The Week: The China problem
China’s economic weakness has spooked markets, but is its weakness likely to be short or long term?
Adviser-Hub 19th May 2022
This US tightening cycle is different and market participants don’t get it
Strategist Russell Silberston discusses how the market is underestimating how far interest rates will rise, meaning bond yields have much further to rise (and bond prices to fall) than hitherto
Ninety One 13th May 2022
Small but powerful: why disruption isn’t just for tech giants
As the Baillie Gifford International Smaller Companies Fund marks its third anniversary, its managers explain how the Fund’s ‘radar research framework’ picks up the signals of small caps that can deli...
Baillie Gifford 6th May 2022
Market view: The outlook for value investing
Value stocks and sectors have rallied sharply over recent times, driven by shifting expectations for inflation and monetary policy. Fidelity’s value-focused portfolio managers discuss what lies ahead...
Fidelity International 6th May 2022
Global update: Inflation triggers concerns over growth
Investor sentiment was undermined during April by concerns over inflation, fears relating to the war in Ukraine, and worries about the wider economic impact of Covid outbreaks in China.
Adviser-Hub 5th May 2022
UK market review: “Clear and present danger”
As prices continued their relentless rise, the IMF warned: “inflation has become a clear and present danger for many countries”. Consumer price inflation in the UK accelerated from 6.2% year on year i...
The Week: Might the war in Ukraine change the direction of interest rates?
Interest rates are slated to rise several times in 2022. Does the Ukrainian crisis shift the thinking from central bankers?
Adviser-Hub 16th Mar 2022
Global update: A volatile start to 2022
Leading equity markets generally fell during January amid concerns over the prospect of higher interest rates in the US, the impact of the Omicron variant, and mounting tensions between Russia and Ukr...
Adviser-Hub 10th Feb 2022
The history of Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust
The US trips of trust founder and Victorian City giant Robert Fleming set the pattern of pioneering research that characterises today’s EWIT, as John Newlands explains
Baillie Gifford 3rd Feb 2022
President Biden: one year down
Fabiana Fedeli, Chief Investment Officer of M&G’s Equities and Multi Asset division, takes a closer look at US equities at the one-year mark of Joe Biden’s presidency.
M&G Investments 28th Jan 2022
Market View: Hunting for “10 baggers” – how the UK beat the US
It may come as a surprise that the UK has a greater share of stocks which have delivered tenfold returns or more in the past decade. Schroders Research Analyst James Goodman explains.
Schroders 27th Jan 2022
Global update: Higher interest rates on the horizon
Despite the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, major equity markets around the world ended 2021 in positive territory, boosted by mounting hopes that the variant would prove less serious than...
Adviser-Hub 13th Jan 2022
The Week: Inflation: not so transitory after all
Inflationary pressures are real and are looking increasingly persistent rather than transitory. Investors need to be wary of the assumption that all equities can weather an inflation storm.
Adviser-Hub 16th Dec 2021
US may set the tone for 2022, but solutions set the pace
Rhys Petheram, Head of Environmental solutions and Jon Wallace, Fund Manager, Environmental Solutions explain why the outlook for environmental investing is dependent on the US, and uncover six key th...
Jupiter Asset Management 6th Dec 2021
The Week: High yield bonds: another fixed income trouble spot?
It’s been a tough month for junk bonds - does this close off another avenue for fixed income investors?
Adviser-Hub 1st Dec 2021
Three reasons why markets may slide
Having looked at the bull case for stock markets, it is worth examining the bear case. There are structural forces conspiring against equities today, from slowing growth, to high valuations to rising...
Adviser-Hub 15th Nov 2021
The Week: A year on from vaccine liberation
The announcement of a successful vaccine in November 2020 prompted a significant rally in markets, but navigating markets in 2021 has been far more complex than just buying the recovery.
Adviser-Hub 11th Nov 2021
Global market review: Higher inflation for longer
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that the world is facing inflationary pressures that will be “higher and longer than expected”.
Adviser-Hub 3rd Nov 2021
Stagflation: do you need to worry?
The murmurs about stagflation are becoming increasingly insistent. The unwelcome trio of high inflation, weak growth and high unemployment would be a tough environment for investors.
Adviser-Hub 14th Oct 2021
Global update: Gathering clouds
Investor sentiment during September was a hostage to concerns over faltering economic growth, rising inflation, surging energy prices, and an increasingly hawkish tone from central banks, compounded b...
Adviser-Hub 11th Oct 2021
The Week: Will tapering bring the stock market party to an end?
Markets continue to ride a wave of easy money: could the Federal Reserve bring that to an abrupt halt?
Adviser-Hub 2nd Sep 2021
Global update: The beginning of the end
The US Federal Reserve may start to reduce its stimulus measures sooner than expected.
The Week: What does a normalising recovery mean for investors?
As economic recovery starts to slow into a more normal pattern, is it bad news for over-inflated markets?
Adviser-Hub 26th Aug 2021
Global update: Investors rattled by Delta spread
Mounting inflationary pressures and the continued spread of the Delta coronavirus variant raised fresh questions over the outlook for economic recovery.
Adviser-Hub 6th Aug 2021
Global update: Growth and inflation are on the rise
Prospects for inflation and interest rates continued to garner headlines during June.
Adviser-Hub 15th Jul 2021
UK market review: UK inflation breaches 2% target
Against a backdrop of intensifying pressures, both at home and in the US, UK investors continued to focus on the outlook for inflation during June.
The Week: Is the recovery running out of steam?
Until the last few weeks, the global recovery had surprised with its strength. However, recently the signals – on jobs, on retail sales, on inflation – have been more mixed.
Adviser-Hub 17th Jun 2021
Global bond market review: Where next for monetary policy?
During May, ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos warned that recent increases in US bond yields had revived concerns over the potential for shifts in financial conditions, which could affect indebted co...
