Recent thinking
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Emerging-market debt turns the corner: The EM investment universe grows amid improved resilience
21 May 2024
Emerging-market debt analyst Carmen Altenkirch reports back from the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank meetings in Washington.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
13 May 2024
This month, we discuss Spring meetings, the path for rates and sustainability-linked bonds.
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Cyclical, structural, vintage: The outlook for real estate equity
10 May 2024
High inflation and rising rates hit activity in real estate markets over the past year. But cautious optimism is now returning to the investment landscape in the UK and Europe, say Imogen Ebbs and George Fraser-Harding.
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Equity income megatrends: Four themes reshaping the landscape for income investors
9 May 2024
In this article, Richard Saldanha takes a look at four megatrends that are likely to transform companies and markets over the coming years, and how they might create opportunities for equity investors.
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Casting a wider net: Equity income investors find opportunities in global tech and industrials
26 Apr 2024
Large tech firms such as Meta have announced they will pay dividends for the first time in 2024, illustrating the opportunities equity income investors can find beyond “traditional” dividend-paying stocks, argues Richard Saldanha in this Q&A.
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New Delhi eyes the debt markets: Are Indian bonds the next big thing?
25 Apr 2024
With Indian debt set to be included in major international benchmarks this year, emerging-market sovereign debt analyst Nafez Zouk travelled to the country to assess its prospects.
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The haves and the have-nots: Why increasing dispersion favours active management in high yield
22 Apr 2024
In this Q&A, Sunita Kara and Brent Finck discuss why recent developments in high-yield markets strengthen the case for active management.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
9 Apr 2024
In the April edition of our monthly series, we explore the latest developments in fixed-income markets.
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Tech’s tightening grip: What rising US stock concentration means for equity investors
8 Apr 2024
Soaring technology share prices have driven US stock market concentration to unprecedented levels and pushed the US market to a record premium relative to other markets. While both trends could persist, investors need to be aware of the implications, argue Richard Saldanha and Joao Toniato.
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Testing the water: The regulatory outlook for liquidity funds
4 Apr 2024
The Financial Conduct Authority has proposed material changes to money market funds. We look into the implications for investors.
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Resilience and recovery: The outlook for real estate long income
21 Mar 2024
Renos Booth, Isabel Gossling and Kris McPhail from our real estate long income team consider the outlook for long-lease assets after a challenging period for investors.
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Rents, rates and the refinancing gap: The outlook for real estate debt
19 Mar 2024
After a challenging 12 months for real estate debt investors, Gregor Bamert discusses what lies ahead for the market in 2024.
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The war on bugs: Climate change contributes to growth in the pest-control industry
13 Mar 2024
Pest control has become a growing priority for city residents and authorities all year round, as rising temperatures and other factors boost the populations of many pest species. But in creating adaptation solutions, the sector could also represent a long-term investment opportunity.
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Illiquidity premia in private debt: Q4 2023
12 Mar 2024
In our latest real assets deep dive, our research team crunches the data to see how evolving macro conditions are reflected in private debt returns.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
11 Mar 2024
In the latest instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams explore the key talking points in fixed income.
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Too hot, too cold, or just right? The outlook for investment-grade credit
21 Feb 2024
Investment-grade credit has had an encouraging start to 2024 – but are these really “Goldilocks” conditions for the asset class? In their latest Q&A, James Vokins and Chris Higham from our credit team discuss opportunities and risks in this market.
House View
No one can predict the future. But our quarterly House View sets out the collective wisdom of our investment teams on the current state of global markets – and where they might be heading.
The Little Book of Data
Good data visualisation makes us see the world anew. The sixth edition of The Little Book of Data presents original and curated visuals, charts and graphics to offer a fresh perspective on topics shaping our world.
Equities
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Equity income megatrends: Four themes reshaping the landscape for income investors
In this article, Richard Saldanha takes a look at four megatrends that are likely to transform companies and markets over the coming years, and how they might create opportunities for equity investors.
-
Casting a wider net: Equity income investors find opportunities in global tech and industrials
Large tech firms such as Meta have announced they will pay dividends for the first time in 2024, illustrating the opportunities equity income investors can find beyond “traditional” dividend-paying stocks, argues Richard Saldanha in this Q&A.
