Jonathan Manning, CFA

Surging inflation is leading to fears the world economy could be heading towards recession. While there are diverging views on whether we are entering a new era of stagflation, the medium-term growth-inflation trade off looks set to worsen with big implication for asset prices, argue Michael Grady and Peter Fitzgerald.

As we learn to live with COVID-19, focus is returning to delivering a just transition. This is important to secure long-term investment outcomes, but also presents direct opportunities.

Aaron Grehan and Nafez Zouk from our emerging market debt team explain how the asset class is standing up to some significant headwinds.

Growing awareness that natural systems are stressed or even close to breakdown is prompting asset managers to look closely at nature-based risks and investee companies to understand their environmental impacts and dependencies.

In this month’s instalment of our visual series on topical themes, we look at the far-reaching human and economic consequences of the Ukraine-Russian war.

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.

The concepts of biodiversity and ‘natural capital’ have been largely ignored by business and finance until recently. Investors are now starting to take the issue seriously and build it into their thinking.

From Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to surging inflation, risk has well and truly returned to markets in 2022. Sunil Krishnan offers useful insights for investors unaccustomed to such challenging times.

The UK equity market has been unloved by investors for much of the past decade. However, several positive factors suggest UK equities could return to favour.

Middle managers need to up their diversity, equity and inclusion game. They must think harder about roles models, succession planning, psychological safety and team dynamics to harness untapped human potential, explains Apiramy Jeyarajah.

The economic fallout from the pandemic has left several poorer nations struggling to repay debt. China, the biggest single creditor to many, could carry considerable clout in negotiations. Zambia will prove an early test case, argues Carmen Altenkirch.

Financial services businesses have begun the complex businesses of working out how to deliver on their net-zero ambitions and play their part in tackling climate change.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, following hot on the heels of the pandemic, could hasten the transition to a new, more volatile economic environment. That would have major ramifications for financial markets and investors, argues Michael Grady.

Asset managers must better explain how ESG can improve investment returns and make the world a better place. Clear guidance to help investors choose between funds is also required.

In this month’s instalment of our visual series on topical themes, we look at key trends in the credit market.

In an age of mass extinctions, policymakers, businesses and financial institutions are beginning to acknowledge the risks associated with biodiversity loss, along with the opportunities that arise from nature-positive solutions.