Adviser-Hub 14th Jun 2021
Emerging markets review: Covid hampers emerging Asia’s recovery
Although China’s strong economy recovery is helping to support developing economies across Asia, lockdown-related restrictions are reducing domestic demand in many economies.
The Week: Why is the gold price rising?
Inflation? Cryptos? Interest rates? What explains the recent strength of gold?
Adviser-Hub 9th Jun 2021
Global update: Markets gripped by inflation fears
Although global equity markets generally ended May in positive territory, investor sentiment during the month was affected by growing concerns that mounting inflationary pressures could lead to higher...
The Week: Is the US heading for disaster?
For US treasury secretary Larry Summers believes that the Fed is ignoring the risks of inflation and could be sowing the seeds of financial instability.
Adviser-Hub 19th May 2021
US$6 trillion spending plans show Joe is far from "Sleepy"
Biden is in a hurry, pledging US$6 trillion for Covid recovery, infrastructure rebuilds, and the green economy. But will he succeed?
Adviser-Hub 13th May 2021
The Week: Europe: the advantage of low expectations
Europe’s economic data may be weak, but its corporate sector is showing a buoyant recovery – and expectations are far lower than for the buoyant US.
Adviser-Hub 12th May 2021
Global update: Optimism drives share prices in April
Global equity markets generally rose during April, buoyed by encouraging economic data from the US. The IMF upgraded its forecasts for global growth from 5.5% to 6% in 2021 and from 4.2% to 4.4% in 20...
Adviser-Hub 5th May 2021
The Week: Biden tops the charts for stock market performance
Unlike his predecessor, President Biden has been quiet on stock market performance in his first 100 days. While it may be tempting to boast, he is right to be cautious.
The Week: Why have US earnings failed to impress?
US earnings season has been a blast. Companies have been smashing it out of the park on profitability and growth as they put the pandemic behind them.
Adviser-Hub 29th Apr 2021
Will this be the decade for Hydrogen?
2021 has begun on a positive trajectory and has continued today with President Biden’s Earth Day summit.
M&G Investments 23rd Apr 2021
Global bond market review: Growth hopes drive up yields
Global bond yields continued to rise throughout March as expectations for economic growth and inflation were bolstered by the global Covid-19 vaccination rollout and the passing of US President Joe Bi...
Adviser-Hub 20th Apr 2021
Global update: “Light at the end of the tunnel”?
The global economic outlook has improved, according to the OECD, which upgraded its growth forecasts, as vaccine rollouts gain momentum and governments – particularly the US – provide stimulus support...
Adviser-Hub 6th Apr 2021
Global bond market review: Global bond sell-off in February
Global bond yields surged during February as hopes over economic recovery and speculation over rising inflationary pressures prompted investors to sell off global bonds.
Adviser-Hub 22nd Mar 2021
The Week: The fixed income reckoning
The year has started badly for fixed income, but ultimately, it may bring greater opportunity as yields rise.
Adviser-Hub 10th Mar 2021
The Week: Will listings shake-up draw businesses to the UK?
The Hill Review recommends changes to the UK listing rules. It may help shake off the fuddy-duddy reputation of UK markets.
Adviser-Hub 3rd Mar 2021
The Week: All change for fixed income
It’s starting to get nasty in fixed income markets, with yield rising and prices tumbling. Is this the moment the ‘lower for longer’ trade finally comes to an end?
Adviser-Hub 24th Feb 2021
Why this may be Asia’s century…and why it might not
The world is used to dancing to the US’s beat. The US has been economically, culturally and militarily dominant for much of the last sixty years. However, recent events have weakened its hand.
Adviser-Hub 19th Feb 2021
Global bond market review: Bond yields lifted by hopes of US stimulus spending
Global bond yields rose during January as the news that the Democratic party had gained control of the US Senate stoked hopes of higher stimulus spending and a consequent boost to inflation.
Adviser-Hub 16th Feb 2021
Inflation – are you scared?
Inflation has gone from bogeyman to benign, but could that be about to change as economies revive?
Adviser-Hub 10th Feb 2021
Global update: “Unintended consequences”
Financial markets are becoming increasingly vulnerable to a sharp correction that would, in turn, jeopardise stability, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Adviser-Hub 2nd Feb 2021
The Week: A new broom at the White House
Joe Biden takes on a raft of seemingly intractable problems when he takes office this week, but the buoyant US stock market hasn’t been one of them.
Adviser-Hub 20th Jan 2021
Global update: Shares advance on vaccine optimism
After a tumultuous year in which the coronavirus pandemic gripped the world, many major stock markets ended 2020 in positive territory.
Adviser-Hub 5th Jan 2021
Emerging markets review: Investors welcome a Biden presidency
Share prices in China rose following the news of Joe Biden’s victory in the US Presidential election.
Adviser-Hub 15th Dec 2020
Global update: A November to remember
It was a November for investors to remember as a widespread focus on the perceived safe havens of gold and government bonds was replaced by renewed interest in equities.
Adviser-Hub 8th Dec 2020
Global update: The “second wave” breaks
Share prices fell heavily around the world during October as Covid-19 infection rates continued to rise.
Adviser-Hub 2nd Nov 2020
Ninety One | US Election: 91 seconds with…
Paul Vincent, Portfolio Manager on the Ninety One American Franchise Fund, explains his Quality approach to navigating volatile equity markets in the run up to the election.
Ninety One 29th Oct 2020
Global update: Rising infection levels knock sentiment
Share prices generally fell during September amid concerns over rising infection levels and their potential impact on economic activity. Investors’ worries were compounded by doubts over Brexit negoti...
Adviser-Hub 14th Oct 2020
The Week: Tough times for Uncle Sam
The upcoming election has showed US democracy in an unflattering light: there are tough times ahead for the land of stars and stripes.