-
Tech’s tightening grip: What rising US stock concentration means for equity investors
Soaring technology share prices have driven US stock market concentration to unprecedented levels and pushed the US market to a record premium relative to other markets. While both trends could persist, investors need to be aware of the implications, argue Richard Saldanha and Joao Toniato.
-
The war on bugs: Climate change contributes to growth in the pest-control industry
Pest control has become a growing priority for city residents and authorities all year round, as rising temperatures and other factors boost the populations of many pest species. But in creating adaptation solutions, the sector could also represent a long-term investment opportunity.
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Measure for measure: Why the business of benchmarks matters to investors
Investors rely on benchmarks for data – but benchmarks can also represent investment opportunities in themselves. So how can we identify companies whose benchmarks are likely to have staying power?
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From cash rich to cash strapped? Why the US consumer boom could run out of road
Our investment teams explain why buoyant US consumer spending will have to weaken eventually. That could pose problems for debt-laden consumer-facing companies.
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Softly does it? A Q&A with Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer
The managers of the AIMS Target Return strategy explain why the prospects for a range of asset classes suddenly look much brighter.
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China versus the West:The ongoing rise of economic nationalism
The US and China continue to trade blows as each side looks to limit the other’s access to vital products. With industrial policies also making a comeback, companies are having to navigate a rapidly changing business environment. We look at the key implications for investors.
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Multi-asset allocation views: Cutting through the noise
Issues around US tech, China, US Treasuries and Japanese monetary policy have hit the headlines in recent weeks. Sunil Krishnan explains how taking a long-term view can help multi-asset investors cut through the noise.
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Defensive sectors offer value amid AI frenzy: What next for global equity income investors?
Dividends proved resilient in the first half of 2023. Richard Saldanha considers what the rest of the year might have in store for income investors.
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Supercharge me: The power of network effects
Network effects can boost a company’s growth and build durability – when combined with other strengths, argues Francois de Bruin.
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What does the data say? Three charts for multi-asset investors
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with the US debt ceiling, LVMH and gold.
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Buy it or build it: Why innovation is key in healthcare
Healthcare is a dynamic industry, but patent expiries from 2025 and drug-price reform in the US pose challenges. Innovation will be key for continued success, as experts from our credit, equity and ESG teams explain.
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Fragilities exposed as cheap money disappears
Cracks have begun to emerge in the banking sector in recent weeks. As the tide of cheap money that has flooded financial markets for more than a decade ebbs, members of our investment teams are on the lookout for other signs of distress.
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Theory of reflexivity: How share prices can influence companies’ intrinsic value
When markets fall, equity investors should become more constructive on the prospects for future returns. However, as prices fall, intrinsic value may be influenced. Discerning which factors drive this could help investors capitalise and avoid getting caught in value traps.
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Boom! Shake the gloom? Does China’s reopening mark a new beginning?
China looks set for a rapid economic rebound in the first quarter after finally abandoning its zero-COVID policy. But will the recovery prove temporary as longer-term dynamics reassert themselves?
Fixed income
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Emerging-market debt turns the corner: The EM investment universe grows amid improved resilience
Emerging-market debt analyst Carmen Altenkirch reports back from the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank meetings in Washington.
-
Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
This month, we discuss Spring meetings, the path for rates and sustainability-linked bonds.
-
Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In the April edition of our monthly series, we explore the latest developments in fixed-income markets.
-
Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In the latest instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams explore the key talking points in fixed income.
-
Too hot, too cold, or just right? The outlook for investment-grade credit
Investment-grade credit has had an encouraging start to 2024 – but are these really “Goldilocks” conditions for the asset class? In their latest Q&A, James Vokins and Chris Higham from our credit team discuss opportunities and risks in this market.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In the latest instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams look ahead to the key themes that are likely to shape fixed-income markets in 2024.
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The tide turns: The outlook for fixed income in 2024
After a challenging period for fixed-income markets, conditions look to be right for a better year in bonds.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In this new year instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams share their fixed-income resolutions.
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Rates, regulation and the dash for cash: The outlook for liquidity investors in 2024
Alastair Sewell answers the seven key questions on the minds of liquidity investors heading into 2024.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In this festive instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams share their thoughts on key topics from across the fixed-income universe.
