Insurance

A new Cold War? What the Russia-Ukraine crisis means for globalisation and markets
The world has become more volatile and unpredictable with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But while Vladimir Putin may have dealt globalisation another blow, China and the West will want to prevent the world splitting into two competing blocs.
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Our annual letter to company chairpersons
As a key part of our engagement efforts, every January we send a letter to the chairs of companies we invest in (and some we don’t, but still want to use our influence with) to set out our stewardship priorities for the year. Here, in full, is our 2022 letter.
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That déjà vu feeling: The outlook for UK infrastructure
Darryl Murphy assesses the current state of the UK infrastructure market and the likely drivers of activity in 2022.
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How to build an office: Post-pandemic
Watch our video to find out how offices can provide a powerful tool in boosting productivity, and attracting and retaining the best talent.
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By the people, for the people: Why investors should care about human rights
Companies cannot thrive without healthy and happy employees, consumers, and communities. Investors must use their influence with companies and other stakeholders to ensure the basic rights of these groups are respected.
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Are sustainable bonds the new smartphones?
The market for sustainable bonds to fund activities that have a positive impact on the environment or society is booming. But there are many factors to consider before investing. Not least among them is a crucial question: is your money really being used to fund the activities promised?
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COVID, capital and climate: An interview with Ashish Dafria
Ashish Dafria, chief investment officer for Aviva, discusses the investment implications of the pandemic, climate change and the macroeconomic environment for a large insurer.
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Pressure points: The investment challenges facing insurers
Low interest rates, regulation and ESG risks are not new considerations for insurers’ investment strategies. However, the long-term fallout from COVID-19 is adding a layer of complexity they will need to adjust to.
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What does the data say? Bitcoin, offices and emissions
In our monthly visual series on topical data themes, we look at whether Bitcoin could be the new gold, if COVID-19 has put pressure on London office rents, and the extent to which transport affects the carbon footprint of foods.
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Living in the past: Why are controversy scores so controversial?
Many investors use controversy scores as a filter to avoid firms whose damaging behaviour has hit the headlines, from human rights violations to environmental disasters. But these scores have serious limitations, making them an inadequate tool for investors who want to manage ESG risks and have a positive impact.
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Everybody wants one: Are sustainable bonds the new smartphones?
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance and fragility of the natural balance. As governments, companies and investors aim for a just transition, sustainable bonds are being issued at pace in different formats. Is it a fad, and do markets really need so many varieties?
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How Manchester transformed into a city of the future
Once an industrial powerhouse, Manchester reversed its decline to become one of Europe's top creative capitals. Watch our video to find out why we call it a city of the future.
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Multi-asset allocation views: Room to grow
The early part of a year gives investors an opportunity to take stock. Sunil Krishnan reflects on how the current environment is shaping our views for multi-asset portfolios.
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A time for action: Race, ethnicity and investing
In a two-part feature, we look at what asset managers need to focus their engagement efforts on to make a difference on anti-black racism, and why the industry needs to get its own house in order.
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The path for oil and gas after COVID-19
Post-COVID recovery initiatives from governments are increasingly taking a green path, but the response of oil and gas companies so far runs from denial to complete reinvention. Should they continue pumping oil for as long as they can to avoid destroying capital for investors, or do they need to accelerate efforts to future proof their businesses now?
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COVID, climate and Black Lives Matter: The stories that defined 2020
We select some of our key pieces of content in a year of unending drama.
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Pensions

A new Cold War? What the Russia-Ukraine crisis means for globalisation and markets
The world has become more volatile and unpredictable with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But while Vladimir Putin may have dealt globalisation another blow, China and the West will want to prevent the world splitting into two competing blocs.
Read more

Real assets: An alternative way to hedge inflation risk
As inflation soars to levels not seen in years, the costs of hedging against it via traditional liquid market securities are becoming prohibitively expensive. Real assets might offer institutional investors a better option, argues Luke Layfield.
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Our annual letter to company chairpersons
As a key part of our engagement efforts, every January we send a letter to the chairs of companies we invest in (and some we don’t, but still want to use our influence with) to set out our stewardship priorities for the year. Here, in full, is our 2022 letter.
Read more

That déjà vu feeling: The outlook for UK infrastructure
Darryl Murphy assesses the current state of the UK infrastructure market and the likely drivers of activity in 2022.
Read more

What does the data say? Ice meltdown, unicorns and green pensions
In this month’s instalment of our visual series on topical data themes, we look at melting ice caps, the rising value (and volume) of ‘unicorn’ companies, and the hidden power of your pension.
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How to build an office: Post-pandemic
Watch our video to find out how offices can provide a powerful tool in boosting productivity, and attracting and retaining the best talent.
Read more

Kings, Dukes and superfunds: An interview with Edi Truell
In a wide-ranging conversation with AIQ, the self-described “disruptive capitalist” whizzes through the highlights of a varied career and ambitions for his latest venture, the UK’s first consolidating pension ‘superfund’. Words by Miles Costello.
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By the people, for the people: Why investors should care about human rights
Companies cannot thrive without healthy and happy employees, consumers, and communities. Investors must use their influence with companies and other stakeholders to ensure the basic rights of these groups are respected.
Read more