Adviser-Hub 1st Oct 2020
Five consequences of ‘lower for longer’ interest rates
As the damage to the global economy from Covid-19 becomes clear, few central bankers would contemplate raising rates.
Adviser-Hub 28th Sep 2020
The Week: Is there hope for friendless emerging markets?
With a low Dollar, low valuations and recovering economies, these should be buoyant times for emerging markets, but buyers are thin on the ground.
Adviser-Hub 10th Sep 2020
The Week: Global dividends: a port in a storm?
Have global dividends been hit as hard as UK dividends? The Janus Henderson Global Dividend index shows some markets are yet to see an impact.
Adviser-Hub 26th Aug 2020
The Week: A last hurrah for growth stocks
The value of Apple hit $2trillion this week after a significant rise in its share price over the last three months.
Adviser-Hub 20th Aug 2020
Global update: The other “R” number … Recession
Early in July, investors were buoyed by news of progress in the development of coronavirus vaccines. However, as the month continued, optimism was tempered by a surge in infection rates in countries i...
Adviser-Hub 11th Aug 2020
Emerging markets review: Bleak outlook for Brazil
During June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that the coronavirus pandemic had entered “a new and dangerous phase” as cases continued to surge in Brazil and the US.
Adviser-Hub 5th Aug 2020
The Week: Will Covid-19 end US market dominance?
US markets have outperformed for a decade, but can this continue in the face of a woeful Covid-19 response and political uncertainty?
Global update: Fears over a possible ‘second wave’
June proved to be a choppy month for investors as hopes of economic recovery were tempered by fears of a second wave of infection as instances of COVID-19 surged in parts of the US.
Adviser-Hub 6th Jul 2020
Global bond market review: Corporate defaults on the rise
US Treasury bond yields rose during May: government spending continued to rise and central bank policy showed signs of shifting as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasised that the Fed would tak...
Adviser-Hub 10th Jun 2020
The Week: Have markets moved too far, too fast?
Markets have seen one of the quickest rebounds in history, to the extent that investors are starting to wonder whether they might have gone too far.
Adviser-Hub 3rd Jun 2020
Global bond market review: A bleak outlook
Although equity markets recovered to some extent during April, investors’ appetite for risk remained weak. Bond yields picked up towards the beginning of the month amid cautious optimism.
Adviser-Hub 19th May 2020
Fidelity International | Market Perspectives: Asia and Emerging Asia
Fidelity Asia Fund manager Teera Chanpongsang talks us through how Asian businesses have adapted to the pandemic, the potential for increased US-China trade tensions and his latest portfolio positioni...
Fidelity International 12th May 2020
Global update: March meltdown
The extended bull run came to an abrupt end in March as the coronavirus continued to spread into Europe and America, and a collapse in confidence pushed share indices into bear-market territory.
Adviser-Hub 20th Apr 2020
The Week: Are we going bust?
Government bailouts look set to explode already stretched deficits. While necessary in the short-term, what may be the longer-term consequences?
Adviser-Hub 2nd Apr 2020
The Week: What does it cost to support markets? $2 trillion
The US emergency fiscal stimulus package has finally passed and markets are grateful, but could it create long-term problems?
Adviser-Hub 26th Mar 2020
The Week: Bye-bye the ‘V’ shaped recovery; hello the ‘L’ shape
A V-shaped recovery now looks vanishingly unlikely, but could any good come of the financial market meltdown?
Adviser-Hub 19th Mar 2020
Fed cuts rates to near-zero
In an unprecedented move, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) announced its second consecutive emergency rate cut as central banks around the world launched co-ordinated action to support the global economy.
Adviser-Hub 16th Mar 2020
The Week: What markets really, really want...
Markets have their fiscal and monetary stimulus, but still they’re not happy. What would it take to improve market sentiment?
Adviser-Hub 12th Mar 2020
The Week: Federal Reserve: not enough or too much?
The Federal Reserve surprised markets by announcing a 50bps interest rate cut in an attempt to calm market nerves. The move hit a bum note, prompting a further sell-off in the equity market.
Adviser-Hub 5th Mar 2020
Global bond market review: Bond yields hit record lows
Global bond yields extended their January declines into February as investors became increasingly worried about the potential economic impact and human cost of the coronavirus.
Asia Japan market review: Double-digit falls in Japan
Asian markets came under pressure during February as coronavirus continued to tighten its grip. By the end of February, South Korea was second only to China in terms of diagnosed cases of coronavirus,...
Adviser-Hub 4th Mar 2020
Global bond market review: Seeking safe havens
Global bond yields declined during January as investors sought safe havens against a backdrop of rising worry over the Coronavirus.
Adviser-Hub 13th Feb 2020
Europe market review: ECB launches review of its monetary policy strategy
The eurozone’s economy expanded by only 0.1% during the fourth quarter of 2019.
Adviser-Hub 12th Feb 2020
UK bond market review: Flight to safety
Gilt yields fell during January as investors sought the perceived safety of government bonds
M&G Investments: The race is on: US Presidential election 2020
M&G's Investment Director, Ritu Vohora looks at what the wide range of potential policy outcomes could mean for investors.
M&G Investments 10th Feb 2020
Global update: Coronavirus hits investor sentiment
Investor sentiment was initially buoyed in January as the US and China signed their interim trade deal, driving US share indices to new all-time highs.
Adviser-Hub 4th Feb 2020
The Week: Is China’s growth assured?
This week saw the widely-awaited trade deal struck between the US and China.
Adviser-Hub 23rd Jan 2020
Global bond market review: Investors eye riskier assets in December
A mood of tentative optimism blunted the attractions of government bonds during December.
Adviser-Hub 15th Jan 2020
Emerging markets review: US and China agree “Phase One” trade deal
Investor sentiment was lifted during December by the news that the US and China had reached a preliminary “Phase One” trade agreement in its long-running trade war.
