Global equity markets have endured a torrid time in the first few months of 2018. The downturn has reached all regions, as concerns about higher interest rates and a potential trade war between the US and China have escalated. But smaller-cap equities have proven relatively resilient during this turbulent period.

Geopolitical risk is rising - and it’s changing how investors think about markets. Paul Diggle from Aberdeen Investments analyses the impacts.

US companies had an excellent beginning to 2018, as shown by their strong first-quarter corporate profits. European businesses, on the other hand, had a less auspicious start, a fact also reflected in their earnings reports. 

Our Q&A reveals why the fund’s bottom-up approach has stayed true for over 20 years – and what it means for the future

Over the past 18 months, the term ‘Goldilocks’ has increasingly been used to describe the global economic climate – neither too ‘hot’ to cause rampant inflation, nor too ‘cold’ to fall into recession.

Pointillist art offers a compelling insight into building resilient portfolios—where each investment plays a role in shaping the whole.

Seems the cash registers are already ringing in the UK this week. According to consulting firm Brand Finance, Saturday’s royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will boost the UK economy by around £1.05 billion.

Emerging markets could drive global growth in the years ahead. We explore how investors can rethink equity portfolio strategy in a changing world.

The US economic expansion has just become the second longest on record. If it continues beyond mid-2019, it will be number one. Its longevity is probably due to a mixture of circumstances, judgement and luck. The severity of the recession following the global financial crisis (GFC), coupled with the slowness of the subsequent recovery, has played a part. Regulatory reforms to the financial sector, implemented in response to the GFC, may also have contributed. And the fact that the US hasn’t been hit by any shocks of sufficient size to knock it badly off course has certainly helped. But as the economy heads towards that all-time record in 2019, what could bring it back down to earth? And are we capable of predicting the end before it’s upon us?

Under pressure from innovation, demanding clients and Old Father Time, hedge funds face their fair share of challenges. A rapidly evolving environment will spell the end for those who fail to keep pace. But in a Darwinian industry, those who innovate and adapt will ultimately benefit – and so will their clients.

Geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation and shifting asset class correlations are redefining the investment landscape. Understanding these forces is essential for investors seeking resilience and opportunity.

Equity investors enjoyed the spring sunshine this week. The S&P 500 was up 1.4% by Thursday’s close. The FTSE 100 and the FTSE World Europe ex UK indices gained 1.0% and 1.2%, respectively.

Transport infrastructure is evolving in a world shaped by urbanisation, decarbonisation and digitalisation. Why should investors see transport as a mainstay—and a megatrend—for 2026 and beyond?

Will AI drive growth or risk a bubble? Watch our video for our take on 2026’s key global economic trends.

Many would say that high street retailing is dead. The reality is that no high streets have truly perished and very few will be completely wiped out. Yet many are undoubtedly shadows of their former selves, most will never be the same again, and relatively few could be considered in fine fettle.

Will AI-driven growth keep global markets rolling, or are new risks on the horizon? Discover key forecasts for the US, China, Europe and Japan in our latest economic outlook.

Central government finances and fiscal policy often receive most of the attention, but for many countries, especially emerging markets (EM), local government spending far outweighs the central government.

Ongoing economic strength and tax reform are fuelling corporate profits in the US for companies large and small. Meanwhile, wage growth and rising input costs are putting pressure on margins.