl
Tricky times for the SNB as dollar slump and yen vol sends global capital to last "reliable" FX haven. By @mjruehl.bsky.social + me
www.ft.com/content/4eb0...
www.ft.com/content/4eb0...
January 28, 2026 at 7:22 AM
Tricky times for the SNB as dollar slump and yen vol sends global capital to last "reliable" FX haven. By @mjruehl.bsky.social + me
www.ft.com/content/4eb0...
www.ft.com/content/4eb0...
How to get our kids to read books
“…we risk something even starker than the further decline of a subject: losing generations of young readers and the curiosity, empathy and creativity that reading can inspire”
as.ft.com/r/b25fc9b5-3...
“…we risk something even starker than the further decline of a subject: losing generations of young readers and the curiosity, empathy and creativity that reading can inspire”
as.ft.com/r/b25fc9b5-3...
How to get our kids to read books
[FREE TO READ] Young readers are switching off — it’s time to change the subject
as.ft.com
January 25, 2026 at 6:50 PM
How to get our kids to read books
“…we risk something even starker than the further decline of a subject: losing generations of young readers and the curiosity, empathy and creativity that reading can inspire”
as.ft.com/r/b25fc9b5-3...
“…we risk something even starker than the further decline of a subject: losing generations of young readers and the curiosity, empathy and creativity that reading can inspire”
as.ft.com/r/b25fc9b5-3...
Nigel Farage attended Davos on a pass sponsored by the family office of Iranian billionaire Sasan Ghandehari, which told the WEF that the Reform UK leader had advised the company since 2018. W @ortenca.bsky.social and Anna Gross
as.ft.com/r/9d784a9c-e...
as.ft.com/r/9d784a9c-e...
Nigel Farage attended Davos as adviser to Iranian billionaire
[FREE TO READ] Reform UK leader’s pass and hotel costs for World Economic Forum event were paid for by Sasan Ghandehari
as.ft.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:34 AM
Nigel Farage attended Davos on a pass sponsored by the family office of Iranian billionaire Sasan Ghandehari, which told the WEF that the Reform UK leader had advised the company since 2018. W @ortenca.bsky.social and Anna Gross
as.ft.com/r/9d784a9c-e...
as.ft.com/r/9d784a9c-e...
Reposted by Mercedes Ruehl
Nigel Farage attended Davos on a pass sponsored by the family office of Iranian billionaire Sasan Ghandehari, which told the World Economic Forum that the Reform UK leader had advised the company since 2018. ft.trib.al/V138xDu
January 23, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Nigel Farage attended Davos on a pass sponsored by the family office of Iranian billionaire Sasan Ghandehari, which told the World Economic Forum that the Reform UK leader had advised the company since 2018. ft.trib.al/V138xDu
Reposted by Mercedes Ruehl
“Nobody is in any mood to stage a grand spectacle around an agreement with Trump right now” said one official, adding that Greenland & the Board of Peace had “eclipsed” Ukraine at Davos
w super crew @christopherjm.ft.com @paolatamma.bsky.social @mjruehl.bsky.social
as.ft.com/r/4c0e37ac-6...
w super crew @christopherjm.ft.com @paolatamma.bsky.social @mjruehl.bsky.social
as.ft.com/r/4c0e37ac-6...
Trump row over Greenland derails Ukraine postwar deal
[FREE TO READ] Signature of ‘prosperity plan’ expected at Davos has been postponed amid transatlantic rift
as.ft.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:46 AM
“Nobody is in any mood to stage a grand spectacle around an agreement with Trump right now” said one official, adding that Greenland & the Board of Peace had “eclipsed” Ukraine at Davos
w super crew @christopherjm.ft.com @paolatamma.bsky.social @mjruehl.bsky.social
as.ft.com/r/4c0e37ac-6...
w super crew @christopherjm.ft.com @paolatamma.bsky.social @mjruehl.bsky.social
as.ft.com/r/4c0e37ac-6...
Reposted by Mercedes Ruehl
On this week's ep of Behind the Money, the @financialtimes.com's @mjruehl.bsky.social
joins me to talk #WEF2026 and Davos.
Over the last year the WEF has faced a number of challenges & we talk through it all in this show.
Listen here! 🎧: podfollow.com/behind-the-m...
joins me to talk #WEF2026 and Davos.
Over the last year the WEF has faced a number of challenges & we talk through it all in this show.
Listen here! 🎧: podfollow.com/behind-the-m...
Behind the Money with the Financial Times: Davos’ fight for relevance
Every January a collection of the world’s top business and political leaders head to the Swiss town of Davos for the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. The event is a week of panels and ...
podfollow.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:54 PM
On this week's ep of Behind the Money, the @financialtimes.com's @mjruehl.bsky.social
joins me to talk #WEF2026 and Davos.
Over the last year the WEF has faced a number of challenges & we talk through it all in this show.
