AIQ

Welcome back to Bitesize, a monthly data-viz series in which we unpack market developments in a single chart (or two), giving you sharp insights in under five minutes. This month, we explore the recent gold rush, and the surprising implications of taking money out of the equity market during dips.

Emerging-market debt has proved a rare bright spot so far this year as investors struggle to assess the impact of US political upheaval. In this article, Carmen Altenkirch and Nafez Zouk advance reasons why the market is well placed to weather ongoing market turbulence.

Investor engagement with governments on their climate commitments can be a powerful complement to other forms of stewardship. It can also help investors identify opportunities and mitigate risks, says Thomas Dillon.

This week, equity markets have been riding a wave of optimism on the back of positive news flow, with the US stock market, as measured by the S&P 500, remarkably erasing its losses for the year.

In our latest private markets deep dive, our research team crunches the data to see how evolving macro conditions are reflected in private debt returns. 

Investors should consider EMD hard currency for a long-term strategic allocation within fixed-income portfolios to boost portfolio returns, rather than just a short-term tactical play. 

The investor fear gauge, otherwise known as the VIX Index, hit a four-week low as markets have now bounced back from their April nadir.

In May, our EMD team discusses the most effective way to manage fixed income through episodes of heightened uncertainty.

Risk assets bounced back this week following increased hopes of a further de-escalation in the trade war and a positive earnings cycle.

Designed to support our holistic stewardship approach, Aviva Investors adopted its Climate Stewardship 2030 programme (CS30) in 2024.

Decarbonising power is essential to provide affordable, clean energy and deliver net zero ambitions. It also brings significant investment opportunities. We convened a range of industry experts to discuss the barriers and how to overcome them.

Risk assets bounced back this week following increased hopes of a further de-escalation in the trade war and an easing in fears surrounding the independence of the US Federal Reserve.

Welcome to Bitesize, our new monthly data-viz series where we unpack market developments in a single chart (or two), giving you sharp insights in under five minutes. This month, we look at the impact of President Trump’s latest tariffs—and how diversification can help investors stay resilient when markets wobble.

Following recent market turmoil, which saw the VIX (volatility) index reach one of its highest points this century, we saw a stabilisation in risk assets this week. 

Advances in data analytics and AI-driven insights are changing the landscape in fixed income investing, and the pace of change in innovation and technological adoption is remarkable.

As tariff turbulence continues, we round-up what's happened in markets this week and how we are positioning portfolios.

In the second of our global equity sector hub discussions, Josep Bori, technology sector hub lead, explains where the team is finding its strongest investment convictions in artificial intelligence and beyond.

As AGM season gets under way, we look at the key trends that will shape resolutions and lay out our guiding principles for voting.

Are global equities as diversified as they seem? Can bonds offer reliable protection? Do alternatives enhance the risk-return profile? In this article, we examine these questions and what they mean for investors navigating today’s complex market.

Following our participation at COP16, the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, we reflect on the key themes that emerged, outstanding challenges, and what this all means for investors.

Our regular sector hub discussions delve into the trends shaping global equity markets. In this article, Harsharan Mann, consumer sector hub lead, explains what investors should look out for in the sector.

Aviva Investors fund managers Edward Hutchings, Liam Spillane and Max Burns offer their initial thoughts on what the US election means for financial markets.

Volatility returned to markets in the third quarter of the year. While the short-term drivers are not unduly worrying, Sunil Krishnan argues multi-asset investors will need to be watchful over the medium term.

In this article, we 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.

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.

We explore how creating “clubs” can bolster network effects, enhance firms’ resilience and make them attractive to 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, argues Joao Toniato.

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.

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?

Our investment teams explain why buoyant US consumer spending will have to weaken eventually. That could pose problems for debt-laden consumer-facing companies.

The managers of the AIMS Target Return strategy explain why the prospects for a range of asset classes suddenly look much brighter.

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.  

Emerging-market debt has proved a rare bright spot so far this year as investors struggle to assess the impact of US political upheaval. In this article, Carmen Altenkirch and Nafez Zouk advance reasons why the market is well placed to weather ongoing market turbulence.

Investor engagement with governments on their climate commitments can be a powerful complement to other forms of stewardship. It can also help investors identify opportunities and mitigate risks, says Thomas Dillon.

Investors should consider EMD hard currency for a long-term strategic allocation within fixed-income portfolios to boost portfolio returns, rather than just a short-term tactical play. 

In May, our EMD team discusses the most effective way to manage fixed income through episodes of heightened uncertainty.

Advances in data analytics and AI-driven insights are changing the landscape in fixed income investing, and the pace of change in innovation and technological adoption is remarkable.

This month, our fixed income teams discuss the drivers behind emerging and developed market convergence, what the US hybrid boom has in store, the continued popularity of money-market funds, and the ups and downs of high yield. 

This month, our fixed income teams discuss the boom in hybrid issuance and weigh up the risks and opportunities of potential tariffs, interest rate moves and fiscal dynamics.

In this article, we explain key concepts of bond investing, such as yield and duration, explore the role of bonds in investment portfolios and look at the current state of the bond markets.

