Global CIOs Andrew McCaffery and Romain Boscher discuss how economies and companies are emerging from the pandemic and the implications for markets. While there are growing signs of optimism, markets remain highly sensitive to changes in sentiment. So what are the risks lying ahead?

Alex Wright, portfolio manager of Fidelity Special Situations & Special Values PLC, shares his latest outlook for UK equities. As investor sentiment shows signs of turning overly pessimistic, he outlines why, as a contrarian investor with a value focus, he is growing increasingly optimistic about certain areas of the domestic market.

Paras Anand, Chief Investment Officer, Asia Pacific, discusses how an increasing number of Chinese firms are shifting their focus away from a US listing in favour of domestic stock markets. He examines what’s driving this sea change and the implications for both Chinese companies and international investors.

US-Iran tensions have triggered a sharp spike in oil prices, raising fresh questions about inflation, growth and the outlook for global bond markets. Mike Riddell, Portfolio Manager of the Fidelity Strategic Bond Fund, explains why markets view the disruption as a near-term shock, how geopolitics is reshaping the macro backdrop, and where he is currently positioning the portfolio to capture alpha while managing downside risks.

China boasts the biggest consumer market in the world by population with large parts of it still under-penetrated. Wealth and technology are fuelling the sophistication of tastes and diversifying demand, often in unexpected ways. Paras Anand, Chief Investment Officer for Asia Pacific, talks with portfolio managers Hyomi Jie and Dale Nicholls to understand the trajectory of consumption in the country and what it means for markets.

Global markets are adjusting to disruption at key trade choke points as volatility remains elevated. With risks skewed to further escalation, senior members of our investment team assess the implications for growth and inflation and highlight the benefits of diversification, selectivity and flexibility in an uncertain environment.

The potential for widespread dividend cuts and cancellations was a dominant narrative over the first half of the year as lockdowns hit. But to what extent has rhetoric been matched by reality? We reveal some of the key payout patterns seen so far and outline why a focus on solid and sustainable dividend-payers looks set to continue to reward income-seeking investors in the future.

In the latest episode of The Investor’s Guide to Asia, portfolio managers Nick Price and Cynthia Chen discuss why Chinese stocks remain central to portfolios in an increasingly multipolar world.

The assumption that shareholder returns should be maximised at any cost has been challenged by Covid-19, further embedding sustainable investing as a future destination for asset flows. Head of Equities, Asia Ned Salter and Lead Cross-Asset Strategist Wen-Wen Lindroth explore the drivers behind this transformation and their consequences for investors.

Geopolitical tensions centred on Iran are adding to market volatility. In this environment, we believe investors may better navigate the uncertainty by combining diversified core exposures with differentiated return streams and active asset allocation.

Covid-19 has already had a significant economic and social impact with extensive monetary and fiscal policies implemented to help mitigate the cost of the pandemic. This new world raises new challenges for income-seeking investors - we assess how and where investors might reach for yield.

Geoeconomic fragmentation intensifies

We recently surveyed our team of analysts across the globe to get the on-the-ground view of what they’re hearing from companies. This month’s findings reveal that activity in most sectors and regions is expected to return to a stable level in under a year - but which regions and sectors show the most promise?

Global markets have entered a period of heightened volatility following the latest escalation of tensions involving Iran, as energy prices and risk assets adjust to the prospect of a more sustained geopolitical conflict. Against this backdrop, our senior investment team assess the evolving macro risks, outline potential scenarios and discuss how portfolios are positioned to navigate near-term uncertainty while remaining focused on longer-term fundamentals.

The Federal Reserve announced no major policy changes at the June FOMC meeting, as expected. Anna Stupnytska, Head of Global Macro and Investment Strategy dissects the key messages from the statement; whilst there was an overtone of “considerable risks” to the outlook for the US it’s not all bad news and there are early signs of stabilisation.

Marcel Stötzel, Co-Portfolio Manager of the Fidelity European Fund and Fidelity European Trust PLC, explores the structural changes driving a stronger backdrop for Europe. He outlines why a disciplined, quality‑focused investment approach is key to capturing opportunities emerging across the region.

As the UK starts to emerge from lockdown, Fidelity UK Select Fund portfolio manager Aruna Karunathilake discusses how investors should approach the gradual reopening of the domestic economy. He outlines how easing back into normality will affect different sectors, why he’s feeling more positive on oil and how he’s positioning for Brexit.

A critical look at the factors underpinning recent market moves suggests that the current disconnect between the positivity of Wall Street and the sobering economic reality of Main Street will converge. We outlines three things investors should consider when positioning for this phase and why this could be good news for active investors.