European luxury sector's outlook for 2024

15-01-24

European luxury sector stocks had a negative start to the new year. Bank of America recently provided insights into the sector's outlook for 2024. Analysts emphasise the significance of Chinese consumer behaviour but also raise concerns about challenges faced by 'turnaround' brands.

The start of 2024 has been challenging for the European luxury sector, with 18 out of 20 largest luxury stocks recording a year-to-date decline by 12 January 12. Notably, only Danish jewellery manufacturer Pandora A/S and footwear brand CCC S.A. have managed to maintain a positive trajectory in these early stages of the year.

In the second semester of 2023, LVMH has surrendered its position as Europe's largest company, as its market capitalisation dropped to €335 billion, putting it €100 billion behind the Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk.

This shift has also impacted LVMH's Chairman and founder, Bernard Arnault, who, with a net worth of $181 billion, is no longer the world's richest person, now second to Elon Musk's $236 billion, according to Forbes.

In the midst of what seems to be a post-COVID industry-wide deceleration, Bank of America analysts Ashley Wallace, Daria Nasledysheva, and Geoffroy de Mendez recently offered an all-encompassing perspective on the European luxury sector.