Recent thinking
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Real Assets
Building better: Opportunities for DC schemes to invest in the climate transition through real assets
22 Mar 2024
By investing in climate-aligned real assets, defined-contribution pension schemes can help propel the transition to a more sustainable future while also benefiting from portfolio diversification and attractive risk-adjusted returns, says Mark Meiklejon.
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Real Assets
Resilience and recovery: The outlook for real estate long income
21 Mar 2024
Renos Booth, Isabel Gossling and Kris McPhail from our real estate long income team consider the outlook for long-lease assets after a challenging period for investors.
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Real Assets
Rents, rates and the refinancing gap: The outlook for real estate debt
19 Mar 2024
After a challenging 12 months for real estate debt investors, Gregor Bamert discusses what lies ahead for the market in 2024.
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Equities
The war on bugs: Climate change contributes to growth in the pest-control industry
13 Mar 2024
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.
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Real Assets
Illiquidity premia in private debt: Q4 2023
12 Mar 2024
In our latest real assets deep dive, our research team crunches the data to see how evolving macro conditions are reflected in private debt returns.
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Fixed income
Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
11 Mar 2024
In the latest instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams explore the key talking points in fixed income.
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Equities
Multi-asset allocation views: What’s behind Japan’s stock-market sugar rush?
8 Mar 2024
Following unsuccessful attempts in the past, the Japanese government’s structural reforms now seem to be bearing fruit. This has contributed to a record high on the Japanese stock-market, but is it sustainable?
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Fixed income
Too hot, too cold, or just right? The outlook for investment-grade credit
21 Feb 2024
Investment-grade credit has had an encouraging start to 2024 – but are these really “Goldilocks” conditions for the asset class? In their latest Q&A, James Vokins and Chris Higham from our credit team discuss opportunities and risks in this market.
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Multi-asset & multi-strategy
Heading for a soft landing? A Q&A with Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer
14 Feb 2024
The managers of the AIMS Target Return strategy explain why equities look to be a better option than bonds given growing expectations the US central bank has engineered a “soft landing”.
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Fixed income
Credit spreads and climate solutions: The outlook for climate-focused bond investors
8 Feb 2024
For the first time in three years, interest rates should no longer be a headwind for credit markets in 2024, but other forms of uncertainty may affect climate-aware bond investors. Our credit experts discuss the key themes they expect to play out over the coming months.
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Fixed income
Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
7 Feb 2024
In the latest instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams look ahead to the key themes that are likely to shape fixed-income markets in 2024.
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Fixed income
The tide turns: The outlook for fixed income in 2024
31 Jan 2024
After a challenging period for fixed-income markets, conditions look to be right for a better year in bonds.
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Equities
Measure for measure: Why the business of benchmarks matters to investors
30 Jan 2024
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?
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Real Assets
Des res: Opportunities in rental housing for institutional investors
25 Jan 2024
Jonathan Bayfield examines the fundamentals of this asset class, as well as the opportunities and risks for real-estate investors.
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Responsible Investing
Common ground: Earning a social licence to operate in real asset investing
18 Jan 2024
Successful real asset investing requires acceptance of asset managers’ practices and procedures from a variety of stakeholders. We explore what this means for managers, their clients and investment outcomes.
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Fixed income
Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
12 Jan 2024
In this new year instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams share their fixed-income resolutions.
House View
No one can predict the future. But our quarterly House View sets out the collective wisdom of our investment teams on the current state of global markets – and where they might be heading.
The Little Book of Data
Good data visualisation makes us see the world anew. The sixth edition of The Little Book of Data presents original and curated visuals, charts and graphics to offer a fresh perspective on topics shaping our world.
Equities
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The war on bugs: Climate change contributes to growth in the pest-control industry
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.
-
Multi-asset allocation views: What’s behind Japan’s stock-market sugar rush?
Following unsuccessful attempts in the past, the Japanese government’s structural reforms now seem to be bearing fruit. This has contributed to a record high on the Japanese stock-market, but is it sustainable?
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Measure for measure: Why the business of benchmarks matters to investors
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?
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From cash rich to cash strapped? Why the US consumer boom could run out of road
Our investment teams explain why buoyant US consumer spending will have to weaken eventually. That could pose problems for debt-laden consumer-facing companies.