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Another brick in the (maturity) wall: The outlook for global high yield
The high-yield market is adjusting to a higher-for-longer interest rate environment, and some issuers may struggle to refinance due to rising borrowing costs. But there should be opportunities for discerning investors in 2024.
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From cash rich to cash strapped? Why the US consumer boom could run out of road
Our investment teams explain why buoyant US consumer spending will have to weaken eventually. That could pose problems for debt-laden consumer-facing companies.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In the latest instalment of our new monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams share their thoughts on key topics from across the fixed-income universe.
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Storm before the calm? Emerging-market debt investors eye peak in US rates
Carmen Altenkirch and Nafez Zouk report back from the recent International Monetary Fund/ World Bank meetings in Marrakech on the implications for EMD investors.
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Softly does it? A Q&A with Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer
The managers of the AIMS Target Return strategy explain why the prospects for a range of asset classes suddenly look much brighter.
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From here to maturity: Is the high-yield market ready for lift off?
Sunita Kara and Brent Finck argue it is more important than ever for investors to be selective when navigating the global high-yield landscape.
Multi-asset & multi-strategy
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Tech’s tightening grip: What rising US stock concentration means for equity investors
Soaring technology share prices have driven US stock market concentration to unprecedented levels and pushed the US market to a record premium relative to other markets. While both trends could persist, investors need to be aware of the implications, argue Richard Saldanha and Joao Toniato.
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Elections, rates, AI and China: Four disruptive themes shaping the multi-asset outlook
Sunil Krishnan highlights the key themes for multi-asset investors to monitor in 2024.
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Softly does it? A Q&A with Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer
The managers of the AIMS Target Return strategy explain why the prospects for a range of asset classes suddenly look much brighter.
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China versus the West:The ongoing rise of economic nationalism
The US and China continue to trade blows as each side looks to limit the other’s access to vital products. With industrial policies also making a comeback, companies are having to navigate a rapidly changing business environment. We look at the key implications for investors.
-
Multi-asset allocation views: Cutting through the noise
Issues around US tech, China, US Treasuries and Japanese monetary policy have hit the headlines in recent weeks. Sunil Krishnan explains how taking a long-term view can help multi-asset investors cut through the noise.
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What does the data say? Five charts for multi-asset investors
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with UK inflation, web traffic for ChatGPT and Threads, and the slower-than-expected recovery of China’s economy.
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Multi-asset allocation views: A silver lining for gilts
UK gilts have underperformed other government bonds over the last year. Sunil Krishnan explains why the worst may be over.
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Multi-asset allocation views: An emerging direction
With economies getting stronger and interest rates nearing their peak, the environment looks supportive for equity and bond markets, but emerging markets face challenges. Sunil Krishnan assesses the implications for multi-asset investors.
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What does the data say? Three charts for multi-asset investors
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with the US debt ceiling, LVMH and gold.
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Multi-asset allocation views: Perfect storm or storm in a teacup?
Recent concerns over the banking sector seem to have eased, but have raised uncertainties around the availability of credit and the path of interest rates. Sunil Krishnan assesses the consequences for multi-asset investors.
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Getting a taste for fiscal intervention, but at what cost?
Fiscal intervention is, again, a vital part of the government policy toolkit, supporting plans to boost domestic industries and fight climate change. But while well-intended, such measures will add to already elevated debt levels, with significant implications for investors, as Michael Grady explains.
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Forget what you think you know: Staying humble in a world of rising risk
In a world where potential pitfalls loom around every corner, Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer explain why investors need to look beyond what financial models are telling them to keep portfolios resilient to the challenges ahead.
-
What does the data say? Five charts on financial fragilities
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with banks.
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Boom! Shake the gloom? Does China’s reopening mark a new beginning?
China looks set for a rapid economic rebound in the first quarter after finally abandoning its zero-COVID policy. But will the recovery prove temporary as longer-term dynamics reassert themselves?
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Access all areas: Multi-asset investing in real assets
Zoe Austin makes the case for a multi-asset investment approach in real assets.
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What does the data say? Three charts multi-asset investors should know about
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with bonds, equities and oil.
Real assets
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Cyclical, structural, vintage: The outlook for real estate equity
High inflation and rising rates hit activity in real estate markets over the past year. But cautious optimism is now returning to the investment landscape in the UK and Europe, say Imogen Ebbs and George Fraser-Harding.
