Following months of pain for bond markets hit by stubborn inflation and high interest rates, front-end credit remains a relative safe haven for investors, continuing to provide attractive relative risk adjusted returns. Here, our portfolio managers analyse the impact of so-called “wipeout” yields and spreads and outline why current attractive levels mean that the performance of front-end bonds is now much more insulated from further yield rises or spread widening than it has been in the past.

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?

Tech stocks have continued to perform well in 2024 relative to the broader market, but there has been wide divergence in returns, even among the ‘Magnificent 7’. Fidelity Global Technology portfolio manager Hyun Ho Sohn outlines why tech themes could broaden out beyond recent high profile winners and discusses some of the underappreciated opportunities he sees across the sector.

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.

Chinese equities have recently been marked by elevated volatility, but there are signs of economic stabilisation and green shoots of improving investor sentiment. Having recently completed 10 years at the helm of Fidelity China Special Situations PLC, Dale Nicholls reflects on the key changes he’s seen on the ground through a tumultuous period and outlines why now could be an opportune time to revisit the case for Asia’s largest economy and stock market.

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.

Portfolio manager Talib Sheikh provides an update on recent positioning moves within Fidelity’s multi asset income range, highlighting the increased exposure to developed market equities. He also shines a light on how the investment process has been adjusted to reflect changing economic scenarios.

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. 

As conditions look ripe for a period of outperformance in US credit markets, Fidelity US Dollar Bond portfolio manager Rick Patel outlines three catalysts that could trigger the Fed to start cutting interest rates.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alex Wright, portfolio manager of Fidelity Special Situations & Fidelity Special Values PLC, outlines why he remains excited by the opportunities on offer in the UK despite recent market volatility. Within this, he highlights the improving outlook for corporate earnings and profits, particularly among domestic stocks and sectors that were hit disproportionately hard by Brexit and the pandemic.