Insights

An overview of our findings in emerging markets and an introduction to our campaign.

In their latest investment outlook, our Asset Allocation team weigh up the macro and market impact of stress in the banking sector – and how it’s affecting their positioning.

Our research suggests the window to achieve a 1.5°C outcome, consistent with ‘net zero’ emissions by 2050, is closing fast.

How will government intervention to cap the profits of renewable energy companies affect the dynamics of investing? And will rising capex costs add additional pressure?

LGIM is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 across all assets under management.

As delegates gather at COP27, they confront the same long-term challenge posed by climate change as they did last year. But the context has changed dramatically: in light of the war in Ukraine, governments need to balance net-zero goals with a new imperative for energy security.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and central bank back-peddling in the face of surging inflation, create significant uncertainties for investors. But that does not mean the market outlook must be gloomy?

In their latest investment outlook, our Asset Allocation team explain why in light of the evolving macroeconomic environment, they now favour selling into strength

A common goal of limiting global warming to well-below 2°C – and ideally 1.5°C by the end of the century as set out in the Paris Agreement – does not mean there is a common or accepted path for how to get there.

In this article, we look at the high Sharpe ratios, improvement in quality and low duration of global high yield corporate bonds and explain why we believe that this asset class could be a valuable addition to a DB pension scheme portfolio.

In fixed income markets, it’s usually when things begin to ‘feel’ better that you run into maximum optimism. But wouldn’t it be ironic if the long-awaited reopening of economies and societies turned out to be a difficult period for markets?

Greater political certainty in the US, combined with positive news on both the efficacy and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines, have given investors the green light to add risk.

Find out more about the range of educational events for trustees and professional investors, as well as the industry events LGIM attends.

In this outlook, teams from across LGIM examine the opportunities and risks with which investors are presented in this context.

A once-fringe economic theory has been embraced by liberal politicians at the same time as traditional budget hawks have been in retreat. Its rise has potentially radical implications for inflation and investors.

Does a decarbonising world need atomic energy?

Four practical steps DB pension schemes can take to help them navigate volatile markets.

Running RPI-linked assets versus CPI-linked liabilities can pose material risks. But as pension schemes become better hedged – and market pricing becomes more appealing – they may seek to explore CPI-linked assets in greater detail.

What determines a city’s future success and how is this linked to property investment?

Battery costs have declined rapidly in recent years, but the market is likely too optimistic about both the timeline for lower battery costs and what happens when we get there.

The global risk asset rally continued in early 2017, with emerging market investments the star performers.

The economic expansion of the last decade has been a consistent tailwind for financial assets. We see next year as the start of the twilight zone between expansion and an eventual downturn that will likely mark the end of the cycle.

Cleaning up the world’s plastic waste will be a monumental effort – one which will have major implications for petrochemical companies and the long-term demand for oil.

Investors have been buffeted by a large number of negative headlines in 2018. We remain of the view that tightening global liquidity conditions are likely to exacerbate market volatility.

Can cyclical tailwinds paper over the structural cracks? And what’s the outlook for global trade, China and equity investors?

While trade tensions have escalated in recent months, we believe the case for emerging markets remains compelling - if investors know where to look.

Many investors combine concerns over overcrowding in factors with capacity fears. We want to help separate these terms and provide some clarity over the current state of factors.

We expect another strong year for growth with the global economy firing on almost all cylinders. But the market has priced in this optimism, implying greater vulnerability for disappointment. We expect the low interest rate environment to continue into 2018. While interest rates can drift up, we do not think this is the beginning of the end for the bond markets.

The consequences of monetary tightening will define the 2018 investment landscape.

A lack of policy space means that central banks may have to turn to more unconventional responses when the next recession occurs.

The retirement of baby boomers is having a negative impact on economic growth. This is bad news for the return on risky assets and applies downward pressure on interest rates.

Peak oil demand is a contentious topic. It is crucial for climate change, yet there are possible negative downsides such as volatile oil equity prices and corporate bond defaults.

The enthusiasm and excitement of a new technology has on many occasions captured the imagination of the supposedly hard-nosed investment community, and encouraged them to overstate its profit potential.

What is a fallen angel? In theological terms, a fallen angel is one who has rebelled and been exiled from heaven.

Investors currently buying UK government bonds are doing so in the knowledge that they are accepting a yield which is lower than the rate of inflation, i.e. the real yield.

In a surprising result, the general election has ended in a hung parliament. At the time of writing, the Conservative party has won approximately 318 seats.

Our forecast of a long-term structural shift away from coal could have dramatic implications for investors.

The logistics industry is seeing increased investment, driven by technology trends including automation and smart manufacturing.

The DC pensions industry has moved forward since auto-enrolment was introduced, with many more saving into a pension. This is great news, but challenges remain. How do we help individuals see the value in saving more for a future that seems a long way off?