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Passing the endurance test: Scouting for persistent performers in global equities
Richard Saldanha and Francois de Bruin give their thoughts on how and where investors can find resilience in challenging economic environments.
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Softly does it? A Q&A with Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer
The managers of the AIMS Target Return strategy explain why the prospects for a range of asset classes suddenly look much brighter.
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China versus the West:The ongoing rise of economic nationalism
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.
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Multi-asset allocation views: Cutting through the noise
Issues around US tech, China, US Treasuries and Japanese monetary policy have hit the headlines in recent weeks. Sunil Krishnan explains how taking a long-term view can help multi-asset investors cut through the noise.
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The big dig: How mining could power a greener future
Clean energy technologies are set to drive growth in demand for critical minerals over the next two decades, throwing up a rich seam of investment opportunities – and challenges.
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Tipping points and transformation: Getting on the right side of change
Rapid changes in the global economy could tip some sectors into low-carbon phases faster than incumbents expect, with important investment implications.
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Defensive sectors offer value amid AI frenzy: What next for global equity income investors?
Dividends proved resilient in the first half of 2023. Richard Saldanha considers what the rest of the year might have in store for income investors.
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Conflict and complexity: The investment view on defence
The war in Ukraine and rising geopolitical tensions are prompting governments around the world to beef up defence spending. We explore the key investment implications.
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Over(shooting) the limit: Why we need to keep within planetary boundaries
Demand for fuel and raw materials is decimating the natural world, making extreme climate effects more likely. So, what might the world be like for people and investors as we go beyond planetary boundaries?
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Supercharge me: The power of network effects
Network effects can boost a company’s growth and build durability – when combined with other strengths, argues Francois de Bruin.
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Don’t stand so close to me: Why UK equity income investors need to stop hugging the benchmark
Chris Murphy and James Balfour believe this is shaping up to be a much better year for UK income investors as the performance disparity between large and mid-cap stocks begins to unwind.
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What does the data say? Three charts for multi-asset investors
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with the US debt ceiling, LVMH and gold.
Fixed income
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In the latest instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams explore the key talking points in fixed income.
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Multi-asset allocation views: What’s behind Japan’s stock-market sugar rush?
Following unsuccessful attempts in the past, the Japanese government’s structural reforms now seem to be bearing fruit. This has contributed to a record high on the Japanese stock-market, but is it sustainable?
-
Too hot, too cold, or just right? The outlook for investment-grade credit
Investment-grade credit has had an encouraging start to 2024 – but are these really “Goldilocks” conditions for the asset class? In their latest Q&A, James Vokins and Chris Higham from our credit team discuss opportunities and risks in this market.
-
Credit spreads and climate solutions: The outlook for climate-focused bond investors
For the first time in three years, interest rates should no longer be a headwind for credit markets in 2024, but other forms of uncertainty may affect climate-aware bond investors. Our credit experts discuss the key themes they expect to play out over the coming months.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In the latest instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams look ahead to the key themes that are likely to shape fixed-income markets in 2024.
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The tide turns: The outlook for fixed income in 2024
After a challenging period for fixed-income markets, conditions look to be right for a better year in bonds.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In this new year instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams share their fixed-income resolutions.
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Rates, regulation and the dash for cash: The outlook for liquidity investors in 2024
Alastair Sewell answers the seven key questions on the minds of liquidity investors heading into 2024.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In this festive instalment of our monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams share their thoughts on key topics from across the fixed-income universe.
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Another brick in the (maturity) wall: The outlook for global high yield
The high-yield market is adjusting to a higher-for-longer interest rate environment, and some issuers may struggle to refinance due to rising borrowing costs. But there should be opportunities for discerning investors in 2024.
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The time to lead: Reforming multilateral development banks through a climate lens
To have a chance of limiting global warming to less than two degrees, the world must unlock huge investments in emerging markets. This is prompting calls for the reform of multilateral development banks, but will this be enough?
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From cash rich to cash strapped? Why the US consumer boom could run out of road
Our investment teams explain why buoyant US consumer spending will have to weaken eventually. That could pose problems for debt-laden consumer-facing companies.
