Positive surprise as protectionism fears not bearing out November 1, 2017 Despite Trump election and Brexit, free trade appears to be growing stronger Investors who worried that recent protectionist sentiment would slow free trade can breathe easier. Over the last 18+ months, Brexit, Donald Trump’s election, nationalist sentiment in Europe and other developments sparked investor fear of protectionism and trade wars. Yet free trade remains alive [...]
Control Brexit and nationalism concerns by investing globally November 1, 2017 As UK investors await the final Brexit plans, it may be time to consider the benefits of geographic diversification. What a difference a year makes. Last June, as Brits voted to leave the EU, many viewed it as a time to shed UK assets. Sterling fell to multi-decade lows versus the dollar and other currencies. [...]
How investors can meet the income challenge September 22, 2017 Wealth managers should take a rounded approach to building portfolios, especially if the aim is to provide an ongoing income for the future. Investors’ ambitions can typically be classified as one of two broad goals: accumulating and growing a pot of money for use in the future, or investing to provide ongoing income, such as [...]
Patient Capital? Time for a national database to match investors with innovators September 22, 2017 Last November, the Treasury launched the Patient Capital Review. Its aim was to identify the barriers that innovative companies may face in gaining access to long term, supportive finance. It is being overseen by an A list of entrepreneurs and investment experts, chaired by former Permira head Sir Damon Buffini, who are supremely well-qualified to [...]
What needs to change about housing policy by UK property professionals ahead of party conference season September 15, 2017 Katherine McCullough, development director at Merchant Land “During the political party season, I would like to see some attention given to reviewing what Osborne’s stamp duty reforms have achieved and ideally, to have them reversed in order to help stimulate the housing market at the top end. It would also be encouraging to hear discussion [...]
Solar, bitcoin, tech, Tesla and tea: seven important investment charts from August September 5, 2017 Each month, writers at Schroders pull together the most intriguing charts of the month. Solar production eclipsed (briefly) The US came to a standstill on 21 August as people looked skyward to witness a remarkable solar eclipse. But as the moon blocked the sun it also temporarily blocked solar energy production. California aims to generate [...]
The Bank of Mum and Dad: Should you gift or loan? August 17, 2017 Young adults are feeling the pinch. Not only are property prices shockingly high, but student debt and stagnant wages are putting a strain on savings, making it difficult for many young people to even fathom the prospect of affording a house. Research from the Resolution Foundation shows that millennials are the first generation ever to [...]
Man oh man: Investment manager Man Group’s profits rocket as funds under management leap August 1, 2017 Man (Group) certainly need not live on bread alone, as the investment manager this morning reported a massive rise in funds under management. The FTSE 250-listed hedge fund group, most of whose clients are institutional investors, saw net inflows of $8.2bn (£6.2bn) over the first half of 2017, compared to just $1bn a year previously. [...]
Wealthy Britons think Theresa May’s Conservative government will make them richer July 6, 2017 More than half of wealthy British people think the current government will make them richer, a new survey has revealed. Some 59 per cent of high-net-worth people, those with non-property assets of more than £100,000, think this government will benefit their wealth, according to a survey by IW Capital, an investment manager. A majority of [...]
Is it still worth investing in bank shares? May 31, 2017 Bank shares rose sharply toward the end of 2016 leaving many investors questioning whether the rally would continue. The global banking sector returned 13.7% in 2016 with dividends included, according to MSCI data. In comparison, the MSCI World index returned a more modest 8.2%. Among banks, the biggest gains were made by the US and [...]