Multi-asset allocation views

Big challenges bring us the opportunity to think differently. Our investment teams reveal what they have learnt from COVID-19, and how they are preparing to face whatever ‘normal’ emerges in a post-pandemic world.

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.

As 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 2021 letter.

Sunil Krishnan highlights some of the themes that will shape multi-asset investing in 2021.

Liam Spillane, head of emerging market debt at Aviva Investors, picks three themes that could have a big say in how the asset class performs in 2021.

We select some of our key pieces of content in a year of unending drama.

The Goldilocks environment is back, but bears are lurking in the shadows. Francois de Bruin explores the risks and opportunities that need to be managed to get outcomes that are “just right”.

After a strong summer, conditions are changing in asset markets. Sunil Krishnan assesses the risks and opportunities for investors.

With US real interest rates sinking ever more deeply into negative territory as the Fed signals it is on hold for a prolonged period, the outlook for the dollar is bearish for the first time in a decade, argues Mark Robertson.

Much like a gem is forged under pressure, the ESG movement is powerful because it results from tension at multiple levels: between art and science, absolute and relative, exclusion and engagement. Francois de Bruin explores the lines of tension underpinning the investment approach to sustainability.

Bottom-up thinking is not a typical hallmark of multi-asset investing. However, Francois de Bruin believes the granularity that comes from this approach offers useful diversification and risk benefits.

With the notable exception of China, countries around the world have struggled to get their economies firing on all cylinders without COVID-19 infections flaring up again. Until a way to contain the virus is found, recoveries are likely to remain stop-start and fragile, argue Ian Pizer, Mark Robertson and Sunil Krishnan.