Latest economic research thinking

  • Have traditional safe havens lost their edge?

    9 Jun 2020

    COVID-19 has reminded investors of the importance of defensive positions within portfolios during times of stress. But are the ‘safe havens’ of the past still up to the task?

  • Will COVID-19 prove a watershed for ESG?

    14 May 2020

    COVID-19 has thrown new light on the interdependencies in human and natural ecosystems, and the vulnerabilities of a closely networked world. Aviva Investors’ responsible investment specialists ask whether this will prove a turning point for environmental, social and governance issues.

  • COVID-19: What will unprecedented policy response mean for economies and markets?

    27 Apr 2020

    While global policymakers around the world have acted with unprecedented speed and force to the COVID-19 pandemic, their actions are unlikely to prevent the world falling into the deepest recession since World War II.

  • COVID-19: This time is different?

    3 Apr 2020

    While the COVID-19 pandemic may be unlike anything financial markets have experienced before, the past still offers valuable lessons for investors trying to make sense of the crisis, explains Euan Munro.

  • Black swan or grey rhino: Should investors have seen COVID-19 coming?

    27 Mar 2020

    The devastating coronavirus outbreak has prompted renewed discussion of “black swans”: rare, unexpected events that wreak havoc on markets and economies. But is COVID-19 really a black swan? And to what extent can investors ensure their portfolios are resilient to sudden shocks of this kind?

  • The implications of COVID-19 for real assets

    19 Mar 2020

    The human cost of COVID-19 is likely to rise significantly, along with its impact on economies and financial markets as nations enact measures to contain its spread. We summarise recent developments and what they might mean for European real assets markets.

  • RPI may be flawed, but changes shouldn’t cost pensioners and investors

    16 Mar 2020

    With the start of the consultation for proposed changes to the measurement of inflation in the UK, we look at the likely impact to asset classes, the assets most affected, and the key issues investors should be aware of.

  • Climate change: The journey from denial to crisis

    28 Feb 2020

    More than 40 years since a senior NASA scientist told US Congress of concerns about human activities disrupting the climate, experts are warning of an impending climate catastrophe and the financial sector is wrestling with the implications.

  • Why asset managers cannot be passive on climate change

    28 Feb 2020

    As active investors step up their engagement efforts on the climate crisis, discussions need to be at the CEO rather than board level, argues David Cumming.

  • Apathy, anger, action: The psychology of climate change

    28 Feb 2020

    Psychological barriers can prevent people from acting to avert the climate threat, even when they recognise the problem. So how can we best engage individuals, companies and communities in the quest for solutions?

  • Stranded! When assets become liabilities

    28 Feb 2020

    Until recently, many investors made light of dire warnings of the risks posed by assets becoming “stranded” by climate change. However, as the threat becomes reality, fears are mounting that whole industries could be wiped out.

  • ‘Sticking’ it to carbon: The pros and cons of taxing emissions

    28 Feb 2020

    With governments urged to do more to tackle climate change, carbon taxes are being touted as a politically expedient solution.

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