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Bond Voyage: A journey into fixed income
In the latest instalment of our new monthly series, our investment-grade, high-yield, emerging-market and global sovereign bond teams share their thoughts on key topics from across the fixed-income universe.
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Storm before the calm? Emerging-market debt investors eye peak in US rates
Carmen Altenkirch and Nafez Zouk report back from the recent International Monetary Fund/ World Bank meetings in Marrakech on the implications for EMD investors.
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Softly does it? A Q&A with Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer
The managers of the AIMS Target Return strategy explain why the prospects for a range of asset classes suddenly look much brighter.
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From here to maturity: Is the high-yield market ready for lift off?
Sunita Kara and Brent Finck argue it is more important than ever for investors to be selective when navigating the global high-yield landscape.
Multi-asset & multi-strategy
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Multi-asset allocation views: What’s behind Japan’s stock-market sugar rush?
Following unsuccessful attempts in the past, the Japanese government’s structural reforms now seem to be bearing fruit. This has contributed to a record high on the Japanese stock-market, but is it sustainable?
-
Heading for a soft landing? A Q&A with Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer
The managers of the AIMS Target Return strategy explain why equities look to be a better option than bonds given growing expectations the US central bank has engineered a “soft landing”.
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Elections, rates, AI and China: Four disruptive themes shaping the multi-asset outlook
Sunil Krishnan highlights the key themes for multi-asset investors to monitor in 2024.
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Softly does it? A Q&A with Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer
The managers of the AIMS Target Return strategy explain why the prospects for a range of asset classes suddenly look much brighter.
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Integrating net zero in sovereign bond portfolios: Understanding the impacts, risks and opportunities
Investing in climate transition and adaptation plans today adds to governments’ funding needs, but over time should make for stronger, more resilient economies. How should investors approach this to embed net-zero considerations into their sovereign bond portfolios?
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China versus the West:The ongoing rise of economic nationalism
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.
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Multi-asset allocation views: Cutting through the noise
Financial markets have hit the headlines several times in recent weeks. Sunil Krishnan explains how taking a long-term view can help multi-asset investors cut through the noise.
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Multi-asset allocation views: Cutting through the noise
Issues around US tech, China, US Treasuries and Japanese monetary policy have hit the headlines in recent weeks. Sunil Krishnan explains how taking a long-term view can help multi-asset investors cut through the noise.
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Bond investing: Five things to know about fixed income
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.
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The cash conundrum: Five things to know about cash, saving and investing
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.
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The big dig: How mining could power a greener future
Clean energy technologies are set to drive growth in demand for critical minerals over the next two decades, throwing up a rich seam of investment opportunities – and challenges.
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What does the data say? Five charts for multi-asset investors
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with UK inflation, web traffic for ChatGPT and Threads, and the slower-than-expected recovery of China’s economy.
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Multi-asset allocation views: A silver lining for gilts
UK gilts have underperformed other government bonds over the last year. Sunil Krishnan explains why the worst may be over.
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Multi-asset allocation views: An emerging direction
With economies getting stronger and interest rates nearing their peak, the environment looks supportive for equity and bond markets, but emerging markets face challenges. Sunil Krishnan assesses the implications for multi-asset investors.
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What does the data say? Three charts for multi-asset investors
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with the US debt ceiling, LVMH and gold.
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Multi-asset allocation views: Perfect storm or storm in a teacup?
Recent concerns over the banking sector seem to have eased, but have raised uncertainties around the availability of credit and the path of interest rates. Sunil Krishnan assesses the consequences for multi-asset investors.
Real assets
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Building better: Opportunities for DC schemes to invest in the climate transition through real assets
By investing in climate-aligned real assets, defined-contribution pension schemes can help propel the transition to a more sustainable future while also benefiting from portfolio diversification and attractive risk-adjusted returns, says Mark Meiklejon.
-
Resilience and recovery: The outlook for real estate long income
Renos Booth, Isabel Gossling and Kris McPhail from our real estate long income team consider the outlook for long-lease assets after a challenging period for investors.
-
Rents, rates and the refinancing gap: The outlook for real estate debt
After a challenging 12 months for real estate debt investors, Gregor Bamert discusses what lies ahead for the market in 2024.