-
Resilience and recovery: The outlook for real estate long income
Renos Booth, Isabel Gossling and Kris McPhail from our real estate long income team consider the outlook for long-lease assets after a challenging period for investors.
-
Rents, rates and the refinancing gap: The outlook for real estate debt
After a challenging 12 months for real estate debt investors, Gregor Bamert discusses what lies ahead for the market in 2024.
-
Illiquidity premia in private debt: Q4 2023
In our latest real assets deep dive, our research team crunches the data to see how evolving macro conditions are reflected in private debt returns.
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Changing course: Creating a stable investment framework for offshore wind
Better market mechanisms and grid connection arrangements are essential to restore a stable investment environment in the offshore wind sector, as Nick Molho explains.
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Against the current: Seeking resilience in real estate equity
A broad-based recovery in UK and European real estate looks unlikely in 2023, but discerning investors can still find value, say Imogen Ebbs and George Fraser-Harding.
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As one door closes… How changes in long income are creating value opportunities
Renos Booth, Isabel Gossling and Kris McPhail from our real estate long income team discuss the importance of selectivity to uncover opportunities and how new buyers can fill the void left by DB pension schemes.
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Relative value in real assets: Q2 2023
Our real assets research team drill into proprietary data to compare risk and return across sectors, drawing out those showing most relative value.
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Deals delayed and crowded trades…But investors can still find value in infrastructure debt
Private infrastructure debt still offers a broad spectrum of opportunities, but investors face complex challenges. In this Q&A, our infrastructure debt team contemplate the current state of the market and where it goes from here.
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Breaking ground: Opportunities in life-sciences real estate
In this article, we look at the strong fundamentals of this emerging asset class, as well as the opportunities and challenges for investors.
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Waiting games and funding gaps: A mixed picture for real estate debt
The higher rates regime is testing borrowers everywhere. Gregor Bamert considers the implications for real estate debt.
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Can they, should they, will they? Is now the time for illiquid assets in DC?
What role could private assets play in UK defined-contribution pension schemes, where decision-makers are searching for returns and diversification? Heather Brown from our UK pensions team consults a panel of specialists.
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When the tide goes out
Ben Sanderson explains why polarisation in real estate investment performance is only going to increase from here.
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Why are we waiting? Time for UK infrastructure to pick up pace
After a slow start to the year, Darryl Murphy ponders what it will take to get the UK infrastructure market moving again.
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Fragilities exposed as cheap money disappears
Cracks have begun to emerge in the banking sector in recent weeks. As the tide of cheap money that has flooded financial markets for more than a decade ebbs, members of our investment teams are on the lookout for other signs of distress.
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Liquidity, logistics and living: What next for real estate equity?
Opportunities are emerging across real estate markets in the UK and Europe, but investors will have to be nimble and discerning in their asset selection, say Imogen Ebbs and George Fraser-Harding.
Economic research
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China versus the West:The ongoing rise of economic nationalism
The US and China continue to trade blows as each side looks to limit the other’s access to vital products. With industrial policies also making a comeback, companies are having to navigate a rapidly changing business environment. We look at the key implications for investors.
-
Disability inclusion in the workplace: Taking down the barriers
Disabled employees continue to face a variety of hurdles to cope with in addition to their day job. We look at how employers can help remove those barriers to allow everyone to thrive.
-
Accelerating climate solutions: The Edinburgh Earth Initiative in profile
In the 17th and 18th centuries, academics at the University of Edinburgh helped drive the Industrial Revolution. Today, they are connecting with businesses to tackle the climate emergency. Words by Miles Costello.
-
Buy it or build it: Why innovation is key in healthcare
Healthcare is a dynamic industry, but patent expiries from 2025 and drug-price reform in the US pose challenges. Innovation will be key for continued success, as experts from our credit, equity and ESG teams explain.
-
Getting a taste for fiscal intervention, but at what cost?
Fiscal intervention is, again, a vital part of the government policy toolkit, supporting plans to boost domestic industries and fight climate change. But while well-intended, such measures will add to already elevated debt levels, with significant implications for investors, as Michael Grady explains.
-
Forget what you think you know: Staying humble in a world of rising risk
In a world where potential pitfalls loom around every corner, Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer explain why investors need to look beyond what financial models are telling them to keep portfolios resilient to the challenges ahead.