Listen here! 🎧: podfollow.com/behind-the-m...
joins me to talk #WEF2026 and Davos.
Over the last year the WEF has faced a number of challenges & we talk through it all in this show.
Listen here! 🎧: podfollow.com/behind-the-m...
Today’s FT big read: Can Switzerland adapt to a harder global order ? There is a perception that the country’s bearings are shifting. Yet Switzerland enters this turbulent period with formidable economic strengths.
as.ft.com/r/17d3bbe3-5... Is Switzerland losing its place in the world?
as.ft.com/r/17d3bbe3-5... Is Switzerland losing its place in the world?
Is Switzerland losing its place in the world?
[FREE TO READ] After a year of tumult, some are warning that a system built on neutrality, consensus and direct democracy is not moving fast enough
as.ft.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Today’s FT big read: Can Switzerland adapt to a harder global order ? There is a perception that the country’s bearings are shifting. Yet Switzerland enters this turbulent period with formidable economic strengths.
as.ft.com/r/17d3bbe3-5... Is Switzerland losing its place in the world?
as.ft.com/r/17d3bbe3-5... Is Switzerland losing its place in the world?
UBS shares have climbed to their highest level in more than 17 years, buoyed by growing investor optimism that Swiss lawmakers will reach a compromise on proposals to impose tougher capital rules on the bank.
as.ft.com/r/4bcf8118-6...
as.ft.com/r/4bcf8118-6...
UBS shares hit 17-year high on hopes of watered down capital reforms
[FREE TO READ] Investor optimism has been fuelled by a compromise proposed by Swiss political parties
as.ft.com
December 12, 2025 at 12:03 PM
UBS shares have climbed to their highest level in more than 17 years, buoyed by growing investor optimism that Swiss lawmakers will reach a compromise on proposals to impose tougher capital rules on the bank.
as.ft.com/r/4bcf8118-6...
as.ft.com/r/4bcf8118-6...
Swiss prosecutors have filed charges against Credit Suisse and its owner UBS over alleged organisational “deficiencies” linked to a roughly $7mn payment at the centre of the Mozambique $2bn “tuna bonds” scandal.
on.ft.com/4osWdcP
on.ft.com/4osWdcP
Swiss prosecutors file charges against Credit Suisse and UBS
[FREE TO READ] Prosecutors alleged organisational ‘deficiencies’ relating to Mozambique ‘tuna bonds’ scandal
on.ft.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Swiss prosecutors have filed charges against Credit Suisse and its owner UBS over alleged organisational “deficiencies” linked to a roughly $7mn payment at the centre of the Mozambique $2bn “tuna bonds” scandal.
on.ft.com/4osWdcP
on.ft.com/4osWdcP
UBS will appeal a Swiss court decision that found a writedown of nearly SFr16.5bn in Credit Suisse bonds lacked a sufficient legal basis. on.ft.com/4qDcYV6
UBS to appeal court decision on Credit Suisse bond wipeout
[FREE TO READ] Swiss bank says it has progressed in integrating Credit Suisse and achieved $10bn in cumulative cost savings
on.ft.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:44 AM
UBS will appeal a Swiss court decision that found a writedown of nearly SFr16.5bn in Credit Suisse bonds lacked a sufficient legal basis. on.ft.com/4qDcYV6
Does the world still need Davos? www.ft.com/content/8f7d...
The Davos set in decline: can the World Economic Forum save itself?
Battered by scandal, the Swiss organisation behind the annual summit faces a moment of crisis. Insiders say its future may depend on the success of next year’s meeting
www.ft.com
October 9, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Does the world still need Davos? www.ft.com/content/8f7d...
on.ft.com/4g7GjSv Denials and defiance: Nestlé chief’s exit over relationship prompts investor unrest
Denials and defiance: Nestlé chief’s exit over relationship prompts investor unrest
[FREE TO READ] Shareholders turn on board over handling of CEO dismissal after chair Bulcke failed to heed earlier advice to fire Freixe
on.ft.com
September 3, 2025 at 12:52 PM
on.ft.com/4g7GjSv Denials and defiance: Nestlé chief’s exit over relationship prompts investor unrest
Celebrating democracy in Switzerland with wurst and a show of hands
on.ft.com/3JkWlfn Switzerland celebrates hands-on democracy (with sausages)
on.ft.com/3JkWlfn Switzerland celebrates hands-on democracy (with sausages)
Switzerland celebrates hands-on democracy (with sausages)
It has survived centuries but even this voting tradition is not immune to populist forces
on.ft.com
August 7, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Celebrating democracy in Switzerland with wurst and a show of hands
on.ft.com/3JkWlfn Switzerland celebrates hands-on democracy (with sausages)
on.ft.com/3JkWlfn Switzerland celebrates hands-on democracy (with sausages)
on.ft.com/45ftksS Switzerland in ‘shock’ at 39% US tariff blow
Switzerland in ‘shock’ at 39% US tariff blow
[FREE TO READ] New duty level on Swiss goods one of highest in the world and exceeds 31% rate outlined by Donald Trump in April
on.ft.com
August 1, 2025 at 9:43 AM
on.ft.com/45ftksS Switzerland in ‘shock’ at 39% US tariff blow
Reposted by Mercedes Ruehl
I will develop a plan to bring disciplined newsletter governance, proper capital allocation, strategic foresight and operational excellence to Money Stuff. www.bloomberg.com/opinion/news...
