One of the most consistent themes in financial markets over the past 15 years has been the outperformance of US equities. A dollar invested in the S&P 500 at the low of the financial crisis in 2009 would now be worth over $10, more than double the return from European equities and around three times the return from UK, emerging markets or Chinese equities. An allocation of 100% US equities would have been difficult to beat. Why have US equities been so successful and will the trend continue?

Recent months have served a timely reminder that market dynamics can shift rapidly. As investors mull the shape of portfolios amid potential concentration risks, Asia offers attractive long-term growth and income potential at compelling relative valuations, alongside diversification benefits. Marty Dropkin, Head of Equities, Asia Pacific, outlines how investors can position to capture long-term value and embrace what’s next in the region’s development.

With visitors heading to Paris for this summer’s Olympics, which French companies stand to benefit? Marcel Stötzel, portfolio manager of the Fidelity European Fund and Fidelity European Trust PLC, examines the changing dynamics of the luxury goods market. He highlights why he continues to favour companies with strong pricing power, which will be well-placed to grow in an uncertain market environment.

Walter Scott’s Murdo MacLean considers the key attributes he thinks quality companies should possess to be resilient over the long term.

Equity income was once a popular and well-established investment strategy, offering investors a chance to capture the power of compounded dividend appreciation over the long-term. In recent years, however, it has been somewhat overshadowed by the outperformance of growth stocks largely led by US technology stocks. Capital gains took a precedence during the post-Global Financial Crisis era of ultra-low interest rates and quantitative easing measures implemented by central banks. Now we find ourselves in a very different environment, we believe the forgotten art of dividend investing could be making a comeback.

Ground-breaking anti-obesity drugs look set to be transformational for millions of individuals worldwide. Walter Scott investment managers Lindsay Scott and Max Skorniakov, and investment analyst Dr Oriana Beaumont investigate the potential consequences of anti-obesity drugs.

After years of underperformance, UK equities could be on the cusp of a much-needed revival in fortunes as the fundamental environment becomes more stable. Alex Wright, portfolio manager of Fidelity Special Situations and Special Values PLC, outlines how the political and economic backdrop is likely to evolve and the unloved areas of the market that could set to benefit.

Cuteness and investments are two words that are rarely paired together in the same sentence, but one of Japan’s most recognisable cultural and iconic exports stands out in its potential to deliver growth beyond current market imagination. To mark Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary, Investment Director, Sunny Romo, sat down with Valentina Luo, an Analyst in the Asia Pacific equities team, to discuss the elements of the successful investment story in Sanrio, the creator of the much-loved feline character.