-
Fragilities exposed as cheap money disappears
Cracks have begun to emerge in the banking sector in recent weeks. As the tide of cheap money that has flooded financial markets for more than a decade ebbs, members of our investment teams are on the lookout for other signs of distress.
-
What does the data say? Five charts on financial fragilities
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with banks.
-
LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace: Creating psychological safety
Each experience is unique, but lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and other non-heteronormative people (LGBTQ+) still face huge challenges, in and out of the workplace. Companies should do more to support them and foster a culture of inclusion.
-
Boom! Shake the gloom? Does China’s reopening mark a new beginning?
China looks set for a rapid economic rebound in the first quarter after finally abandoning its zero-COVID policy. But will the recovery prove temporary as longer-term dynamics reassert themselves?
-
Engaging on neurodiversity: What can be learned from other DE&I initiatives
Many diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have seen improvements in recent years, but neurodiversity has not progressed at the same pace. Abigail Herron explores what can be applied from other successful DE&I campaigns to put neurodiversity firmly in the spotlight.
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Why inflation is likely to prove sticky
Central banks will find it far harder to eradicate inflation than markets anticipate and will be in no hurry to ease off on rate hikes, argues Ian Pizer.
-
Follow the leader: Why companies should take the drama out of CEO succession planning
Botched leadership handovers can severely impair company performance. To satisfy investors, boards need to take succession planning more seriously, argue Trevor Green and Louise Piffaut.
-
Debt, demand and demographics: Can the Chinese economy avoid ‘Japanification’?
With an ageing population, rising debt and vulnerabilities in the property market, China risks following Japan’s path from runaway growth to financial crisis and stagnation. Can Xi’s government rebalance the economy and change course?
-
What does the data say? Politics and markets
In this month’s instalment of our visual series on topical themes, we look at how political events have shaped markets in 2022 and further back in time.
-
When the numbers don’t add up: UK learns painful lesson not to buck the market
Governments around the world would do well to heed the lessons of recent chaotic events in Britain that concluded with Liz Truss becoming the country’s shortest-lived prime minister.
Insurance
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China versus the West:The ongoing rise of economic nationalism
The US and China continue to trade blows as each side looks to limit the other’s access to vital products. With industrial policies also making a comeback, companies are having to navigate a rapidly changing business environment. We look at the key implications for investors.
-
Disability inclusion in the workplace: Taking down the barriers
Disabled employees continue to face a variety of hurdles to cope with in addition to their day job. We look at how employers can help remove those barriers to allow everyone to thrive.
-
Accelerating climate solutions: The Edinburgh Earth Initiative in profile
In the 17th and 18th centuries, academics at the University of Edinburgh helped drive the Industrial Revolution. Today, they are connecting with businesses to tackle the climate emergency. Words by Miles Costello.
-
Buy it or build it: Why innovation is key in healthcare
Healthcare is a dynamic industry, but patent expiries from 2025 and drug-price reform in the US pose challenges. Innovation will be key for continued success, as experts from our credit, equity and ESG teams explain.
-
Getting a taste for fiscal intervention, but at what cost?
Fiscal intervention is, again, a vital part of the government policy toolkit, supporting plans to boost domestic industries and fight climate change. But while well-intended, such measures will add to already elevated debt levels, with significant implications for investors, as Michael Grady explains.
-
Forget what you think you know: Staying humble in a world of rising risk
In a world where potential pitfalls loom around every corner, Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer explain why investors need to look beyond what financial models are telling them to keep portfolios resilient to the challenges ahead.
-
Fragilities exposed as cheap money disappears
Cracks have begun to emerge in the banking sector in recent weeks. As the tide of cheap money that has flooded financial markets for more than a decade ebbs, members of our investment teams are on the lookout for other signs of distress.
-
What does the data say? Five charts on financial fragilities
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with banks.
-
LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace: Creating psychological safety
Each experience is unique, but lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and other non-heteronormative people (LGBTQ+) still face huge challenges, in and out of the workplace. Companies should do more to support them and foster a culture of inclusion.
-
Boom! Shake the gloom? Does China’s reopening mark a new beginning?
China looks set for a rapid economic rebound in the first quarter after finally abandoning its zero-COVID policy. But will the recovery prove temporary as longer-term dynamics reassert themselves?