UBS FX Trades Were Too Good
Also Sinovac, Daily Journal and an insurance correlation trade.
www.bloomberg.com
July 29, 2025 at 6:14 PM
I will develop a plan to bring disciplined newsletter governance, proper capital allocation, strategic foresight and operational excellence to Money Stuff. www.bloomberg.com/opinion/news...
Be interesting to see if any heads will roll at UBS over this
on.ft.com/4mhC9t4 UBS orders bankers to scale back sale of complex currency products
on.ft.com/4mhC9t4 UBS orders bankers to scale back sale of complex currency products
UBS orders bankers to scale back sale of complex currency products
[FREE TO READ] Swiss bank tells advisers to stop pitching foreign exchange derivatives to many clients after losses
on.ft.com
July 29, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Be interesting to see if any heads will roll at UBS over this
on.ft.com/4mhC9t4 UBS orders bankers to scale back sale of complex currency products
on.ft.com/4mhC9t4 UBS orders bankers to scale back sale of complex currency products
Scoop: After the US pullback, China is making a concerted effort to expand its influence throughout the UN. Story here with @henryjfoy.ft.com @lauramdubois.ft.com and Joe Leahy here:
www.ft.com/content/e289...
www.ft.com/content/e289...
Trump left a power vacuum at the UN. China saw an opportunity
Beijing makes concerted effort to place officials and push its agenda in Geneva, say western diplomats
www.ft.com
July 22, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Scoop: After the US pullback, China is making a concerted effort to expand its influence throughout the UN. Story here with @henryjfoy.ft.com @lauramdubois.ft.com and Joe Leahy here:
www.ft.com/content/e289...
www.ft.com/content/e289...
Reposted by Mercedes Ruehl
The Swiss solution looming into sight for UBS - smart column here from @mjruehl.bsky.social Switzerland’s pragmatic, slow-moving political system might benefit the bank in seeking compromise in debate over capital rules www.ft.com/content/702f...
The Swiss solution looming into sight for UBS
Switzerland’s pragmatic, slow-moving political system might benefit the bank in seeking compromise in debate over capital rules
www.ft.com
July 10, 2025 at 6:14 AM
The Swiss solution looming into sight for UBS - smart column here from @mjruehl.bsky.social Switzerland’s pragmatic, slow-moving political system might benefit the bank in seeking compromise in debate over capital rules www.ft.com/content/702f...
Reposted by Mercedes Ruehl
BCG earned more than $1mn for Gaza aid barge project https://on.ft.com/45097Zd
BCG earned more than $1mn for Gaza aid barge project
Work with private US group Fogbow overlapped with start of separate effort to help Gaza Humanitarian Foundation
on.ft.com
July 13, 2025 at 5:10 AM
BCG earned more than $1mn for Gaza aid barge project https://on.ft.com/45097Zd
Reposted by Mercedes Ruehl
#Trade: #Switzerland stirs #Brexit ghosts in push for #EU access, by @mjruehl.bsky.social and @andybounds.bsky.social | Financial Times
Switzerland stirs Brexit ghosts in push for EU access
Referendum looms on single market deal that includes concessions on money, migration and judicial power
www.ft.com
July 1, 2025 at 1:26 PM
#Trade: #Switzerland stirs #Brexit ghosts in push for #EU access, by @mjruehl.bsky.social and @andybounds.bsky.social | Financial Times
Reposted by Mercedes Ruehl
From a very good piece by @andybounds.bsky.social and @mjruehl.bsky.social in today's FT on the EU-Swiss deal and the difficult road ahead:
www.ft.com/content/3200...
www.ft.com/content/3200...
Switzerland stirs Brexit ghosts in push for EU access
Referendum looms on single market deal that includes concessions on money, migration and judicial power
www.ft.com
July 1, 2025 at 5:08 PM
From a very good piece by @andybounds.bsky.social and @mjruehl.bsky.social in today's FT on the EU-Swiss deal and the difficult road ahead:
www.ft.com/content/3200...
www.ft.com/content/3200...
Bankers and lawyers warn of a UK-style exodus ahead of an extreme proposed inheritance tax in Switzerland: this weekend’s FT front page
June 21, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Bankers and lawyers warn of a UK-style exodus ahead of an extreme proposed inheritance tax in Switzerland: this weekend’s FT front page