The Week: The rise and rise of indexation
As index funds smash records, their influence on pricing in global stock markets is increasing. Can active managers put up a credible defense?
Adviser-Hub 8th Jan 2020
US market review: No resolution to the trade conflict
US share prices were boosted during November by hopes that the US and China might find a resolution to their protracted trade conflict.
Adviser-Hub 20th Dec 2019
Europe market review: Germany avoids recession
The eurozone’s economy almost stalled during November, according to IHS Markit, which reported the lowest level of activity for two months.
Global update: Brexit takes a back seat
Although politics continued to dominate newsflow and sentiment in the UK during November, Brexit was superseded by the General Election as the focal point.
Adviser-Hub 10th Dec 2019
Is this the answer to the US/China trade war?
In context of the US/China trade war, agriculture could well be the area that prompts both countries to come to an agreement, according to Robin Wehbé, portfolio manager at Mellon, part of BNY Mellon...
BNY Mellon Investment Management 28th Nov 2019
Bright sparks in autos and tech shine through clouds of US/China trade tensions
A choppy earnings season and ongoing concerns over political risk have cast a pall over the tech sector in recent months.
BNY Mellon Investment Management 13th Nov 2019
Global bond market review: Fed cuts rates once again
Following a raft of interest-rate cuts in the third quarter of 2019, the loosening monetary trend continued into the fourth quarter as central banks reduced their key rates.
Adviser-Hub 7th Nov 2019
Emerging markets review: China’s slowdown continues
The pace of economic growth in China continued to slow during the third quarter, dampened by the ongoing trade conflict with the US.
Three US infrastructure stories for the future
Global infrastructure manager Jim Lydotes outlines three US holdings that are more than they seem based on their sector classification.
BNY Mellon Investment Management 6th Nov 2019
Global update: Election fever
October saw the UK plunge into election fever as progress on Brexit once again ground to a halt.
Adviser-Hub 6th Nov 2019
Europe market review: ECB restarts QE
During September, the European Central Bank (ECB) announced another programme of economic stimulus measures designed to shore up the eurozone’s faltering economy.
Adviser-Hub 15th Oct 2019
The Week: As trade talks resume, how optimistic should we be about the prospects for a deal?
As trade talks resume, how optimistic should we be about the prospects for a deal?
Adviser-Hub 9th Oct 2019
Global update: What next for Brexit?
The long-running Brexit saga took a new twist in September as the clock continued to tick towards its Hallowe’en deadline.
Adviser-Hub 3rd Oct 2019
The Week: Does manufacturing matter?
As US manufacturing slides, how important is it for global economic growth? And would trade talks resolve the problem?
Adviser-Hub 2nd Oct 2019
The Week: Is stockpicking enough in a populist era?
Fund managers are fond of emphasising that they focus on stockpicking rather than troubling themselves with the broader macroeconomic landscape.
Adviser-Hub 25th Sep 2019
Global update: Parliament’s suspension creates controversy
The prospect of a no-deal Brexit crept closer during August as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that Parliament would be suspended.
Adviser-Hub 4th Sep 2019
The Week: Global dividend growth slips as corporate profits dip
The deceleration in the global economy is making an impact on global dividends, finds the latest Henderson Global Dividend Index.
Adviser-Hub 22nd Aug 2019
UK equity market review: Sterling falls on no-deal speculation
Sterling fell sharply against the US dollar and euro during July as the prospect of a no-deal Brexit began to appear increasingly possible.
Adviser-Hub 19th Aug 2019
Global bond market review: Central banks around the world cut rates
Investors saw a raft of interest-rate cuts during July, as central banks sought to address slowing economic growth and subdued inflationary pressures.
Emerging market review: China’s slowdown continues
China’s economy continued its slowdown during the second quarter of 2019, expanding at an annualised rate of 6.2%. The country’s economy grew by 6.4% during the first quarter.
US market review: Fed cuts rates for the first time since 2008
US equity markets reached new closing highs during July, and the S&P 500 Index breached 3,000 points for the first time ever.
The Week: Yield Curve
The US yield curve has finally inverted. It’s spooked equity markets, but does it necessarily mean recession is imminent?
Adviser-Hub 15th Aug 2019
Currency wars: tweetstorm in a cup?
The Fed delivered its much anticipated interest rate cut at the end of July. In this month’s video, Investment Director, Ritu Vohora looks at the implications for the US dollar. Could the US Treasury...
M&G Investments 14th Aug 2019
The Week: A new world order threatens capitalism
After significant falls this week, have markets recognised that China/US trade wars are part of a deeper problem?
Adviser-Hub 8th Aug 2019
The Week: The Fed has bitten the bullet on interest rates
The Federal Reserve has bitten the bullet on interest rates, but will the 25bps rise make any difference to the global economy?
Adviser-Hub 1st Aug 2019
The Week: China GDP: time to panic?
There was much hand-wringing this week as China announced the slowest growth in almost 30 years. Should investors be worried?
Adviser-Hub 18th Jul 2019
Asian Japan markets review: Trade tensions hit growth in Asia
Economic growth picked up in Japan during the first quarter of 2019, despite the continuing trade tensions between the US and China.
Adviser-Hub 10th Jul 2019
Emerging markets review: Trade negotiations reopen
The trade relationship between China and the US continued to dominate investor sentiment during June.
Global bond market review: Central banks start to ease
Bond yields continued their decline into June: prices rose as several central banks loosened their monetary policy stance.
UK bond market review: Gradual tightening strategy remains intact
UK government bond yields fell over the first six months of 2019, boosted by rising demand for gilts driven by political uncertainty.
Global update: Brexit: no further forward
The third anniversary of the Brexit referendum came and went in June, and still the issue of Brexit remained up in the air.
