Financial markets enter 2026 on solid footing. Resilient economic conditions, robust corporate earnings growth and sustained enthusiasm for large-scale investment in artificial intelligence (AI) should support risk assets throughout the year. Anticipated US interest rate cuts should provide additional tailwinds.

When investors want to reduce risk, where do they turn?  After almost two years of chasing returns, many now ask: is it time to add something more defensive? 

The vast majority of companies have now reported their second-quarter numbers, and the good news is that things looked pretty solid overall.

Credit markets are flashing a signal that hasn’t appeared in decades: corporate bonds are trading as if default risk has virtually disappeared. This compression in credit spreads – the extra yield investors demand to hold corporate debt over government bonds – has created either an extraordinary opportunity or a dangerous trap.

With credit spreads hovering near generational lows, Alexander Pelteshki, Investment Manager, breaks down the current state of global credit markets in the latest edition of Strategic Thinking Out Loud. He explores the drivers behind the rally and outlines a cautious yet opportunistic approach to managing risk and yield in fixed income portfolios. 

As we reach the middle of 2025, we face a set of circumstances that are both fairly unique and strangely familiar. Think ‘bond vigilantes’, conflict in the Middle East, US deficit concerns, widespread higher fiscal spending and a UK Labour Government. Sound familiar? 

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy made headlines this week with his message to employees: AI will gradually reduce its need for corporate staff. 

This latest article in our income opportunities series delves into the world of equities, explaining why we believe we are in a ‘golden age’ and examining the scale and variety of available dividends. We also discuss the traditional dividend-stronghold sectors and highlight some of the market's emerging equity players and payers.