Waste not, want not

After decades of low returns on research and development (R&D), the healthcare sector is producing a slew of innovations, from drugs to diagnostics. But with many coming from new entrants, will big pharmaceutical companies manage to keep up with the times?

As central banks continue to stretch what ‘transitory’ inflation means, Sunil Krishnan explores how price pressures are changing and the implications for multi-asset portfolios.

Trend rates of economic growth, which have been on the decline for decades in the world’s leading economies, look set to fall further. That will have big implications for governments, companies, households and investors, argues Stewart Robertson.

Diversification is a core tenet of multi-asset investing. Sunil Krishnan explores thematic ideas that may help diversify portfolios in the current market environment.

A strong economic recovery and continued reflationary bias from the Federal Reserve could push long-dated yields higher on US Treasuries, says Sunil Krishnan.

Individual investors have long been derided for buying and selling investments at the worst possible moment. But recent events suggest this characterisation is outdated.

The global economy looks to be recovering from the COVID-19 outbreak faster than once seemed likely. However, a big divergence in prospects is emerging between richer and poorer nations.

While much of the developed world appears to be on the road to recovery, aided by the rapid roll-out of vaccines, the outlook for many poorer countries is far less favourable, says Ian Pizer.

Although economic growth, operating leverage and valuations support equities, it is too early to tell whether value stocks are finally set to make a comeback, says Sunil Krishnan.

Beauty is only skin deep, as the saying goes. Francois de Bruin explains what this piece of wisdom means for yield-hungry income investors.

Recent events have shown the increasing influence of retail investors, although long-term financial success will continue to depend on making the right fundamental calls, argues Peter Fitzgerald.

While inflation is expected to rise after last year’s lows, it will likely be transitory. Sunil Krishnan explores what this means for the economy, yield curves and equity markets.