Adviser-Hub 4th Jul 2019
The Week: Monetary easing resumes: will markets be impressed?
It is deja vu all over again. This week, central banks have hinted at further rate cuts, but is monetary easing losing its potency?
Adviser-Hub 27th Jun 2019
Emerging markets review: Trade wars bite
Although the US and China had been widely expected to agree a trade deal, US President Donald Trump instead confounded hopes.
Adviser-Hub 12th Jun 2019
Global bond market review: Trade conflicts driven down yields
Bond yields fell during May as the trade conflict between the US and China took an unexpected turn.
UK bond market review: Brexit worries fuel demand for gilts
Amid rising speculation over the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit, gilt prices surged and yields plummeted in May as investors scrambled for investments perceived to be safe havens.
All eyes on trade
In this month’s video, Investment Director, Ritu Vohora looks at the escalating trade war between the US and China, with tensions reducing risk appetite and intensifying fears of a global economic slo...
M&G Investments 10th Jun 2019
America’s China Challenge – Read the Latest Issue of Baillie Gifford’s Enlightenment magazine
US companies are under pressure from Chinese rivals looking to dominate their home market and satisfy global ambitions. Read about this and more in the latest issue of Enlightenment, the funds magazin...
Baillie Gifford 7th Jun 2019
Global update: US/China trade war escalates
Prime Minister Theresa May finally announced that she was resigning as leader of the Conservative Party on 7 June. Her decision triggered a leadership contest alongside rising concerns over the possib...
Adviser-Hub 4th Jun 2019
The Week: Can the US retain its innovation crown?
The long-term outperformance of the US stock market has many possible explanations.
Adviser-Hub 16th May 2019
Global bond market review: Europe weakens
Demand for government bonds generally rose during April against a backdrop of intensifying concerns over the global economic outlook.
Adviser-Hub 14th May 2019
The Week: Wobbly markets
Markets have been wobbly this week as the China/US truce appeared to be in jeopardy.
Adviser-Hub 9th May 2019
US market review: Bull market celebrates its tenth birthday
The US bull market became the longest bull market in the history of the S&P 500 Index during March, celebrating its ten-year anniversary on 9 March.
Adviser-Hub 17th Apr 2019
UK bond market review: Brexit uncertainties are unresolved
Following Parliament’s rejection of a no-deal Brexit, sterling surged against the US dollar to its highest level since June 2018 and against the euro to its highest level since April 2017.
Global bond market review: European slowdown drives demand for bonds
Fears of an economic slowdown in Europe rattled investors during March, and European government bond yields fell as investors sought perceived safe havens.
Emerging markets review: China cuts economic forecast
China’s leaders cut their economic growth forecast for 2019 to 6% to 6.5%, compared with last year’s target of around 6.5%.
The Week: Why do we still group funds by geography?
In a globalised age, why do we persist in grouping funds by geography?
Adviser-Hub 11th Apr 2019
Global update: Brexit postponed…
“Brexit Day” – 29 March – came and went, but the UK remained in the EU. The UK was forced to seek an extension to the Article 50 process as Prime Minister Theresa May failed to get her Brexit deal thr...
Adviser-Hub 9th Apr 2019
The Week: Active vs Passive
A new report from BMO Global Asset Management has issued a major challenge to the assumption that passive funds always outperform the average active manager.
Adviser-Hub 28th Mar 2019
The Week: ‘Feemageddon’ warning for asset managers
Today’s headlines warned of a ‘feemageddon’ for asset managers, as a new report showed fees on US equity funds fell to a new record low last year.
Adviser-Hub 21st Mar 2019
M&G Investments | Earnings season – some welcome surprises?
Ritu Vohora, Investment Director, offers some key takeaways following the latest round of quarterly earnings announcements. Results were better than feared, with actual reported earnings surprisingly...
M&G Investments 11th Mar 2019
Emerging markets review: End of trade dispute within sight?
Despite signs of an ongoing economic slowdown in China, share prices performed strongly during February. The US announced that it would postpone its planned tariff increases on Chinese exports.
Adviser-Hub 6th Mar 2019
US market review: A temporary end to the shutdown
Following its worst December since 1931, the S&P 500 Index experienced its best January since 1987. Investors appeared to shrug off the implications of a protracted partial shutdown of the federal gov...
Adviser-Hub 25th Feb 2019
The Week: Markets rebound; but why?
Markets re-found their footing this week with European stock markets hitting a three month high.
Adviser-Hub 14th Feb 2019
Global update: Brexit: more talk, no action?
Having dominated financial markets in 2018, political issues intensified into 2019 in the UK and the US. The UK inched closer towards the Brexit deadline without any sign of a resolution.
Adviser-Hub 5th Feb 2019
Global update: 2018: worst year since 2008 for equity markets
2018 proved to be the worst year for global markets since 2008. The MSCI World Index fell by 10.4% over the year as a whole, dragged down by widespread economic and political concerns. Markets seesawe...
Adviser-Hub 7th Jan 2019
“A mood of angst”
As expected, the Federal Reserve (Fed) rounded off 2018 with its fourth interest-rate increase of the year, and its ninth since 2015. Fed policymakers raised the key federal funds rate by 25 basis poi...
Adviser-Hub 21st Dec 2018
The Week: Reasons to be cheerful 2019
2018 hasn’t been a classic year in markets, here are a number of reasons why investors can look forward to 2019 with more enthusiasm.
Adviser-Hub 20th Dec 2018
The Yield Curve: Economic Outlook for 2019
The yield curve gap has been a powerful and accurate predictor of recessions over the last 40 years. This month, we examine the recent movements in the yield curve and the implications of the shape of...
Adviser-Hub 19th Dec 2018
Fidelity International | Hold on to your hat
Politics and economics are so often closely tied together, and Bill McQuaker, Portfolio Manager of the Fidelity Multi Asset Open range, believes that 2019 will be no different. Hear how policy makers...