-
Illiquidity premia in private debt: Q4 2023
In our latest real assets deep dive, our research team crunches the data to see how evolving macro conditions are reflected in private debt returns.
-
Des res: Opportunities in rental housing for institutional investors
Jonathan Bayfield examines the fundamentals of this asset class, as well as the opportunities and risks for real-estate investors.
-
Common ground: Earning a social licence to operate in real asset investing
Successful real asset investing requires acceptance of asset managers’ practices and procedures from a variety of stakeholders. We explore what this means for managers, their clients and investment outcomes.
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Plus ça change…The outlook for infrastructure debt in 2024
Infrastructure demonstrated characteristic resilience in 2023 in the face of significant macroeconomic headwinds. Darryl Murphy from our infrastructure team explains why he expects current themes to persist in 2024.
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Tech, trees and tailwinds: The outlook for climate transition real assets
In this Q&A, James Tarry and Luke Layfield explore the themes shaping the landscape for real asset investors with a climate transition focus.
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Changing course: Creating a stable investment framework for offshore wind
Better market mechanisms and grid connection arrangements are essential to restore a stable investment environment in the offshore wind sector, as Nick Molho explains.
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Illiquidity premia in real assets: Q3 2023
Our real assets research team crunch the data to see how evolving macro conditions are reflected in private market returns.
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It’s time to think about nature: Biodiversity and real estate funding
Although the consideration of biodiversity risks remains limited for most assets so far, their longer-term impact is undeniable and needs to be considered when funding real estate.
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Against the current: Seeking resilience in real estate equity
A broad-based recovery in UK and European real estate looks unlikely in 2023, but discerning investors can still find value, say Imogen Ebbs and George Fraser-Harding.
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Rates, repricing and relative value: The outlook for multi-asset real assets
James Tarry and Luke Layfield from our multi-asset real assets portfolio management team discuss the outlook for real estate and infrastructure and how shifts in UK climate policy may affect the push for net zero.
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As one door closes… How changes in long income are creating value opportunities
Renos Booth, Isabel Gossling and Kris McPhail from our real estate long income team discuss the importance of selectivity to uncover opportunities and how new buyers can fill the void left by DB pension schemes.
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Relative value in real assets: Q2 2023
Our real assets research team drill into proprietary data to compare risk and return across sectors, drawing out those showing most relative value.
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Deals delayed and crowded trades…But investors can still find value in infrastructure debt
Private infrastructure debt still offers a broad spectrum of opportunities, but investors face complex challenges. In this Q&A, our infrastructure debt team contemplate the current state of the market and where it goes from here.
Economic research
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The tipping point for climate finance: Making financial flows consistent with the Paris Agreement
Transition plans, including from governments in response to the Global Stocktake, will be crucial to bring about the shift to a low-emissions, climate-resilient world. Markets need clear implementation signals to align capital with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our in-depth report calls for the creation of a transition-plan ecosystem connecting all levels of the global economy.
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Gender balance in the workplace: Levelling up
Despite progress on female representation in senior financial roles, the industry is nowhere near parity. We explore how finance can create a level playing field for all genders to thrive.
-
Fairness, climate action and nature protection: Our key takeaways from AGM season
Investing to create a more sustainable, stable and prosperous world should be a core part of the purpose of any responsible asset manager. Louise Piffaut reviews our recent engagement activity designed to hold investee companies to account.
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Race, ethnicity and investing: Developing an inclusive culture
Since 2020, we have taken action to improve our own performance on diversity, equity and inclusion and engaged with investee companies on the key issues. On black representation specifically, building an inclusive culture and pipeline of talent are long-term efforts, as Mark Versey explains.
-
China versus the West:The ongoing rise of economic nationalism
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.
-
Disability inclusion in the workplace: Taking down the barriers
Disabled employees continue to face a variety of hurdles to cope with in addition to their day job. We look at how employers can help remove those barriers to allow everyone to thrive.
-
Accelerating climate solutions: The Edinburgh Earth Initiative in profile
In the 17th and 18th centuries, academics at the University of Edinburgh helped drive the Industrial Revolution. Today, they are connecting with businesses to tackle the climate emergency. Words by Miles Costello.
