Will Malcolm

France remained the focal point for investors this week, as concerns over the country’s finances reinforced a broader global focus on rising bond yields. However, US equities continued to shrug off the impact of rising yields with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hitting record highs.

Electric and self-driving cars, batteries and robotics are progressing in leaps and bounds. Our experts discuss the investment implications.

Securitisation offers insurers diversification, varied collateral pools and attractive spreads, yet remains underrepresented as allocations depend on more than returns and capital charges.

With government deficits under the spotlight, fixed income investors need to think globally and take an active approach to allocations.

Dr Andrés Gvirtz of King’s Business School shows how AI can help advisers meet their Consumer Duty obligations and boost their business.

In the second of four articles, we explain how environmental importance does not automatically translate into investment readiness. Investor confidence in future revenues depends on market evidence, contractual certainty and a track record of delivery.

Dr Ylva Baeckström of King’s Business School highlights how regulations can help close the advice gap in terms of clients’ sustainability preferences.

In our latest case study, we look at Glen Dye Moor, a 6,300-hectare site in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. We intend to rejuvenate the land, simultaneously removing carbon from the atmosphere, and delivering financial outcomes for investors and social benefits for local communities.

Global bond markets remain under pressure due to renewed inflation concerns and a general shift to tighter monetary policy.

The challenge facing local government pension schemes is no longer simply about maximising returns, but how to preserve funding gains, generate resilient cashflows and support long-term pension obligations, all while supporting UK productive finance. Aviva Investors fund manager Renos Booth says Real Estate Long Income has much to offer.

Sustainability-related regulation is becoming an increasingly material driver of real estate investment decision-making, rather than just a compliance requirement. Jeremy Ho analyses the implications.

Whether the endgame is buyout, run-on or just keeping all the options open, a capital-backed solution can help DB pension schemes make the journey with confidence.

Private credit should no longer be treated as a separate asset class beyond public investors’ field of view – it is part of the same ecosystem, influencing price discovery, transfer of risk and recovery outcomes.

Changes to regulations and consumer expectations are transforming the landscape for financial advisers, according to Marc Lepere.

Investors in passive bond funds are being exposed to more risk than they may appreciate as US technology giants turn to fixed income markets to fund massive spending on AI data centres, argues Aviva Investors chief executive Mark Versey. 

Regulation must recognise that sustainable investing incorporates more than the provision of sustainable funds alone.