Fidelity International 19th Dec 2018
Asian Japan markets review: Japan faces economic headwinds in 2019
Japan’s economy contracted at an annualised rate of 2.5% during the third quarter of 2018, compared with an earlier calculation of -1.2%. Activity was curtailed during the year by a series of natural...
Adviser-Hub 18th Dec 2018
Emerging markets review: Emerging markets underperform over 2018
Emerging markets performed better than broader world markets during December, but underperformed global markets over 2018. Following a protracted war over trade tariffs, China and the US finally agree...
US market review: Partial shutdown for the US government
Although US equity markets hit record highs during 2018, they ended the year in negative territory, pulled down by concerns over trade tensions, rising interest rates, a partial shutdown of the federa...
Adviser-Hub 10th Dec 2018
Emerging markets review: Investors hope for trade resolution at G20
Emerging markets generally performed more strongly than the broader global equity market during November, boosted by hopes that the US and China might resolve their ongoing trade dispute at the G20 su...
Adviser-Hub 7th Dec 2018
Global bond market review: A choppy month for bond investors
A turbulent October sent investors scrambling for the perceived safety of “haven” assets such as the Japanese yen, US Treasury bonds, and gold.
Adviser-Hub 9th Nov 2018
Global update: October’s global sell-off
October proved a torrid month for investors as equity markets fell heavily. The global sell-off was attributed to a range of factors, including concerns over Italy’s budget, wider worries about Brexit...
The Week: US Midterms - a check on Trump's power
November 2018 Trump’s unique brand of rhetoric failed to chime with voters in the mid-terms – what does it mean for investors? Markets have rallied since the mid-term elections...
Adviser-Hub 8th Nov 2018
The Week: Has the US economic miracle come to an end?
The volatility in markets this week appears to have been caused by a belief that the US economic miracle is about to come to an end. Trump only has himself to blame
Adviser-Hub 25th Oct 2018
US market review: Sharp falls in US share prices
Having risen by over 25% over 2017, the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index fell during February to levels last seen at the end of November.
Adviser-Hub 23rd Oct 2018
US interest rates reach a ten-year high
The US Federal Reserve raised its key federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 2% to 2.25% at its September monetary policy meeting. The unanimous decision represented the third incr...
Adviser-Hub 19th Oct 2018
The Week: Wobbly times
October 2018 Stock markets have started to wobble. A sell-off in Asia has spread across the globe. Having been talked about for months, is the sell-off finally here? The catalysts for the sel...
Adviser-Hub 11th Oct 2018
Fed tightens rates
September 2018 US Treasury bond yields increased as investors awaited the next development in the trade war between the US and China. The yield on the ten-year Treasury bond rose as high as 3.1%, b...
Adviser-Hub 5th Oct 2018
China accuses US of “trade bullyism”
September 2018 The trade war between the US and China continued to escalate during September. Following the US’s imposition of levies on US$200 billion-worth of Chinese products, China announ...
Tit-for-tat trade war continues
September 2018 As the trade war between the US and China rumbled on, the US imposed tariffs of 10% on US$200 billion-worth of Chinese products, rising to 25% on 1 January next year, and China retal...
Adviser-Hub 4th Oct 2018
Global update: EU rejects Chequers plan
he possibility of a hard Brexit came more sharply into focus during September as an EU summit in Salzburg rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s Chequers plan. European Council (EC) President Don...
Adviser-Hub 2nd Oct 2018
The Week: The Fed tightens rates, but do money markets share its optimism?
As the Fed hikes rates once again, and predicts more rises this year and next, the yield curve continues to flatten.
Adviser-Hub 27th Sep 2018
The Week: As the China/US trade war escalates, what will bring it to an end?
The US/China trade war accelerated again this week.
Adviser-Hub 20th Sep 2018
The Week: What does good diversification look like?
Diversification used to be easy. Investors just had to mix equities and bonds. Not so today, as the influence of passive funds and monetary policy weighs on markets.
Adviser-Hub 6th Sep 2018
S&P 500 achieves its longest-ever bull run
August 2018 The S&P 500 Index achieved its longest bull market in history, superseding the previous record of 3,452 days that was set during the technology boom of the early noughties. The US r...
Adviser-Hub 5th Sep 2018
A tough month for emerging markets
August 2018 Emerging markets generally fell during August, undermined by an increasingly hawkish US central bank, a strengthening US dollar and unease over escalating trade tensions. The Turkish li...
US yield curve flattens
August 2018 As the US yield curve has continued to flatten, some officials at the Federal Reserve (Fed) are monitoring its trajectory for evidence of economic downturn. In the past, narrowing sprea...
Global update: What's next for Nafta?
Trade talks took a fresh turn during August as the US and Canada failed to reach agreement over the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta).
Is the US hot or not?
The Federal Reserve isn’t worried about the US overheating, but should investors be concerned?
Adviser-Hub 30th Aug 2018
The Week: A bumper year for global dividends, but what about the UK?
The latest statistics from the Janus Henderson Global Dividend index show payouts improving across the globe, but the UK appears a notable laggard.
Adviser-Hub 23rd Aug 2018
Do Stock Market Corrections Lead Recessions?
Investors will be aware that the current 10-year bull-run within the stock market is one of the longest in history. This period of positive performance has coincided with growth in western economies t...
Adviser-Hub 21st Aug 2018
Global bond market review: Trade fears stoke bond yields
Global bond yields generally rose during July as escalating trade tensions undermined investors’ confidence. Nevertheless, despite concerns over the possible impact of the deepening trade wars, Federa...
Adviser-Hub 14th Aug 2018
Emerging markets review: No winners in a global trade war
July 2018 During July, President Donald Trump imposed US$34 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting China to respond with US$34 billion of levies on US imports. The US announced plans to imp...
