First available to investors in 1975, a passive investment fund aims to replicate the performance of a specific market index, rather than actively selecting individual assets within a particular market. Over the last decade, passives have grown substantially in popularity, with Morningstar research confirming that passive funds saw higher inflows than active funds during 2023 1.
Read moreRecent events in the Middle East have once again led to increased concerns about the impact that World events can exert on global financial markets. In such times, it is important to remain focused on the long-term trend, and to try and avoid taking short-term decisions that could prove detrimental, as history tells us that the initial knee-jerk reaction to global events is often short lived.
Read moreWe often highlight the importance of diversification in an investment strategy, which includes investing in different geographies. Whilst most will allocate funds to developed market equities, such as those in the UK, developed Europe (e.g. Germany, France, Spain) North America (US and Canada) and developed Asia-Pacific countries (such as Japan and Australia), introducing an allocation to emerging markets can help spread risk further, as returns from these markets do not necessarily correlate with their developed counterparts.
Read moreAs we enter a new year, we highlight some of the key factors that are likely to determine market direction over coming months, and provide our outlook for the main asset classes during 2024.
Read moreFor many years, Japan has been considered as “tomorrow’s story”, where there is much promise, but returns disappoint. That is until this year, where the Japanese Equities market has shown considerable strength.
Read moreAfter the very difficult conditions for Bond investors seen last year, we are seeing growing evidence that a change in direction is now likely.
Read moreAccording to scientists, July may well have been the warmest month on record, when measuring global temperatures. Scorching heat in Southern Europe and North America has led to the United Nations issuing dire warnings on the impact of climate change.
Read moreHistory will show that 2022 was a highly unusual year for Bond investors, with the performance of Corporate and Government Bonds struggling under the weight of higher inflation and rapidly tightening monetary policy.
Read morePerhaps the single most important factor that determines the success of a chosen investment strategy is how risk and reward are balanced. Investors are always keen to maximise returns where possible, but it is important to bear in mind the level of risk that is being taken in trying to achieve an investment goal.
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