AIQ

Markets were driven by fast‑moving headlines this week, swinging between rising tensions and hopes of a lasting resolution in Iran. But strong company earnings kept equities near record highs despite the volatility.

Precious metals such as gold and silver, rare earth minerals, and industrial metals such as copper have been making headlines in recent months. We talked to a team of experts to discover what’s been driving investors’ appetite.

The ReturnPlus strategy invests in a broad range of liquidity sub-asset classes, while consuming limited regulatory capital. Our ReturnPlus team explains why investors should consider an allocation to the strategy.

With Iran and the US competing to block the Strait of Hormuz, oil, gas and fertiliser trade disruptions are impacting markets.

The reaction to the latest oil price shock provides further evidence that those countries which have taken steps to strengthen their financial position are being rewarded by bond investors.

The price of oil recently reached four-year highs. Will this be a short-lived shock or a long-term issue?

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to impact the markets while inflation expectations are recalibrated.

The “Magnificent Seven” begin to split as two tech giants break away from the pack.

In 2026, investors are targeting increases to their private market allocations. Debt is here to stay, but equity is set to regain ground.

Our private markets research team have crunched the Q4 2025 data. They explain how evolving macro conditions are reflected in private debt returns.

The new year has begun with a bang with global equities at, or near, record highs. But as fears of an artificial intelligence (AI) led bubble mount, reducing downside risk without necessarily sacrificing lots of upside potential makes increasing sense.

Japan’s bond markets enter 2026 transformed and recent structural shifts have changed the behaviour of the country’s powerful life insurers.