Analysis

True diversification is the only way for investors to protect themselves against global risk, says Jamie Green. “This includes diversification across asset classes, geographies, industries and even company sizes.”

The current market isn’t just a poor marking stick for active investment expertise, but a dangerous one, with concentration risk at alarmingly high levels. Are fund managers right to be wrong?

It’s hard to exceed stratospheric expectations, which is the proposition investors buying into the big US tech stocks face. Hunting for lower bars to hurdle likely makes sense in this unique market era, according to Orbis Investments.

Toohey notes that on top of softening inflation, small caps will also be buoyed by enhanced consumer sentiment and a better lending environment. “The sector now looks extremely attractive,” he says.

Historical information may have limited value, but its ability to assist investment managers in identifying trends cannot be understated. Of course, understanding (let alone pulling apart) economic data is not always straightforward.

An evolutionary leap in the retail investment product landscape is taking place, with asset consultants displacing financial advisers across rich corners of the value chain. Scarcity Partners’ big bet on Evidentia, and how it’s being received, brings into focus just how seismic the shift really is.

One domestic bond manager stands out when measuring over both one and three year terms, according to the latest data from the Atchison Consultants approved product list.

Investors may be in love with the ‘magnificent seven’ technology stocks, yet the top end of the stock market is notoriously volatile. That’s worth noting for devotees of passive investing, says Orbis Investments.

The concept of a ‘qualified adviser’ with less qualifications provoked an industry backlash. While the government has signalled it is open to discussion, the problem remains – how to open up advice to more consumers at a viable cost?

In 2023 governments came to a general awareness that to achieve net-zero, robust and consistent ESG policy frameworks must be put in place. In 2024, we should see a continuation of that theme according to New-York based investment group Neuberger Berman.

The life insurance advice sector has been battling a host of issues, including an ill-fitting education program, remuneration uncertainty and product design flaws, for some time. Is it in a death spiral, or is there a path to sustainability for this crucial arm of the advice industry?

Financial stewards need to cast a broader eye over the stance companies take on social issues like The Voice and the Israel/Palestine conflict. Community attitudes can vary widely, and public opprobrium can swing share prices dramatically.