Measure for measure

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.

A new pilot scheme could give investors greater access to China’s vast equity market. But the project may also affect the performance of existing Hong Kong-listed shares, says Will Ballard.

Richard Saldanha discusses the outlook for global equities.

The rise of the newly-affluent millennial generation is disrupting traditional industries in emerging markets – and bringing new risks and opportunities for investors.

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

Global equities ended 2017 at record highs, partly on the back of US tax cuts signed into law late last year, but also on optimism over the outlook for economic growth and corporate earnings in 2018.

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.

Uncertainty surrounding the UK economy is potentially driving a new wave of outward merger and acquisition activity.

With ambitious new targets for electric vehicles and vast opportunities in self-driving vehicles and the share-riding sector, China has the potential to reshape the global autos sector.

Correlations in equity markets have fallen dramatically since the beginning of 2017. We look at the drivers of this trend and the implications for investors.