As we negotiate an uncertain landscape, our fixed income teams reflect on potential sources of resilience.

In this article, we explore the logic behind holding assets in cash, the difference between saving and investment, and why a longer-term focus may help investors achieve their objectives.

Credit spreads remained largely immune to turbulence in 2024 despite concerns for a reacceleration in inflation, an unprecedented scale of global elections and volatility on economic data and changing rate cut expectations. Where to in 2025?

The conditions for investing in liquidity look broadly favourable for 2025, but that’s not to say it will be plain sailing.

With a new US president poised to take office, central banks diverging and ongoing political uncertainty, how are the key fixed income asset classes positioned for the year ahead?

The expected policies of a Republican administration in the US bring added uncertainty to the global growth cycle. Steve Ryder and Daniel Bright examine the probable impacts of a world with more tariffs and political strains.

From navigating market crashes to embracing ESG and technology, Adrian Poole and Gregor Bamert reveal how 40 years of real estate debt investing have moulded Aviva Investors’ strategy – and what it takes to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.

Long-term trends like climate change are particularly important for buy-and-maintain investors. How can they integrate climate objectives, such as net zero by 2050, into their portfolios?

This month, our fixed income teams discuss the drivers behind emerging and developed market convergence, what the US hybrid boom has in store, the continued popularity of money-market funds, and the ups and downs of high yield. 

This month, our fixed income teams discuss the boom in hybrid issuance and weigh up the risks and opportunities of potential tariffs, interest rate moves and fiscal dynamics.

As we negotiate an uncertain landscape, our fixed income teams reflect on potential sources of resilience.

In this article, we explore the logic behind holding assets in cash, the difference between saving and investment, and why a longer-term focus may help investors achieve their objectives.

The conditions for investing in liquidity look broadly favourable for 2025, but that’s not to say it will be plain sailing.

With a new US president poised to take office, central banks diverging and ongoing political uncertainty, how are the key fixed income asset classes positioned for the year ahead?

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.

Aviva Investors fund managers Edward Hutchings, Liam Spillane and Max Burns offer their initial thoughts on what the US election means for financial markets.

This month, our fixed-income investment teams discuss US elections, IMF meetings, US versus European high yield, managing declining rates for cash, and what the future might hold in store for gilts.

Securitisation performs a vital role in capital markets and asset-backed securities have historically been a core holding for insurance companies. This article revisits the investment thesis for ABS and explores why the stage may be set for something of a renaissance. 

In the third part of our liquidity optimisation series, we look at how bespoke liquidity portfolios that take into account the interplay between different assets can suit the needs of insurers.

In the second part of our new article series on liquidity optimisation, Alastair Sewell investigates how investors can find the right mix of assets for their liquidity pools.

The importance of holding liquidity is well understood by large institutions. But how much is enough? In the first part of our new article series on liquidity optimisation, Alastair Sewell investigates the key considerations for different investor types.

The Financial Conduct Authority has proposed material changes to money market funds. We look into the implications for investors.

Alastair Sewell answers the seven key questions on the minds of liquidity investors heading into 2024.

With interest rates set to remain higher for longer and inflation gradually falling, money market funds can offer investors a way to access positive real yields on cash, says Alastair Sewell.

In our latest private markets deep dive, our research team crunches the data to see how evolving macro conditions are reflected in private debt returns. 

As the search for better retirement outcomes for the 28 million members of the UK’s defined contribution (DC) pension schemes continues, where are the opportunities for DC investors in private debt and how can they be harnessed?

Using proprietary data, our private markets research team compares risk and return across sectors.

In our latest private markets deep dive, our research team crunches the data to see how evolving macroeconomic conditions are reflected in private debt returns.

European infrastructure debt issuance should pick up as governments look to stimulate their economies and support the energy transition. But with banks keen to fund some of the best opportunities, investors need to maintain their discipline.

From navigating market crashes to embracing ESG and technology, Adrian Poole and Gregor Bamert reveal how 40 years of real estate debt investing have moulded Aviva Investors’ strategy – and what it takes to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.

Following our participation at COP16, the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, we reflect on the key themes that emerged, outstanding challenges, and what this all means for investors.

In our latest private markets deep dive, our research team crunches the data to see how evolving macro conditions are reflected in private debt returns.

Gregor Bamert, Sima Kotecha and Nick Solomon discuss the recovery in real estate debt markets in 2024 and the opportunities emerging.

While there are obstacles to overcome, the coming years could see new opportunities for the UK government and the private sector to work together on infrastructure projects, says Darryl Murphy.

In the first instalment of a new series of case studies on our real asset investments, we look at Curtain House, a Victorian warehouse Aviva Investors is converting into a modern, environmentally friendly office building.

In our latest real assets deep dive, our research team explains how our data on illiquidity premia indicates the benefits of a multi-asset approach to private debt investing. 

Our real assets research team drills into proprietary data to compare risk and return across sectors.

David Hedalen and Jonathan Bayfield from our real assets research team highlight data that shows real estate markets in the UK and Europe may be on the brink of an important shift.

Do energy-efficient buildings have more pricing power, and what could that mean for those investing in the built environment? We bring together the views of leading capital markets researchers, a valuer and an asset manager for the second part of our deep dive into green premia, analysing the investment implications.