Europe market review: Junker and Trump discuss trade
As the US imposed controversial tariffs on Chinese imports – and China responded in kind – President Donald Trump met with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The two parties agreed to...
Adviser-Hub 9th Aug 2018
Global update: Deal or no deal?
Investors became increasingly preoccupied by the possibility of a “no-deal” Brexit during July as the UK’s Parliament broke up for the summer recess.
US GDP: keep dancing while the music is playing?
Is US GDP running at over 4% encouraging or scary? On the one hand it seems that the engine of the world economy is in rude health; but it may also accelerate the pace of interest rate rises and haste...
Adviser-Hub 2nd Aug 2018
Global bond market review: Rising demand for “safe havens”
June 2018 Demand for investments perceived to be “safe havens” – such as US Treasury Bonds, the Japanese yen and the Swiss franc – was boosted during the month by concerns o...
Adviser-Hub 16th Jul 2018
US market review: “Losers on both sides”?
June 2018 Trade dominated newsflow and sentiment in the US during June. Investors endured a lacklustre month as financial markets reacted to the latest moves from the US Government and its key trad...
Emerging markerts review: Sino-US relations continue to sour
June 2018 June proved to be a challenging month for emerging market investors as trade tensions between the US and China continued to escalate. Following US President Donald Trump’s decision...
Adviser-Hub 13th Jul 2018
The Week: The US: how long can the party last?
The US market has been labelled over-valued, over-concentrated and over-indebted, but still it continues to rise. What might disrupt its trajectory?
Adviser-Hub 12th Jul 2018
Why Do Factor Returns Exist?
The reasons for the existence of factor premiums is hotly debated. Those in the mispricing camp believe that factor premiums exist because investors misprice stocks, while those in the risk-based camp...
Adviser-Hub 11th Jul 2018
Trade tensions intensify
Financial markets in June were soured by the rapidly deteriorating trade relationship between the US and China. The IMF warned that the US’s aggressive trade strategy risked harming the global economy...
Adviser-Hub 2nd Jul 2018
The Week: Talking bulls
The US bull market is on course to be the longest in history, but that inevitably means it is closer to the end that the beginning. The US bull market has just 53 days left to beat the longest...
Adviser-Hub 28th Jun 2018
FOMC raises rates at their June meeting
US Federal Reserve (Fed) policymakers raised interest rates for the second time this year, increasing the key federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points to a range of 1.75% to 2%. The decision was w...
Adviser-Hub 18th Jun 2018
The Week: Why are global investors moving back to the US?
Valuations are expensive, there’s an unpredictable egoist in charge of the economy and stock market growth has been heavily geared to a number of companies whose moral position now looks dangerously i...
Adviser-Hub 14th Jun 2018
Emerging markets review: Argentina raises rates to 40%
May 2018 Sentiment towards emerging markets was undermined during May by speculation that US monetary policy is likely to tighten more aggressively than previously anticipated, and by escalating co...
Adviser-Hub 11th Jun 2018
Europe market review: EU hit by US levies
May 2018 Trade tensions and political instability unsettled European investors during May. Markets were dealt a blow by the news that US President Donald Trump had decided, after all, to impose tar...
Global bond market review|: Political turmoil in Italy
May 2018 Having breached 3% for the first time since 2011 in April, the ten-year US Treasury Bond yield rose above 3.10% in May. As the month progressed, however, Treasury bond yields subsided, dam...
M&G Investments | Equities Market Perspective
In this month’s update Ritu Vohora, M&G Investment Director, explores the impact of rising US yields and a resurgent dollar on emerging markets. Is this a déjà vu of 2013’s ‘Taper Tantrum’?
M&G Investments 11th Jun 2018
US market review: Escalating trade tensions
May 2018 The prospect of global trade wars moved closer during May. The US announced that it would start imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the EU, Canada and Mexico, and also on...
Adviser-Hub 8th Jun 2018
The Week: Is the recent emerging market decline terminal?
Emerging markets have suffered over the past few months, as the Dollar has strengthened and US bond yields have risen.
Adviser-Hub 7th Jun 2018
Global update: Trade wars on the horizon
May 2018 Corporate news took a back seat during May as political developments directed investor sentiment. The possibility of an international trade war moved closer during the month as the US pres...
Adviser-Hub 4th Jun 2018
US market review: Strong beginning to the Q1 earnings season
April 2018 Strong first-quarter earnings reports provided a boost for investors who have been distracted by ongoing political developments and concerns over possible trade wars. Of the companies th...
Adviser-Hub 22nd May 2018
Global bond market review: 10-year Treasury bond yields breach 3%
April 2018 The ten-year US Treasury Bond yield rose above 3% for the first time since 2011 during April, stoked by mounting concerns over the outlook for inflation. The price of oil continued to cl...
Corporate activity grips UK markets
April 2018 Despite ongoing Brexit-related uncertainties and fresh political instability in the UK, newsflow during April was dominated by a wave of corporate activity. Elsewhere, the ECB reassured...
Adviser-Hub 1st May 2018
The Week: Is the market peak behind us?
At the recent Jupiter annual dinner, two fund managers debated whether the markets peaked on 26 January.
Adviser-Hub 26th Apr 2018
Emerging markets review: Looming trade war knocks sentiment
China’s relationship with the US deteriorated during March following President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a series of new tariffs intended to safeguard US interests.
Adviser-Hub 17th Apr 2018
The Week: Are markets right to be spooked?
As market volatility increases on the back of mounting geopolitical tensions, can this be dismissed as ‘short term noise’ – or is there more at work?
Adviser-Hub 12th Apr 2018
Global update: Rising US protectionism knocks sentiment
Investor sentiment during March was marred by mounting levels of US protectionism.
