Measure for measure

An improvement in relations between the US and North Korea is good news for investors, writes Ed Wiltshire.

James Balfour considers the implications of a tie-up between Sainsbury’s and Asda on the grocery retailing sector.

With sentiment towards equities having taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks, we consider where markets may be heading and what action, if any, investors should take.

Even when taking account of currency movements and varying economic growth in both countries, US equities have comprehensively outpaced equities on this side of the Atlantic. Giles Parkinson discusses the US stock market’s outperformance.

The US economy is enjoying its third longest span of uninterrupted growth since records began. While some argue it is a matter of time until the next recession arrives, the alarm bells are not ringing just yet.

Diversification has fallen out of favour in UK boardrooms over recent decades. The recent trend towards making existing assets work even harder could be a better approach, says Trevor Green.

Richard Saldanha discusses the outlook for global equities.

Our equities fund managers give their thoughts on what investors should look out for in the coming year.

By electing Cyril Ramaphosa as its new leader, the African National Congress has shown it is ready for change – but Jacob Zuma could be an obstacle to progress, says Bryony Deuchars.

The positive link between education and economic growth is well established. Bryony Deuchars explores what this means for emerging-market investors.