On the Minds of Investors

On the Minds of Investors tackles the big questions we hear in our conversations with clients – it’s our latest thinking on the issues that matter to you.

Karen Ward

LATEST COMMENTARY

ESG investing in China: Considerations for sustainable portfolios

China does not stack up well on most ESG metrics. Explore our take on whether investing in China can be reconciled with investing sustainably.

Achieving net zero: The path to a carbon-neutral world

Governments are aligning behind the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, but dramatic changes to the global economy will be required to get us there. Learn more about the policies and innovations that could pave the way to a carbon-neutral world.

A new supercycle – the clean tech transition and implications for global commodities

A forced and rapid energy transition is under way. Discover what impact this will have on commodity markets and clean energy investment opportunities.

Protecting against inflation: Part 3 – Protecting your capital

Explore how investors can hedge against inflation to protect their capital in the next cycle with the help of alternatives and cyclical sectors.

Protecting against inflation: Part 2 – The labour market is key

Today, there are more job openings than there are unemployed workers. Explore what impact a tight labour market could have on inflation in 2022.

Protecting against inflation: Part 1 - Storm in the ports

Inflation is standing at record levels across many markets. Explore our framework for tracking the impact of supply chain disruption on inflation in 2022.

COP26: Not a failure, not a success

COP26 saw significant announcements in areas such as coal, methane and deforestation, yet progress fell short of the scale required to give us confidence that disruptive climate outcomes can be avoided. Physical climate risks warrant careful consideration for long-term investors.

Where do we stand on infrastructure spending?

From our vantage point, it seems like a given that the President will sign the bipartisan bill into law. Looking at the budget reconciliation package, a deal will get done but it may come down to the wire.

Are all global central banks on the move?

Investors should not paint all central banks with the same brush stroke as normalization will come in different shades: some central banks are already or close to being on the move, others will remain somewhat patient until next year, while others will remain firmly on hold.

UK equities offer value

With UK shares looking cheap, long-term investors may be able to pick up a bargain in the UK stock market this year. Explore our outlook for UK equities.

What should investors do after China’s increase in regulations?

Investing in China the right way is key: with a portfolio of companies, listed both offshore and onshore, with a manager that has a local presence and can do long-term fundamental analysis.

Four reasons why investors should not underestimate the European Union’s pandemic recovery fund

Explore how the fiscal stimulus provided by the EU's pandemic recovery fund could lead to stronger economic growth and boost demand for European assets.

Value is back, but growth is not out

Will this year’s value rally continue, or are growth stocks set to regain the initiative? In our latest On the Minds of Investors article, Global Market Strategist Tilmann Galler examines the basic drivers of value outperformance, and looks at how value stocks may perform in three near-term economic scenarios based on our latest projections.

The implications of carbon pricing initiatives for investors

Could carbon prices be about to rise? Global market strategist Vincent Juvyns looks at the increasing regulatory pressures on carbon pricing, and assesses the potential impact on markets

It’s getting hot in here: Growth and inflation are heating up

With Covid cases falling, excess household savings and US fiscal stimulus should provide the fuel for a stellar second half of 2021 for developed economies. But roaring growth could also bring risks.

The impact of ESG factors on portfolio returns

History provides only a limited guide to the implications of ESG factors for returns. We look at the conclusions that can be drawn from the past, and how investors can prepare for the future.

Why and how to re-think the 60:40 portfolio

The challenge of low government bond yields means investors must rethink the 60:40 stock:bond allocation. Discover where they can turn for diversification.

How will COVID-19 affect Sustainable Bonds?

Global governments have been swift and bold in supporting their economies, building a bridge to get consumers, small businesses and corporates over the present abyss to the other side. Given the unknown breadth and depth of the abyss, more stimulus may be required.

The Great Glut: A historic supply and demand shock in the oil market

Rising production and collapsing demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic is causing an unprecedented glut in the oil market. As a result, we are currently witnessing a pronounced supply and demand shock that has sent oil prices to a multi-year low.

Can China sustain its strong economic momentum?

This paper, written by Chaoping Zhu, discusses the outlook on China following its recent economic data releases and fresh outbreak of COVID-19 infections.

What are the implications of rising corporate bond defaults in China?

This paper, written by Marcella Chow and Chaoping Zhu, discusses the outlook on capital markets following a rise in Chinese bond defaults.

How will the 2020 US presidential election affect markets?

Historically, S&P 500 volatility has been higher in election years than in non-election years. Learn more on how the 2020 election may impact the market.