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Buy it or build it: Why innovation is key in healthcare
Healthcare is a dynamic industry, but patent expiries from 2025 and drug-price reform in the US pose challenges. Innovation will be key for continued success, as experts from our credit, equity and ESG teams explain.
-
Global megatrends: How climate, nature and social change will reshape economies
Climate change, natural resource scarcity and social shifts are transforming the corporate landscape. Investors need to understand the implications of these sustainability megatrends to manage risks and seize opportunities.
-
Gains or glitches? What generative AI means for investors
The release of ChatGPT has heralded an artificial intelligence boom. We assess the investment and ESG considerations.
-
Getting a taste for fiscal intervention, but at what cost?
Fiscal intervention is, again, a vital part of the government policy toolkit, supporting plans to boost domestic industries and fight climate change. But while well-intended, such measures will add to already elevated debt levels, with significant implications for investors, as Michael Grady explains.
-
Forget what you think you know: Staying humble in a world of rising risk
In a world where potential pitfalls loom around every corner, Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer explain why investors need to look beyond what financial models are telling them to keep portfolios resilient to the challenges ahead.
-
Fragilities exposed as cheap money disappears
Cracks have begun to emerge in the banking sector in recent weeks. As the tide of cheap money that has flooded financial markets for more than a decade ebbs, members of our investment teams are on the lookout for other signs of distress.
-
What does the data say? Five charts on financial fragilities
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with banks.
-
LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace: Creating psychological safety
Each experience is unique, but lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and other non-heteronormative people (LGBTQ+) still face huge challenges, in and out of the workplace. Companies should do more to support them and foster a culture of inclusion.
-
Supply and demand: Tackling both sides of the carbon emissions equation
Despite progress through our Climate Engagement Escalation Programme, more action is needed from the world’s 30 systemically important carbon emitters, as Sora Utzinger and Louise Wihlborn explain.
Insurance
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The tipping point for climate finance: Making financial flows consistent with the Paris Agreement
Transition plans, including from governments in response to the Global Stocktake, will be crucial to bring about the shift to a low-emissions, climate-resilient world. Markets need clear implementation signals to align capital with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our in-depth report calls for the creation of a transition-plan ecosystem connecting all levels of the global economy.
-
Gender balance in the workplace: Levelling up
Despite progress on female representation in senior financial roles, the industry is nowhere near parity. We explore how finance can create a level playing field for all genders to thrive.
-
Fairness, climate action and nature protection: Our key takeaways from AGM season
Investing to create a more sustainable, stable and prosperous world should be a core part of the purpose of any responsible asset manager. Louise Piffaut reviews our recent engagement activity designed to hold investee companies to account.
-
Race, ethnicity and investing: Developing an inclusive culture
Since 2020, we have taken action to improve our own performance on diversity, equity and inclusion and engaged with investee companies on the key issues. On black representation specifically, building an inclusive culture and pipeline of talent are long-term efforts, as Mark Versey explains.
-
China versus the West:The ongoing rise of economic nationalism
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.
-
Disability inclusion in the workplace: Taking down the barriers
Disabled employees continue to face a variety of hurdles to cope with in addition to their day job. We look at how employers can help remove those barriers to allow everyone to thrive.
-
Accelerating climate solutions: The Edinburgh Earth Initiative in profile
In the 17th and 18th centuries, academics at the University of Edinburgh helped drive the Industrial Revolution. Today, they are connecting with businesses to tackle the climate emergency. Words by Miles Costello.
-
Buy it or build it: Why innovation is key in healthcare
Healthcare is a dynamic industry, but patent expiries from 2025 and drug-price reform in the US pose challenges. Innovation will be key for continued success, as experts from our credit, equity and ESG teams explain.
-
Global megatrends: How climate, nature and social change will reshape economies
Climate change, natural resource scarcity and social shifts are transforming the corporate landscape. Investors need to understand the implications of these sustainability megatrends to manage risks and seize opportunities.
-
Gains or glitches? What generative AI means for investors
The release of ChatGPT has heralded an artificial intelligence boom. We assess the investment and ESG considerations.
-
Getting a taste for fiscal intervention, but at what cost?
