With midsummer weather in full swing, there was hardly a more suitable place for a meeting of the Economic Council than the cool vaulted cellar in the Elisabethenturm, a former watchtower in the city wall of Villingen. Today, the Elisabethenturm is used as a meeting place by several local associations.

Deutsche Bank AG and the Economic Council, Villingen-Schwenningen/Donaueschingen Section, jointly hosted an event to provide information on current and future developments in the capital market. The economic environment is changing rapidly, shaped by geopolitical tensions, changing trade relations, technological upheavals, and increasing competitive pressure. These developments are not only affecting global capital markets, but also raising fundamental questions about the future prospects of Baden-Württemberg as a business location.

After a brief welcome by Ulrich Dietz, spokesman for the section, Walter Schlenker and Otmar Gutmann described the history of Deutsche Bank in southwestern Germany. Dr. Ulrich Stephan, Chief Investment Officer Germany at Deutsche Bank for Private and Corporate Clients, then presented the current developments on the international capital market and also reported on his personal assessment and expectations. Thereafter Dr. Patrick Rapp, State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, and Tourism of the State of Baden-Württemberg, highlighted the resulting opportunities, risks, and challenges for the economy of the state of Baden-Württemberg. In the ensuing discussion, moderated by Ulrich Dietz, participants could discuss their questions in detail with the two experts.

At the end of the event, participants had the opportunity to explore the premises of the Elisabethenturm. The tour was led by Guido Blessing, Deutsche Bank AG and Chairman of the Historisches Grenadiercorps 1810 e.V. Further opportunities for exchanging ideas arose during the subsequent get-together.

Special thanks go to Mr. Gutmann and Deutsche Bank for organizing and sponsoring this event! Many thanks also to the speakers for their valuable insights and to the participants for the lively discussion!