-
Engaging on neurodiversity: What can be learned from other DE&I initiatives
Many diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have seen improvements in recent years, but neurodiversity has not progressed at the same pace. Abigail Herron explores what can be applied from other successful DE&I campaigns to put neurodiversity firmly in the spotlight.
-
Why inflation is likely to prove sticky
Central banks will find it far harder to eradicate inflation than markets anticipate and will be in no hurry to ease off on rate hikes, argues Ian Pizer.
-
Follow the leader: Why companies should take the drama out of CEO succession planning
Botched leadership handovers can severely impair company performance. To satisfy investors, boards need to take succession planning more seriously, argue Trevor Green and Louise Piffaut.
-
Debt, demand and demographics: Can the Chinese economy avoid ‘Japanification’?
With an ageing population, rising debt and vulnerabilities in the property market, China risks following Japan’s path from runaway growth to financial crisis and stagnation. Can Xi’s government rebalance the economy and change course?
-
What does the data say? Politics and markets
In this month’s instalment of our visual series on topical themes, we look at how political events have shaped markets in 2022 and further back in time.
-
When the numbers don’t add up: UK learns painful lesson not to buck the market
Governments around the world would do well to heed the lessons of recent chaotic events in Britain that concluded with Liz Truss becoming the country’s shortest-lived prime minister.
Pensions
-
China versus the West:The ongoing rise of economic nationalism
The US and China continue to trade blows as each side looks to limit the other’s access to vital products. With industrial policies also making a comeback, companies are having to navigate a rapidly changing business environment. We look at the key implications for investors.
-
Disability inclusion in the workplace: Taking down the barriers
Disabled employees continue to face a variety of hurdles to cope with in addition to their day job. We look at how employers can help remove those barriers to allow everyone to thrive.
-
Accelerating climate solutions: The Edinburgh Earth Initiative in profile
In the 17th and 18th centuries, academics at the University of Edinburgh helped drive the Industrial Revolution. Today, they are connecting with businesses to tackle the climate emergency. Words by Miles Costello.
-
Buy it or build it: Why innovation is key in healthcare
Healthcare is a dynamic industry, but patent expiries from 2025 and drug-price reform in the US pose challenges. Innovation will be key for continued success, as experts from our credit, equity and ESG teams explain.
-
Getting a taste for fiscal intervention, but at what cost?
Fiscal intervention is, again, a vital part of the government policy toolkit, supporting plans to boost domestic industries and fight climate change. But while well-intended, such measures will add to already elevated debt levels, with significant implications for investors, as Michael Grady explains.
-
Forget what you think you know: Staying humble in a world of rising risk
In a world where potential pitfalls loom around every corner, Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer explain why investors need to look beyond what financial models are telling them to keep portfolios resilient to the challenges ahead.
-
Fragilities exposed as cheap money disappears
Cracks have begun to emerge in the banking sector in recent weeks. As the tide of cheap money that has flooded financial markets for more than a decade ebbs, members of our investment teams are on the lookout for other signs of distress.
-
What does the data say? Five charts on financial fragilities
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with banks.
-
LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace: Creating psychological safety
Each experience is unique, but lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and other non-heteronormative people (LGBTQ+) still face huge challenges, in and out of the workplace. Companies should do more to support them and foster a culture of inclusion.
-
Boom! Shake the gloom? Does China’s reopening mark a new beginning?
China looks set for a rapid economic rebound in the first quarter after finally abandoning its zero-COVID policy. But will the recovery prove temporary as longer-term dynamics reassert themselves?
-
Engaging on neurodiversity: What can be learned from other DE&I initiatives
Many diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have seen improvements in recent years, but neurodiversity has not progressed at the same pace. Abigail Herron explores what can be applied from other successful DE&I campaigns to put neurodiversity firmly in the spotlight.
-
Why inflation is likely to prove sticky
Central banks will find it far harder to eradicate inflation than markets anticipate and will be in no hurry to ease off on rate hikes, argues Ian Pizer.
-
Follow the leader: Why companies should take the drama out of CEO succession planning
Botched leadership handovers can severely impair company performance. To satisfy investors, boards need to take succession planning more seriously, argue Trevor Green and Louise Piffaut.
