We review trends across markets and economies in Q4 2019, consider what they mean for our multi-asset portfolios and present a positioning update. All major risk asset classes enjoyed handsome quarterly returns in Q4 2019, particularly global equities, reflected by
A look back at markets in Q4 2019 when shares were supported by optimism over the prospects for a US-China trade deal.
Escalating geopolitical risks and increased monetary easing have elevated both the upside and downside risks for the global economy. As such, it is currently very difficult to determine which force will gain the upper hand. The greatest threat to the
Investors rode a veritable roller coaster during the quarter, navigating the hills and valleys of global monetary policy, growing geopolitical risk and quickly shifting sands of trade. Most notably, the sharp and steep upward lurch in global bond prices presented
After a difficult summer for risk assets, investors returned from their holidays in a bullish mood and drove equities higher in September, leaving global equities broadly flat for the quarter. The quarter was marked by a continued slowdown in the
The third quarter presented conditions in which even the most seasoned of investors rightly feared being whipsawed. Manufacturing data showed an ever-worsening global activity outlook yet the S&P 500, while range-bound, traded near its highs. Investors also observed a seemingly
A review of markets in Q3, when economic data pointed to an ongoing slowdown and central banks in the US and Europe eased monetary policy. It was a mixed quarter for shares, with developed markets making small gains while emerging
Despite slowing growth in Europe’s economic heartlands and ongoing “Brexit” uncertainty, the markets were cheered after the European Central Bank extended its deposit rate further into negative territory and announced another round of asset purchases.
Global equities extended their 2019 gains into the second quarter, but with substantial volatility. Trade tensions — re-ignited by the threat of tariffs on essentially all US imports from China, the US government’s designation of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei as
Market Review In June, the central banks came to the rescue. Confronted by weaker economic data, risks to the trade outlook and still low inflation, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and the European Central Bank (ECB) indicated that the cavalry
We review trends across markets and economies in Q2 2019, consider what they mean for our multi-asset portfolios and present a positioning update. The second quarter of 2019 brought largely negative news on the U.S.-China trade front, a corresponding dovish
European equities continued their rally into Q2 with the S&P Europe 350 rising 3%, modest compared to its stellar first quarter gains of 13%. Most of our core European factor indices rose in the second quarter, with the S&P Europe
A review of Q1 2019 when equities rebounded, supported by market expectations that the Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates this year.
A review of Q1 2019 when equities rebounded, supported by market expectations that the Federal Reserve will not raise interest rates this year.
Fourth Quarter 2018 Key Points U.S. economic data remained firm, but signs of a potential slowdown in the U.S./global economy have been growing. The yield curve flattened, with the spread between 2 & 10-Year Treasurys reaching its lowest level in
Over the fourth quarter of 2018 The final quarter of 2018 was not good for equity markets. Investors have had to contend with rising US central bank interest rates, a sharp slowdown in eurozone business confidence, weaker Chinese growth and
Over the fourth quarter of 2018 The final quarter of 2018 was not good for equity markets. Investors have had to contend with rising US central bank interest rates, a sharp slowdown in eurozone business confidence, weaker Chinese growth and
Each quarter, Multi-Asset Strategist Adam Berger takes a quick tour of what he’s hearing from total-return-focused investors and what’s “top of mind” in terms of strategic and opportunistic ideas. Here we highlight some of his thoughts from the latest session
The S&P 500 posted its best quarterly results in 5 years, with a nearly 8% gain, bringing year to date returns close to 11%. Every industry sector posted higher returns, paced by healthcare (+14%). The laggard was materials (+.04%) which
In this Issue Many investors fear the economy may shift into recession, as all good things must come to an end. We don’t share their nearterm pessimism. However, ten years into a US expansion, we do see rising market volatility
The Weekly Brief Coping With Political Uncertainties. This week, hedge fund returns were dragged by CTAs. Early signs of the Bank of Japan moving out of zero interest-rate policy hit their Japanese bonds and short JPY positions. Some Event-Driven strategies also
The Guiding Light The Guiding Light holds the title of the longest-running soap opera of all time. When it was canceled in 2009, it had tallied 18,262 episodes over 57 seasons. The show started its run in 1952 – coincidentally
Market Review After a tricky first quarter, most equity markets have had a better second quarter. This has been helped by data confirming that the first-quarter weakness in US consumption was a temporary blip. US retail sales grew by over
A review of global markets and portfolio positioning in Q1 Equity market volatility made a comeback in the first quarter of 2018, with the VIX index gaining 9 points and the MSCI All Country World Index performing poorly, returning -0.96%.
A review of global markets and portfolio positioning in Q1 Equity market volatility made a comeback in the first quarter of 2018, with the VIX index gaining 9 points and the MSCI All Country World Index performing poorly, returning -0.96%.
"We more than ever need a targeted investment agenda that stimulates ‘real’ economic growth," @hanswstegeman argues, "instead of the current financial agenda, which above all sustains elevated asset prices."
Discover our Q1 2020 Economic Outlook on our website now.
Global 5G deployment could trigger the emergence of a whole range of new services, say UBP’s experts. Read this piece to find out why and how.
