RSMR fund ratings are more than just a badge of quality — they represent trust, due diligence, and a reputation built on rigorous research and expert analysis. Every month we study the universe of funds in the investment marketplace to assess whether they meet our exacting standards and should be given the RSMR seal of approval.
RSMR fund ratings are more than just a badge of quality — they represent trust, due diligence, and a reputation built on rigorous research and expert analysis. Every month we study the universe of funds in the investment marketplace to assess whether they meet our exacting standards and should be given the RSMR seal of approval.
As we move through another wave of technological transformation, financial advisers are increasingly being asked how to position portfolios for the rise of AI. The headlines are dominated by groundbreaking developments and showstopping returns but beneath the surface lies a much more complex and nuanced investment picture.
Markets entered the second quarter to extreme turbulence after the announcement of Trump’s Liberation Day tariff on 2nd April. As it turned out, the week following this marked the height of market pessimism and trade uncertainty. The pullback in equities and treasury bonds yields rising above 4.50%, saw the Trump administration tone down its extreme rhetoric on trade – likely triggered by the realisation that the heightened policy financing costs would impact on the administration enacting its pro-business agenda. As in his property dealings, Trump appears focused on initially making extreme demands and then backing off as a negotiating tactic to come up with a deal which he then claims is a huge victory.
RSMR fund ratings are more than just a badge of quality — they represent trust, due diligence, and a reputation built on rigorous research and expert analysis. Every month we study the universe of funds in the investment marketplace to assess whether they meet our exacting standards and should be given the RSMR seal of approval.
If the last few months have shown us anything, it’s that geopolitics are playing a bigger role in financial markets than ever before. Whether it’s escalating tensions in the Middle East or the long-running fallout from the war in Ukraine, global events are having a real and immediate impact on markets - and by extension, on investment portfolios.
RSMR fund ratings are more than just a badge of quality — they represent trust, due diligence, and a reputation built on rigorous research and expert analysis. Every month we study the universe of funds in the investment marketplace to assess whether they meet our exacting standards and should be given the RSMR seal of approval.
Humans have been fascinated by gold for over 6,000 years with the first known gold artefacts dating back to around 4,000 BC in Eastern Europe. It has been used as currency, art, jewellery, and a symbol of power across every major civilisation. Gold doesn't tarnish, rust, or corrode and is one of the most chemically stable elements on Earth, which is why it's been treasured for millennia and used to store value through wars, recessions, and currency collapses.
RSMR fund ratings are more than just a badge of quality — they represent trust, due diligence, and a reputation built on rigorous research and expert analysis. Every month we study the universe of funds in the investment marketplace to assess whether they meet our exacting standards and should be given the RSMR seal of approval.
The US is the largest consumer market in the world, making it a critical target for global exporters. The Trump administration's recent decision to raise trade tariffs stems from a combination of economic, political, and national security objectives. These tariffs are part of a broader strategy aimed at reshaping the US' trade relationships and bolstering domestic industries but are not without high levels of controversy.
Trump’s announcement of ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs and subsequent backdown occurred in a way which demonstrated how important it is for him to claim victory to boost his ego. The initial climbdown was driven by a setback in US Treasury markets and in the end the ‘Bond Vigilantes’ tamed Trump. The US economic hard data remains strong with excellent job creation numbers in the most recent non-farm payrolls and retail sales data strong, although the latter may well be driven by threatened tariffs encouraging consumers to buy early. There does remain a significant risk that over the next few months retail sales will see a decline as consumers have brought forward purchases. The most recent PCE core inflation numbers were encouraging.
Global news headlines have been dominated by US tariffs, including announcements on ‘Liberation Day’, 2nd April. The reaction in markets has been significant with substantial falls in key equity markets, exacerbated in some areas by public holidays at the end of last week when reciprocal announcements were being made which has resulted in greater volatility this week. The tariffs are due to be implemented on April 9th, so there is a window for potential negotiations to take place before then, and affected countries will have to decide whether to bargain or not. Some, such as China and perhaps Europe, may prefer to work on boosting their own domestic demand and so may let the undermining effect of tariffs on the US economy play out, but other countries may look to negotiate. Of course, this assumes that the US administration holds its nerve.
Every month we study the universe of funds in the investment marketplace to assess whether they meet our exacting standards and should be given the RSMR seal of approval.
With changes in pension regulations, tax treatment, and investment strategies shaping how advisers support clients, retirement planning has undergone significant transformation over the years. Historically, HMRC emphasised that pensions were solely for providing income in retirement, but legislative changes have led to a shift in approach. With further changes in the pipeline from April 2027, advisers are having to adapt to the evolving landscape as it unfolds.
The founder of Modern Portfolio Theory, Harry Markowitz, famously described diversification as the ‘only free lunch’ when it came to investing. The quote is as relevant now as it was back in the 1950s.
The Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously in February to cut the Base Rate by 0.25% to 4.5%, with two members advocating for a larger 0.5% cut. Despite inflation remaining a threat, this shift to a more dovish stance highlights the concerns they have over the health of the UK economy.
Every month we study the universe of funds in the investment marketplace to assess whether they meet our exacting standards and should be given the RSMR seal of approval.
Markets had entered Q4 2024 on an optimistic note, focused on the prospect of continued economic growth and further rate cuts during 2025 across most major economies excluding Japan. Sentiment to global equity markets remains driven by the US and the Federal Reserve meeting of mid-December and caused investors to stop and think as Fed officials pulled back on projections of continued rapid cuts to interest rates this year. As a result, the consensus from the Fed dot chart showed only two, rather than four rate cuts next year and an increase in the terminal interest rate to 3.0%.
In this month’s Investment Perspectives, we’ll explore the key drivers shaping portfolio performance in 2024 and share insights into what we think the future may hold across the ever-evolving investment landscape.
Every month we study the universe of funds in the investment marketplace to assess whether they meet our exacting standards and should be given the RSMR seal of approval.