In this article, Luke Layfield and Zoe Austin explain four key pillars that can help real asset investors align their strategies with the climate transition and uncover opportunities to deliver attractive returns.

This week, equity markets have been riding a wave of optimism on the back of positive news flow, with the US stock market, as measured by the S&P 500, remarkably erasing its losses for the year.

The investor fear gauge, otherwise known as the VIX Index, hit a four-week low as markets have now bounced back from their April nadir.

Risk assets bounced back this week following increased hopes of a further de-escalation in the trade war and a positive earnings cycle.

Risk assets bounced back this week following increased hopes of a further de-escalation in the trade war and an easing in fears surrounding the independence of the US Federal Reserve.

Following recent market turmoil, which saw the VIX (volatility) index reach one of its highest points this century, we saw a stabilisation in risk assets this week. 

Advances in data analytics and AI-driven insights are changing the landscape in fixed income investing, and the pace of change in innovation and technological adoption is remarkable.

As tariff turbulence continues, we round-up what's happened in markets this week and how we are positioning portfolios.

As AGM season gets under way, we look at the key trends that will shape resolutions and lay out our guiding principles for voting.

As a member of the UK’s newly formed Transition Finance Council, Mark Versey explains why and how a transition finance lens can transform investing.

The built environment generates almost two-fifths of global emissions, but decarbonising the sector will require a coordinated effort. We brought together experts across the value chain to discuss shared challenges and solutions.

Creating sustainable transport solutions is vital to meet net-zero pledges, but progress has been patchy. To encourage mobilisation across value chains, we brought together a range of sector experts to identify key blockers and potential solutions.

From aviation to heavy industry, achieving net zero requires a collective unlocking of entire ecosystems. This is what our sector roundtables aim to do, by bringing together stakeholders from across the value chain of high-impact sectors.

Aviva Investors fund managers Edward Hutchings, Liam Spillane and Max Burns offer their initial thoughts on what the US election means for financial markets.

Annual general meetings (AGMs) are an opportunity for responsible investors to share their priorities with companies and express their views on key elements of strategy and governance. Our Stewardship team reviews our 2024 AGM engagement and voting activity.

Our society, economies and financial systems are embedded in nature, not external to it. This paper sets out the actions we are taking to understand nature-related risks and opportunities to deliver outcomes that meet our clients’ needs, and to support nature-related global goals.

From direct investments and engagement with companies to dialogue with governments and regulators, we believe stewardship efforts can deliver better outcomes for clients.

Investor engagement with governments on their climate commitments can be a powerful complement to other forms of stewardship. It can also help investors identify opportunities and mitigate risks, says Thomas Dillon.

Decarbonising power is essential to provide affordable, clean energy and deliver net zero ambitions. It also brings significant investment opportunities. We convened a range of industry experts to discuss the barriers and how to overcome them.

As AGM season gets under way, we look at the key trends that will shape resolutions and lay out our guiding principles for voting.

As a member of the UK’s newly formed Transition Finance Council, Mark Versey explains why and how a transition finance lens can transform investing.

The built environment generates almost two-fifths of global emissions, but decarbonising the sector will require a coordinated effort. We brought together experts across the value chain to discuss shared challenges and solutions.

Credit spreads remained largely immune to turbulence in 2024 despite concerns for a reacceleration in inflation, an unprecedented scale of global elections and volatility on economic data and changing rate cut expectations. Where to in 2025?

European infrastructure debt issuance should pick up as governments look to stimulate their economies and support the energy transition. But with banks keen to fund some of the best opportunities, investors need to maintain their discipline.

From navigating market crashes to embracing ESG and technology, Adrian Poole and Gregor Bamert reveal how 40 years of real estate debt investing have moulded Aviva Investors’ strategy – and what it takes to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.

Following our participation at COP16, the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, we reflect on the key themes that emerged, outstanding challenges, and what this all means for investors.

Long-term trends like climate change are particularly important for buy-and-maintain investors. How can they integrate climate objectives, such as net zero by 2050, into their portfolios?

Creating sustainable transport solutions is vital to meet net-zero pledges, but progress has been patchy. To encourage mobilisation across value chains, we brought together a range of sector experts to identify key blockers and potential solutions.

From aviation to heavy industry, achieving net zero requires a collective unlocking of entire ecosystems. This is what our sector roundtables aim to do, by bringing together stakeholders from across the value chain of high-impact sectors.

Annual general meetings (AGMs) are an opportunity for responsible investors to share their priorities with companies and express their views on key elements of strategy and governance. Our Stewardship team reviews our 2024 AGM engagement and voting activity.

Our society, economies and financial systems are embedded in nature, not external to it. This paper sets out the actions we are taking to understand nature-related risks and opportunities to deliver outcomes that meet our clients’ needs, and to support nature-related global goals.

From direct investments and engagement with companies to dialogue with governments and regulators, we believe stewardship efforts can deliver better outcomes for clients.

While there are obstacles to overcome, the coming years could see new opportunities for the UK government and the private sector to work together on infrastructure projects, says Darryl Murphy.