Fiscal intervention is, again, a vital part of the government policy toolkit, supporting plans to boost domestic industries and fight climate change. But while well-intended, such measures will add to already elevated debt levels, with significant implications for investors, as Michael Grady explains.
-
Forget what you think you know: Staying humble in a world of rising risk
In a world where potential pitfalls loom around every corner, Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer explain why investors need to look beyond what financial models are telling them to keep portfolios resilient to the challenges ahead.
-
Fragilities exposed as cheap money disappears
Cracks have begun to emerge in the banking sector in recent weeks. As the tide of cheap money that has flooded financial markets for more than a decade ebbs, members of our investment teams are on the lookout for other signs of distress.
-
What does the data say? Five charts on financial fragilities
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with banks.
-
LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace: Creating psychological safety
Each experience is unique, but lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and other non-heteronormative people (LGBTQ+) still face huge challenges, in and out of the workplace. Companies should do more to support them and foster a culture of inclusion.
-
Supply and demand: Tackling both sides of the carbon emissions equation
Despite progress through our Climate Engagement Escalation Programme, more action is needed from the world’s 30 systemically important carbon emitters, as Sora Utzinger and Louise Wihlborn explain.
Pensions
-
The tipping point for climate finance: Making financial flows consistent with the Paris Agreement
Transition plans, including from governments in response to the Global Stocktake, will be crucial to bring about the shift to a low-emissions, climate-resilient world. Markets need clear implementation signals to align capital with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our in-depth report calls for the creation of a transition-plan ecosystem connecting all levels of the global economy.
-
Gender balance in the workplace: Levelling up
Despite progress on female representation in senior financial roles, the industry is nowhere near parity. We explore how finance can create a level playing field for all genders to thrive.
-
Fairness, climate action and nature protection: Our key takeaways from AGM season
Investing to create a more sustainable, stable and prosperous world should be a core part of the purpose of any responsible asset manager. Louise Piffaut reviews our recent engagement activity designed to hold investee companies to account.
-
Race, ethnicity and investing: Developing an inclusive culture
Since 2020, we have taken action to improve our own performance on diversity, equity and inclusion and engaged with investee companies on the key issues. On black representation specifically, building an inclusive culture and pipeline of talent are long-term efforts, as Mark Versey explains.
-
China versus the West:The ongoing rise of economic nationalism
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.
-
Disability inclusion in the workplace: Taking down the barriers
Disabled employees continue to face a variety of hurdles to cope with in addition to their day job. We look at how employers can help remove those barriers to allow everyone to thrive.
-
Accelerating climate solutions: The Edinburgh Earth Initiative in profile
In the 17th and 18th centuries, academics at the University of Edinburgh helped drive the Industrial Revolution. Today, they are connecting with businesses to tackle the climate emergency. Words by Miles Costello.
-
Buy it or build it: Why innovation is key in healthcare
Healthcare is a dynamic industry, but patent expiries from 2025 and drug-price reform in the US pose challenges. Innovation will be key for continued success, as experts from our credit, equity and ESG teams explain.
-
Global megatrends: How climate, nature and social change will reshape economies
Climate change, natural resource scarcity and social shifts are transforming the corporate landscape. Investors need to understand the implications of these sustainability megatrends to manage risks and seize opportunities.
-
Gains or glitches? What generative AI means for investors
The release of ChatGPT has heralded an artificial intelligence boom. We assess the investment and ESG considerations.
-
Getting a taste for fiscal intervention, but at what cost?
Fiscal intervention is, again, a vital part of the government policy toolkit, supporting plans to boost domestic industries and fight climate change. But while well-intended, such measures will add to already elevated debt levels, with significant implications for investors, as Michael Grady explains.
-
Forget what you think you know: Staying humble in a world of rising risk
In a world where potential pitfalls loom around every corner, Peter Fitzgerald and Ian Pizer explain why investors need to look beyond what financial models are telling them to keep portfolios resilient to the challenges ahead.
-
Fragilities exposed as cheap money disappears
Cracks have begun to emerge in the banking sector in recent weeks. As the tide of cheap money that has flooded financial markets for more than a decade ebbs, members of our investment teams are on the lookout for other signs of distress.
-
What does the data say? Five charts on financial fragilities
We take a visual approach to explain what’s happening with banks.