Adviser-Hub 6th Apr 2018
US market review: Trump threatens trade war
March was a controversial month for the US as President Donald Trump implemented a range of measures designed to protect America’s interests
Adviser-Hub 5th Apr 2018
The Week: Is a trade war really ‘easy to win’ for the US?
Who wins in a trade war? Donald Trump believes that trade wars are ‘easy to win’, but what does winning look like?
FOMC raises rates
US interest rates rose and economic forecasts were upgraded at the March meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). In a move that was widely anticipated by investors, policymakers voted una...
Adviser-Hub 22nd Mar 2018
The Week: Time to relax?
Markets appear on a surer footing following the volatility at the start of the year, but can it last?
Adviser-Hub 15th Mar 2018
Global bond market review: US bond yields continue to rise
Global bond investors experienced an eventful February as investors faced up to the possibility that interest rates in the US might rise sooner than anticipated.
Adviser-Hub 14th Mar 2018
UK bond market review: Gilt yields continued their rise in February
Having risen strongly during January, gilt yields continued their upward journey in February.
Adviser-Hub 9th Mar 2018
Global update: Global sell-off in February
February 2018 Equity markets experienced a global sell-off during early February triggered by concerns that US interest rates might rise more rapidly than previously expected. Equity indices in the...
Adviser-Hub 2nd Mar 2018
The Week: Should investors be worried about an M&A bubble?
US cable operator Comcast has announced a £22.1bn bid for Sky, potentially thwarting a planned takeover by 21st Century Fox. At the same time, Warren Buffett has said cheap debt is fuelling a &l...
Adviser-Hub 27th Feb 2018
The Week: The big data revolution in active management
This week, the Financial Times reported that BlackRock was setting up a new lab in Silicon Valley, specialising in artificial intelligence.
Adviser-Hub 22nd Feb 2018
What has driven stockmarket returns and what will drive them in future?
When we look back over the past three years, investors have earned remarkably similar returns in local currency terms in very different parts of the world. UK, eurozone, Japanese and emerging marke...
Schroders 19th Feb 2018
Global bond yields rise sharply in January
Bond yields generally rose sharply in January as investors moved away from global fixed income, triggering speculation over the possibility of a bear market for bonds.
Adviser-Hub 14th Feb 2018
US market review: Government shutdown hampers US sentiment
A three-day shutdown of the US federal government dampened investor sentiment as politicians reached deadlock over immigration policy.
The Week: An alternative perspective on the bond market?
The economy is rolling and it’s all bad news for the bond markets, right? But is there an alternative view?
Adviser-Hub 13th Feb 2018
Global update: Sterling regains pre-Brexit levels
January 2018 The pound strengthened to its highest level against the US dollar since the Brexit referendum in June 2016, rising above US$1.40. Although sterling was lifted by weakness in the US...
Adviser-Hub 8th Feb 2018
The Week: Veteran investor Byron Wien gives his 10 ‘surprises’ for the year ahead
Since 1986, veteran analyst Byron Wein, vice chairman of Blackstone Advisory Partners of Blackstone, has published his 10 ‘surprises’ for the year ahead.
Adviser-Hub 25th Jan 2018
Pedalling harder just as the brakes are being applied
My brother-in-law is a cycling fanatic. I asked him the other day if there is a technical term to describe pedalling while the brakes are being applied. He thought about this for a moment, before sugg...
Square Mile Research 25th Jan 2018
The Week: Why do US equities keep rising?
It’s tough to find an asset allocator with an overweight position in US assets. Most agree that the stock market is expensive.
Adviser-Hub 18th Jan 2018
A record-breaking year for US equities
December 2017 US equity indices reached new highs during December as President Donald Trump’s controversial tax reforms were approved by US lawmakers and signed into law. Meanwhile, as expect...
Adviser-Hub 10th Jan 2018
US rates rise for a third time in 2017
December 2017 The US Federal Reserve (Fed) raised its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points at its December meeting. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has implemented a total three rat...
Adviser-Hub 22nd Dec 2017
The Week: Everything is rosy in the economic outlook, so why don’t we feel happier?
In such a good environment, investors are surprisingly gloomy. Is it time for some Christmas jollity?
Adviser-Hub 7th Dec 2017
Global update: Renewed aggression from North Korea
North Korea returned to the forefront of investors’ awareness in November following its decision to fire another ballistic missile towards Japan.
Adviser-Hub 5th Dec 2017
Global update: Politics dominate in October
Politics grabbed the spotlight during October, and global investor sentiment was affected by mounting political crisis in Spain, General Elections in Japan and Austria, and continuing developments.
Adviser-Hub 7th Nov 2017
M&G Investments | BVTV: Time for a US healthcare check-up
Heated debates about proposals to repeal and replace Obamacare and generic pharmaceuticals feeling the pain of pressures on drug prices. There are many reasons to take a closer look at the US healthca...
M&G Investments 29th Aug 2017
The Week: Valuations - might it be different this time?
Investors have been fretting about valuations for some time, and the recent wobbles in markets seem to endorse the fragility of current equity pricing. Stock markets look increasingly overvalued...
Adviser-Hub 17th Aug 2017
Europe market review: Economic sentiment improves in the eurozone
The European Central Bank continued to play down speculation that it is poised to begin winding down its programme of stimulus measures.
Adviser-Hub 14th Aug 2017
Key Indicators of a New Recession
It is widely believed that a low rate of unemployment and high rate of inflation are key signs of a healthy economy. While this may be the case, these characteristics are also the ones that are most l...
Adviser-Hub 8th Aug 2017
Global update: Inflation remains a conundrum
Global equity markets generally rose during July, underpinned by further evidence of economic strength. Despite further political upheaval in the US, the benchmark Dow Jones Industrial Average Index r...
Adviser-Hub 3rd Aug 2017
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