Insights

Historically September has on average not been great for investors, and as it turns out this year is no exception to that norm. Both equities and bond valuations have declined and even though equities have not materially moved up or down when...

Overview: to yield or not to yield?Last week, stocks and bonds ended up bruised following the ‘hawkish pause’. The US Federal Reserve (Fed) announced on Wednesday it would hold interest rates steady at 5.25-5.5%, but threw in some stern forward guidance to...

This week, stocks and bondsare still bruised from the ‘hawkish pause’. The US Federal Reserve (Fed) announced on Wednesday that it would hold interest rates steady at 5.25-5.5%, but threw in some stern forward guidance to dispel any doubts it might be...

As the UK cost-of-living crisis continues to dominate both headlines and debates in Parliament, ESG considerations appear to have rapidly fallen down the government’s agenda. Environment Minister Zac Goldsmith’s resignation letter sparked concerns that the current crisis around domestic budgets has overshadowed...

Overview: Central bank hawks still determined to defang inflationThis time last week, it still seemed as if European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers would hold off on another rate hike, following some dire economic data. But on Thursday, the ECB raised its deposit...

The European Central Bank (ECB) raised rates yesterday, with the majority of its Governing Council members concerned that the inflation parasite may be alive for a while longer. Of course, parasites can continue to be robust while their host becomes pale and...

The impact of interest rate rises on UK consumers is not evenly spread. Some consumers are benefitting, which is in turn causing their spending to remain resilient, which bolsters demand and ultimately keeps inflation persistent –  a tricky situation for the Bank...

Overview: oil prices up and an ill wind for renewablesSo far Markets have been generally quiet during September, but energy is again becoming an issue. Oil prices have risen since the start of the summer, with Brent crude having bounced along a...

Markets have been generally quiet at the start of September but energy is again becoming an issue for equity and credit markets. Oil prices have risen since the start of the summer, with Brent crude having bounced along a bottom of $73...

Overview: New school term has the US top of the classSummer is officially over, but we are none the wiser regarding the direction of the economy. Or are we? Generally, the inflation backdrop continues to ease, although not fast enough for comfort...