Real Assets Study 2020

The risk of the UK exiting the European Union without agreeing its future relationship appears to have risen in recent weeks. We consider the ramifications of such an outcome for the UK economy and sterling-denominated assets.

A growing number of investors are looking to private assets to provide higher yields than liquid alternatives, but few are targeting illiquidity premia explicitly, writes John Dewey.

Technological change is piling pressure on traditional retailers, a trend with significant implications for retail real estate, says Chris Urwin.

We may only be at the start of the digital age, but it is already exerting a significant influence over real estate, explains Francois de Bruin.

Despite an improving economic outlook, global real estate is likely to offer lower returns over the next five years. But opportunities remain for discerning investors, writes Chris Urwin.

Cambridge’s renowned science and technology hubs are helping the city flourish from the rise of the knowledge-based economy, says Chris Urwin.

Europe’s population is set to contract and age significantly over the coming decades, but the demographic shift will not be uniform. Understanding this dynamic will be an important driver of real estate investment performance, explains Monika Sujkowska.

Manchester is set to capitalise on thriving IT and media sectors, global transport links and renowned universities to profit from the changing role of cities as drivers of growth.

Birmingham is well-positioned to exploit the change in the role of cities as economic drivers, with demand for space in the office market likely to remain robust.

During a sustained period of strong performance for real estate assets, an investment strategy based on mimicking the benchmark paid off handsomely. But as we move into an altogether more challenging period, this approach will no longer reap the same rewards, argues Chris Urwin.

The retail real estate sector is increasingly polarised between secondary locations and shopping destinations with a luxury profile. This divergence reflects two factors: the increasing significance of e-commerce and the growth of luxury shopping tourism. Can we expect this trend to continue?

As more office jobs are set to be automated, forward-thinking investors need to think carefully about the sustainability of the cities where they choose to hold exposure.