-
Debt, demand and demographics: Can the Chinese economy avoid ‘Japanification’?
With an ageing population, rising debt and vulnerabilities in the property market, China risks following Japan’s path from runaway growth to financial crisis and stagnation. Can Xi’s government rebalance the economy and change course?
-
What does the data say? Politics and markets
In this month’s instalment of our visual series on topical themes, we look at how political events have shaped markets in 2022 and further back in time.
-
When the numbers don’t add up: UK learns painful lesson not to buck the market
Governments around the world would do well to heed the lessons of recent chaotic events in Britain that concluded with Liz Truss becoming the country’s shortest-lived prime minister.
Responsible investment
-
The war on bugs: Climate change contributes to growth in the pest-control industry
Pest control has become a growing priority for city residents and authorities all year round, as rising temperatures and other factors boost the populations of many pest species. But in creating adaptation solutions, the sector could also represent a long-term investment opportunity.
-
Changing course: Creating a stable investment framework for offshore wind
Better market mechanisms and grid connection arrangements are essential to restore a stable investment environment in the offshore wind sector, as Nick Molho explains.
-
Disability inclusion in the workplace: Taking down the barriers
Disabled employees continue to face a variety of hurdles to cope with in addition to their day job. We look at how employers can help remove those barriers to allow everyone to thrive.
-
Deals delayed and crowded trades…But investors can still find value in infrastructure debt
Private infrastructure debt still offers a broad spectrum of opportunities, but investors face complex challenges. In this Q&A, our infrastructure debt team contemplate the current state of the market and where it goes from here.
-
Defensive sectors offer value amid AI frenzy: What next for global equity income investors?
Dividends proved resilient in the first half of 2023. Richard Saldanha considers what the rest of the year might have in store for income investors.
-
Accelerating climate solutions: The Edinburgh Earth Initiative in profile
In the 17th and 18th centuries, academics at the University of Edinburgh helped drive the Industrial Revolution. Today, they are connecting with businesses to tackle the climate emergency. Words by Miles Costello.
-
Demand, diversification and discounts: Where next for real estate long income?
With interest rates and inflation remaining elevated, Renos Booth, Isabel Gossling and Kris McPhail discuss what long-income strategies can deliver.
-
Buy it or build it: Why innovation is key in healthcare
Healthcare is a dynamic industry, but patent expiries from 2025 and drug-price reform in the US pose challenges. Innovation will be key for continued success, as experts from our credit, equity and ESG teams explain.
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Can they, should they, will they? Is now the time for illiquid assets in DC?
What role could private assets play in UK defined-contribution pension schemes, where decision-makers are searching for returns and diversification? Heather Brown from our UK pensions team consults a panel of specialists.
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Why are we waiting? Time for UK infrastructure to pick up pace
After a slow start to the year, Darryl Murphy ponders what it will take to get the UK infrastructure market moving again.
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LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace: Creating psychological safety
Each experience is unique, but lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and other non-heteronormative people (LGBTQ+) still face huge challenges, in and out of the workplace. Companies should do more to support them and foster a culture of inclusion.
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Engaging on neurodiversity: What can be learned from other DE&I initiatives
Many diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have seen improvements in recent years, but neurodiversity has not progressed at the same pace. Abigail Herron explores what can be applied from other successful DE&I campaigns to put neurodiversity firmly in the spotlight.
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Pragmatism, policy and pace: An interview with Julie Hirigoyen
The chief executive of the UK Green Building Council sets out her blueprint for a net-zero-aligned property and construction industry. Words by Miles Costello.
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Why infrastructure investors better beat beta: End of cheap-money era brings risks and opportunities
Benign macroeconomic conditions have boosted infrastructure investments over the past decade. But with higher interest rates, investors in the asset class will have to show they can create true value, says Darryl Murphy.
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Supply chains, painkillers and gene editing: ESG risks in pharma
Reflecting on ESG risks in the pharmaceutical industry, Sora Utzinger discusses supply chains and counterfeit medicines, access to painkillers, and the ethics of gene editing.
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Deep water: Ten threats to marine ecosystems
Our air, weather, food, the health of diverse marine life and millions of jobs all depend on the ocean. But we have not done well as custodians of marine ecosystems. Here, we set out ten ways where human actions threaten the health of an essential environment.
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