Ongoing conflict in the Middle East, lingering tariff-related uncertainties and the prospect of slower growth in China leave Asian equities trading at a discount relative to developed market peers. But the prospects remain bright for a wide range of regional companies, particularly those recognising that good governance and effective management of ESG-related issues can improve operating performance.

While lower for longer was the mantra of the last decade, there is a new catchphrase in town - higher for longer. As income-seeking investors adjust to this new environment, our fixed income investment team outline why the high-quality class looks well placed to command increased allocations and deliver relatively attractive risk-adjusted returns.

The impact of the Middle East conflict is spreading through the global economy. The latest Fidelity Answers podcast hears what Fidelity’s analysts are saying about the effects on companies and supply chains.

After years of political turbulence which have caused innumerable headaches for UK equity investors, the UK now seems to be in the early stages of a calmer period, which could see it regaining some of its past reputation as a well-run advanced economy. Against this backdrop, Fidelity UK Select Fund portfolio manager Aruna Karunathilake reviews the market environment and outlines why he is feeling increasingly optimistic on the outlook for UK equities.

Since its launch in 2009, Bitcoin has become the de facto leader of the cryptocurrency world and a reference point for emerging blockchains and digital assets. For investors looking to find out more about Bitcoin, this Fidelity Digital Assets “Coin Report” provides a useful overview of its potential strengths and weaknesses.

Fidelity Global Head of Stewardship and Sustainable Investing Jenn-Hui Tan sat down with some of our investment colleagues based in Hong Kong, to discuss the state of play when it comes to ESG investing in Asia. They examine how the region is getting to grips with ESG, including adoption and regulation and share how Fidelity is using research and engagement to effect companies.

A volatile geopolitical environment and valuation risks pose a challenge to equity market investors today. Against an uncertain backdrop, global equity income portfolio manager Tristan Purcell highlights the benefits of anchoring on sustainable dividends, resilient earnings and valuation discipline to navigate what comes next.

Generative artificial intelligence is the hot technology of the moment. It has the potential to be transformative, but as with other recent technologies - electric vehicles, renewable energy, blockchain - valuations can become detached from fundamentals. Equity research analyst Jonathan Tseng provides an overview of the technology, its risks and where we see investment potential.

Amid increased uncertainty over the future path of policy rates, including renewed inflation risks linked to higher energy prices and geopolitical tensions, the role of money market funds has come back into focus. In this environment, our investment team highlight why money market funds offer a disciplined framework for navigating a higher-rate world.

As large developed markets wrestle with recession concerns, many emerging market countries find themselves relatively well positioned with healthier finances and proactive central banks. Portfolio manager Amit Goel discusses some of the key areas of opportunity across this diverse universe and highlights how this is shaping positioning of the Fidelity Sustainable Emerging Markets Equity Fund.

Rate path clouded by evolving Middle East conflict

Inflationary pressures look to be showing signs of finally easing, but history shows that it can be a very challenging beast to tame. With the risk of us entering a period of sustained high inflation still real, Multi Asset portfolio manager Ian Samson outlines six ways investors can position for a higher for longer inflation environment.

Energy disruption has moved from tail risk to a central market driver. With commodities providing the most reliable hedge and broader fundamentals still supportive, the focus is on staying flexible - ready to add risk if tensions ease while managing downside if energy shocks persist.

Following a bumpy first half of 2023, portfolio manager Nick Price provides an update on Fidelity’s Emerging Markets strategy. He reviews the current challenges and opportunities facing investors, highlighting where he sees pockets of investment potential across this diverse universe.

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.

How orderly will the global net zero transition ultimately turn out to be? Our Global Macro & Strategic Asset Allocation Team assess the latest progress we are seeing and outline why policy shifts - catalysed by the energy crisis - have the potential to speed up progress towards net zero goals.

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.

Fidelity Multi Asset Income range portfolio manager Eugene Philalithis provides an update on the strategy. He discusses key performance drivers over recent months and outlines the key areas of risk and opportunity for income investors in today’s uncertain macro backdrop.