-
LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace: Creating psychological safety
Each experience is unique, but lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and other non-heteronormative people (LGBTQ+) still face huge challenges, in and out of the workplace. Companies should do more to support them and foster a culture of inclusion.
-
Supply and demand: Tackling both sides of the carbon emissions equation
Despite progress through our Climate Engagement Escalation Programme, more action is needed from the world’s 30 systemically important carbon emitters, as Sora Utzinger and Louise Wihlborn explain.
Responsible investment
-
Building better: Opportunities for DC schemes to invest in the climate transition through real assets
By investing in climate-aligned real assets, defined-contribution pension schemes can help propel the transition to a more sustainable future while also benefiting from portfolio diversification and attractive risk-adjusted returns, says Mark Meiklejon.
-
The war on bugs: Climate change contributes to growth in the pest-control industry
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.
-
Multi-asset allocation views: What’s behind Japan’s stock-market sugar rush?
Following unsuccessful attempts in the past, the Japanese government’s structural reforms now seem to be bearing fruit. This has contributed to a record high on the Japanese stock-market, but is it sustainable?
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Credit spreads and climate solutions: The outlook for climate-focused bond investors
For the first time in three years, interest rates should no longer be a headwind for credit markets in 2024, but other forms of uncertainty may affect climate-aware bond investors. Our credit experts discuss the key themes they expect to play out over the coming months.
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Common ground: Earning a social licence to operate in real asset investing
Successful real asset investing requires acceptance of asset managers’ practices and procedures from a variety of stakeholders. We explore what this means for managers, their clients and investment outcomes.
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Plus ça change…The outlook for infrastructure debt in 2024
Infrastructure demonstrated characteristic resilience in 2023 in the face of significant macroeconomic headwinds. Darryl Murphy from our infrastructure team explains why he expects current themes to persist in 2024.
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Tech, trees and tailwinds: The outlook for climate transition real assets
In this Q&A, James Tarry and Luke Layfield explore the themes shaping the landscape for real asset investors with a climate transition focus.
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Changing course: Creating a stable investment framework for offshore wind
Better market mechanisms and grid connection arrangements are essential to restore a stable investment environment in the offshore wind sector, as Nick Molho explains.
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The tipping point for climate finance: Making financial flows consistent with the Paris Agreement
Transition plans, including from governments in response to the Global Stocktake, will be crucial to bring about the shift to a low-emissions, climate-resilient world. Markets need clear implementation signals to align capital with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Our in-depth report calls for the creation of a transition-plan ecosystem connecting all levels of the global economy.
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The time to lead: Reforming multilateral development banks through a climate lens
To have a chance of limiting global warming to less than two degrees, the world must unlock huge investments in emerging markets. This is prompting calls for the reform of multilateral development banks, but will this be enough?
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Paying fair: The living wage comes of age
Paying employees a living wage is a growing concern for companies and regulators. As this concept gains traction, it should be viewed as a long-term investment in workers and businesses rather than a cost.
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Gender balance in the workplace: Levelling up
Despite progress on female representation in senior financial roles, the industry is nowhere near parity. We explore how finance can create a level playing field for all genders to thrive.
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Fairness, climate action and nature protection: Our key takeaways from AGM season
Investing to create a more sustainable, stable and prosperous world should be a core part of the purpose of any responsible asset manager. Louise Piffaut reviews our recent engagement activity designed to hold investee companies to account.
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Race, ethnicity and investing: Developing an inclusive culture
Since 2020, we have taken action to improve our own performance on diversity, equity and inclusion and engaged with investee companies on the key issues. On black representation specifically, building an inclusive culture and pipeline of talent are long-term efforts, as Mark Versey explains.
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Integrating net zero in sovereign bond portfolios: Understanding the impacts, risks and opportunities
Investing in climate transition and adaptation plans today adds to governments’ funding needs, but over time should make for stronger, more resilient economies. How should investors approach this to embed net-zero considerations into their sovereign bond portfolios?
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Disability inclusion in the workplace: Taking down the barriers
Disabled employees continue to face a variety of hurdles to cope with in addition to their day job. We look at how employers can help remove those barriers to allow everyone to thrive.
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