Following the Covid-19 pandemic, the ways in which we interact, work, and do business have changed. This digital revolution is defining how clients engage with advisers and has impacted adviser business models. Progressively more adviser businesses are looking to systemise their processes and client engagements with the aim of increasing productivity, reducing risk, and successfully delivering a range of client services.
The 2022 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report presented unequivocal scientific evidence that the health of the planet, and the life it supports, is threatened by rising temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions.
Paul talks to Robert Gilhooly, senior emerging markets economist at abrdn, about China’s move away from zero-Covid. They discuss the reasons for the abrupt policy shift, the initial hit in terms of health and economic activity, and the economic rebound that’s now underway.
Luke Bartholomew talks to Lizzy Galbraith, political economist at abrdn, about the outlook for US politics in 2023. They discuss the impact of the narrow Republican majority in the House on debt ceiling negotiations and fiscal policy more generally, the broader Republican legislative strategy for the next two years, and the ways in which the 2024 Presidential election will start to impact politics as 2023 progresses.
Emerging markets (EM) have been out of favour for some time. This asset class, which encompasses a diverse range of countries and economies, has suffered amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, a strong dollar and the economic disruption from China’s now abandoned ‘zero-Covid’ policy.
Last year was terrible for equities. A war in Ukraine, soaring inflation, higher interest rates and weak economic growth all weighed on sentiment. Globally, both small and large caps were firmly in negative territory. Large-cap indices like the S&P 500 were dragged down as technology companies (such as Meta and Tesla) and stocks with high valuations sold off. Meanwhile, risk-averse investors shunned small caps as economic conditions deteriorated.
Housing markets around the world are facing strong headwinds. Household finances and purchasing power are under pressure from falling real incomes, surging household bills and higher borrowing costs.
One of abrdn’s strategic priorities is supporting real world decarbonisation, as outlined in our Net Zero Directed Investing strategy. For us, that means allocating capital to credible transition leaders and climate solutions, as well as influencing the firms we invest in through active engagement.
As underlying inflation readings continue to surprise to the upside few central bankers are patient enough to allow the long and variable lags of monetary policy.
Trading conditions since the start of 2022 have been challenging for investors. High inflation, rising interest rates and the prospect of slowing economies have caused considerable volatility in equity and bond markets.
Summary of developments in emerging market debt in September 2022 and the outlook going forward.
Read more about the appeal of the private equity secondaries market.
abrdn consider some of the longer term factors that are exerting upward pressures on inflation.
Inflation has reached its highest level in over 40 years. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to drive up global energy and food prices. Ongoing supply-chain bottlenecks and rising labour costs are also boosting inflation. The question for investors is – which strategies might fare best if inflation persists?
Max Rofagha, Founder and CEO of Finimize, joins host Richard Dunbar in the latest episode of the Investment IQ Podcast series. Max and Richard discuss the history of Finimize, how it can tackle the information asymmetry between institutional and retail investors, and how Finimize and abrdn can work together to create a powerhouse for investing information and research. The discussion also touches on the global problem of financial literacy and how 'learning by doing' may be part of the answer. This podcast was recorded in July 2022.
Smaller companies tend to be more susceptible to inflation risk than their larger peers. However, while the broad asset class may be floundering amid the highest inflation in decades, in our view, compelling opportunities remain among certain high-quality international small caps.
Nature is vital for a healthy economy, but the planet faces a crisis as companies, markets and governments have consistently failed to take into account the financial value of biodiversity.
It’s encouraging to see policymakers commit to ‘Net Zero 2050’. However, the road ahead will be challenging, not least in the real estate sector. In Europe, for example, greenhouse gas emissions from buildings need to drop 60% from 1990 levels by 2030. This clearly represents a major change for the sector – but dig down into the detail and the task begins to look almost Herculean. And it won’t be accomplished in time without a step change in response and radical collaboration from all actors in the sector.
Inflation has reached its highest level in over 40 years. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to drive up global energy and food prices. Ongoing supply-chain bottlenecks and rising labour costs are also boosting inflation. The question for investors is – which strategies might fare best if inflation persists?