Weekly Market Update 1 June 2018

Weekly Market Update 1 June 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week The past week saw financial markets dominated yet again by geopolitical developments with first the turmoil in Italy and then US trade announcements rattling share markets with most falling and driving down bond yields (except in Italy of course) as investors sought safe havens. Commodity prices were mixed with copper up slightly but oil and iron ore down. Despite the volatility …

Italy is a worry – but 3 reasons not to be concerned about an Itexit

Italy is a worry – but 3 reasons not to be concerned about an Itexit Key points A populist coalition government in Italy is negative for Italian assets. Lingering uncertainty about a push for Italy to exit the Euro is likely a negative for the Euro too, though an Itexit and a Euro break up remain unlikely. Eurozone shares are likely to be relative outperformers globally thanks to more attractive valuations than the US, easier …

Econosights – Five Global Risks to Watch

Econosights – Five Global Risks to Watch The global economic upswing is expected to remain in place for now which is good news for growth assets. But there are still plenty of downside risks to the growth outlook. We explore five key areas we are watching. Introduction We remain positive around the outlook for the global economy over the next year. But there are still numerous downside risks to growth that could cause issues for …

Weekly Market Update 25 May 2018

Weekly Market Update 25 May 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week The past week has again seen geopolitical issues dominate with renewed trade worries out of the US, the cancellation of the North Korean summit and rising angst around the formation of a populist coalition government in Italy. Despite this US shares managed a slight rise but Eurozone, Japanese, Chinese and Australian shares fell. Bond yields continued to blow out in Italy …

Weekly Market Update 18 May 2018

Weekly Market Update 18 May 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Global share marketswere mixed last week with Japanese and Chinese shares up 0.8% and Australian shares up 0.5%, but Eurozone shares flat weighed down by a fall in Italian shares and US shares down 0.5% on the back of rising bond yields and geopolitical worries. Bond yields mostly rose led by strong data out of the US and the spread between …

Weekly Market Update 4 May 2018

Weekly Market Update 4 May 2018 Investment markets and key developments over the past week Despite a 1.3% rally on Friday after another “Goldilocks” jobs report US shares fell 0.2% over the last week, but other share markets fared better over the week with Japanese shares flat, Eurozone shares up 0.9%, Chinese shares up 0.5% and Australian shares up 1.8%. Bond yields were flat to down. The oil price rose to its highest in 3 …

Higher global inflation and higher bond yields – what’s the risk and implications for other assets?

01 February 2018 Higher global inflation and higher bond yields – what’s the risk and implications for other assets? Key points Rising global growth and rising commodity prices indicate the risks to inflation are gradually moving to the upside. This is most acute in the US with the Fed likely to raise rates more than the market expects this year. This supports the view that the 35-year super cycle decline in bond yields is over. …

Inheritance or unexpected windfall

  Inheritance or unexpected windfall What to do with some unexpected extra money? Although windfalls may be unexpected, if and when they happen, how do you make sure you make the most of them? And, when it comes to inheritance, how do you know if there are any special obligations or considerations that apply? Common questions to consider Some questions you may wish to consider include: What are my options? Do I have to pay …