On November 24 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic the Dow Jones Index surpassed 30 000
points for the first time ever. This historic moment exposed the incredible disconnect between
financial markets and society. The stock market's one hundred percent rebound was triggered by
a massive injection of capital by the US Federal Reserve and by fiscal stimulus measures that
reached $16 trillion globally in only a year. It was the taxpayer who came to the aid of the
shareholders. This imbalance between low- and high-income individuals has become unbearable and
calls into question the mechanisms that allow such an abuse of financial power to exist. This
abuse has allowed populism to flourish in a world where humanism should prevail. This book
invites the reader to understand how such a financial drift of capitalism was even possible and
proposes reforms to correct the system. Written by the former Group Executive Vice President
for International & Research at the New York Stock Exchange this volume provides concrete
solutions for democratizing financial markets and reintroducing the morals and ethics that
these markets and its leaders are so sorely lacking. Ugeux argues that the purpose of such
reforms is to reduce the inequalities which are plaguing our democracies. Citizens are losing
hope that equity exists in the system and it has become clear as fundamental liberties like
right voting rights are being threatened - that the problem lies much deeper. Ugeux insists
that a change of perspective and a redefinition of societal goals is essential: social and
solidarity capitalism is possible only if our leaders listen to the expectations of their
citizens. While it is supported by research and facts this book includes elements of opinion
essays with an educational objective. It aims to educate readers who want to better understand
these complex issues without having to be specialists.
