Our Views on the Markets and the Economy
Articles, investment updates and economic analysis
A common goal among investors (and indeed investment providers) is to assess how a strategy is doing compared to competitors. Sometimes like-for-like comparisons are not so easy to attain, yet when you find an indicator that regularly proves its worth, it can greatly help investors to decide what level of risk and what investments are appropriate for them.
The last few weeks have seen dramatic developments in financial markets. After a prolonged period of monetary policy tightening in the US, UK and euro area there has been a marked shift in both sentiment and market pricing. The markets now think the next moves in policy rates will be down. While we expect policy rates to fall next year, we believe that markets may be premature in expecting immediate interest rate cuts; after all the Federal Reserve, Bank of England and the European Central Bank all remain cautious about easing when inflation is still above target. Nonetheless, it is fair to say that this is an inflexion point for financial markets.
Our investment approach is central to how we help clients achieve their goals. And although we mainly invest in passive funds and ETFs, a successful outcome very much relies on the active implementation of our ideas, analysis and convictions.
As we approach the half-way stage in the year it’s perhaps timely to review what’s happened in investment markets recently, and to look at the topics portfolios will need to address in the months ahead.
Not since the great financial crisis (GFC) of 2007-2008 has so much focus globally been on the stability of banks and their ability to repay depositors and investors. Our chief investment officer, Iain Barnes, answers some of the questions investors may have about the current situation and what it could mean for investment portfolios.
While 2022 was undeniably challenging, there are many opportunities this year and beyond if investors are prepared to be patient and discerning. A few themes and topics stand out as being potential key drivers of returns in 2023.
Rarely do events in financial markets lead the main evening news. This highlights the magnitude of UK bond market volatility and sterling’s fall in the past few days, and underscores how important it is for investors to be aware of the consequences and to be prepared.
The inclination to be more responsible is changing how many consumers are choosing to live their lives, and also how they invest. People want more of a say in how our society is shaped and where their money is directed as they prepare for their future. We now offer investors more choices to help them decide what works best for them.
How much longer should investors be misguided by advocates of the active fund management industry? Yet again, the latest research reveals that active fund managers are not justifying their high costs. For most investors, the numbers just don’t add up.
It has been a very difficult first half of the year for most investment markets (some worse than others), with the US S&P 500 Index down 17% and the tech heavy Nasdaq Index down more than 25% in US dollar terms. Stocks in Europe have also fallen sharply, and to a lesser extent, in Asia. Only the energy and resources-laden FTSE 100 has offered resistance, with returns close to 0%, albeit in sterling terms.
Team Contributors
Gerard Lyons
Charlotte Ransom
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“I’m worried about the fees on my £600k pension pot. Are some costs being hidden?”
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Wealth management uncovered – clients will be the winners and it’s long overdue
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“I’ve inherited £240k. Should I ask a financial adviser what to do with it?”
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“I’ve just got divorced – how should I invest my £460,000 settlement lump sum?”
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“My husband and I downsized – what should we do with the £330k?”
Thomas Salter
Iain Barnes
Simon McConnell
In The Press
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Read what the press have to say about Netwealth
