The shape of economic recovery varies significantly across regions, despite most countries facing the same Covid-19 variants. Here we look at key regional trends forecast by our analysts for the year ahead.

More and more companies are falling behind in their efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, according to Fidelity's latest ESG Analyst Survey. But a growing awareness of climate-related risks is reason to believe they will soon ramp up their efforts.

This virtual event is accredited for 1 hour 50 minutes of CISI endorsed structured CPD. To qualify, 75% viewing time is required.

China’s equity markets have declined further over recent weeks off the back of weak data and a subdued response from policymakers. Marty Dropkin, Head of Equities - Asia Pacific, considers recent moves in the context of China’s broader economic objectives and outlines where our local team are identifying pockets of resilience and innovation, which could reward investors willing to take a long-term view.

he buzz around the “metaverse” has gone into overdrive as the technology that could make it a (virtual) reality draws closer and internet giants make big bets on its success. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? And does it ‘meta’ for investors?

The economy continues to deliver surprises but we are confident of one thing: if US and other developed world interest rates have not peaked already, then they will do so soon. With growth set to stall, Global Head of Macro and Strategic Asset Allocation Salman Ahmed details four potential scenarios for 2024 and the next leg of a business cycle, which has seen the most intense round of monetary tightening in a generation.

The most innovative stocks at the forefront of ESG investing have seen their share prices rise by up to 10 times over the last two years, prompting talk of an ESG bubble. Yet, a broader group of less well-owned ESG stocks trade at only a modest premium. Jamie Harvey, portfolio manager of the Fidelity Sustainable Global Equity Fund highlights the growing opportunities in these under-appreciated stocks that offer significantly higher quality and growth prospects.

Alex Wright, portfolio manager of the Fidelity Special Situations Fund and Fidelity Special Values PLC, shares his outlook for UK equities in 2024. He highlights the unloved areas of the domestic market where he sees potential for recovery and discusses why we could be at the start of a sustained period of outperformance from UK value stocks and sectors.

While domestic consumption of sustainable products remains nascent, Victoria Mio, Director of Asian equities, discusses why China’s exporters are tapping into demand for ‘green’ goods from consumers and businesses around the world.

Asia remains an attractive market for long-term investors with structural growth across markets, driven by a growing middle class and increasing penetration of consumer products and services. Fidelity Asia Fund portfolio manager Teera Chanpongsang outlines how investors can best position to benefit from the region’s growth story in 2024 and beyond.

The medium-term outlook for the current cycle remains healthy and supportive for equity markets. However, there are several near-term risks. Short-term growth momentum is slowing, key central banks are moving towards faster policy normalisation, and there is another wave of Covid-19 forming. 

While the UK macro picture remains challenging, portfolio manager Alex Wright believes investment opportunities are still available for those who know where to look. He reviews recent market movements and highlights how Fidelity Special Situations & Special Values PLC are positioned to capitalise on unloved areas with overlooked potential.

Risk assets have been supported during 2021 as five key tailwinds peaked, although Fidelity MoneyBuilder Income and Short Dated Corporate Bond portfolio managers Sajiv Vaid and Kris Atkinson believe each of these will trend down as we head into 2022. Against this backdrop, high-quality corporate bonds should offer an attractive prospect for investors looking for a combination of income and safety.

Fidelity Asia Pacific Opportunities portfolio manager Anthony Srom explains why caution and selectivity will be key for 2022. He gives his investment outlook for the region and outlines the pockets of the market which he believes offer attractive upside potential for discerning stock pickers.

Global CIO Andrew McCaffery and senior members of our team review current market dynamics and provide an insight into the implications of recent macro and policy developments. They outline how this evolving backdrop is informing our views across asset classes as we head into the final quarter of 2023.

Sam Morse and Marcel Stötzel, portfolio managers of the Fidelity European Fund and Fidelity European Trust PLC, outline why they believe Europe could be at the forefront of the next decade of innovation, and why this creates significant opportunities for patient, long-term investors who are will willing to back European innovation and benefit from the leaders of the next decade.

With US labour markets still strong, the Federal Reserve is sticking to its “higher for longer” messaging. Global Head of Macro & Strategic Asset Allocation Salman Ahmed analyses the future direction for inflation and growth and believes the US economy could be in for a shock next year when the impact of higher rates finally start to bite.

As media headlines focus on China’s evolving regulatory environment, we take a step back and focus on the opportunity set across the broader region. Our investment team debate the outlook and discuss the key factors shaping the economic and investment landscape across India and the ASEAN region.