Are sustainable bonds the new smartphones?
The market for sustainable bonds to fund activities that have a positive impact on the environment or society is booming. But there are many factors to consider before investing. Not least among them is a crucial question: is your money really being used to fund the activities promised?
Read more

What does the data say? Bitcoin, offices and emissions
In our monthly visual series on topical data themes, we look at whether Bitcoin could be the new gold, if COVID-19 has put pressure on London office rents, and the extent to which transport affects the carbon footprint of foods.
Read more

The client lens: An interview with Richard Soper
The co-chair of the First UK Bus Pension Scheme Trustee discusses COVID-19, ESG and the state of the UK pensions industry.
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Living in the past: Why are controversy scores so controversial?
Many investors use controversy scores as a filter to avoid firms whose damaging behaviour has hit the headlines, from human rights violations to environmental disasters. But these scores have serious limitations, making them an inadequate tool for investors who want to manage ESG risks and have a positive impact.
Read more

Zero rates: Too much of a good thing?
The inexorable rise in asset prices caused by the seemingly never-ending era of monetary easing is calling into question long-held investment beliefs, as members of our multi-asset & macro and equities teams explain.
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Everybody wants one: Are sustainable bonds the new smartphones?
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance and fragility of the natural balance. As governments, companies and investors aim for a just transition, sustainable bonds are being issued at pace in different formats. Is it a fad, and do markets really need so many varieties?
Read more

How Manchester transformed into a city of the future
Once an industrial powerhouse, Manchester reversed its decline to become one of Europe's top creative capitals. Watch our video to find out why we call it a city of the future.
Read more

Multi-asset allocation views: Room to grow
The early part of a year gives investors an opportunity to take stock. Sunil Krishnan reflects on how the current environment is shaping our views for multi-asset portfolios.
Read more
Commercial borrowers

The time for action is now: Incorporating carbon into private markets
Our real assets research analysts explore the whys and wherefores of understanding and managing the carbon footprint of their portfolios.
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That déjà vu feeling: The outlook for UK infrastructure
Darryl Murphy assesses the current state of the UK infrastructure market and the likely drivers of activity in 2022.
Read more

European long-income real estate: Seeking resilience in an uncertain world
As the trajectory of COVID-19 continues to evolve, Isabel Gossling looks at the implications for European real estate and long-lease strategies.
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An investor’s perspective on the UK’s Net Zero Strategy
Darryl Murphy assesses the implications and opportunities for infrastructure investors.
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Disclosures, trade-offs and green premia: The future of sustainability in real assets
The path to a sustainable future for private markets is full of opportunity but also complexity, as Laurence Monnier and Ed Dixon explain.
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COVID and beyond: Why the greenfield data infrastructure boom is set to continue
The global pandemic may have accelerated demand for data infrastructure, but the underlying drivers behind the growth of data centre markets go far beyond short-term factors, explains Laurence Monnier.
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Measuring the mythical: Quantifying the green premium in real estate
The green premium is an elusive concept. Laurence Monnier reviews the academic literature and crunches some numbers to try and quantify the extra pricing power afforded by more sustainable commercial properties.
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COVID, climate and Black Lives Matter: The stories that defined 2020
We select some of our key pieces of content in a year of unending drama.
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When equity becomes debt: The untapped potential of amortising-lease real estate
Pension schemes seeking alternatives to bonds may find amortising leases a compelling option, writes Luke Layfield.
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Five charts that show Manchester is a city of the future
In this short, visual article we present five charts that show why Manchester is such a rich, vibrant and economically prosperous city. Our view is that the ingredients of connectivity, culture, talent, scale and scientific heritage make the city well-equipped to thrive in the coming years and decades.
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How to build back better, greener and faster: A 10-point plan for UK infrastructure
Boris Johnson has called for an ‘infrastructure revolution’ to help lift the UK economy out of its coronavirus-induced malaise. Private capital could and should play a large role alongside the public purse in delivering on that ambition, as Darryl Murphy sets out in a blueprint for the industry.
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COVID-19: Is there still a premium for illiquidity?
One of the immediate consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a marked reduction in investors’ risk appetite. But will their appetite for the illiquidity premium in private markets also disappear? Laurence Monnier explores.
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'Mastering the real estate cycle'
The cyclicality of real estate creates opportunities for well-informed investors. However, determining where a market is in the cycle can be difficult, so we have developed a tool that can help investors overcome this challenge.
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RPI may be flawed, but changes shouldn’t cost pensioners and investors
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.
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Rates, retail and polarisation: three themes for UK and European real estate
Jonathan Bayfield and Vivienne Bolla discuss the outlook for UK and European real estate.
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BP vote demonstrates power of engagement
As climate change rises up the political agenda throughout the West and beyond, shareholders have an important role to play in limiting global fossil fuel consumption by pressuring oil companies to amend their strategies, argues Sora Utzinger.
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