Our Thinking

Can environmental, social and governance concerns (ESG) fit within a factor-based portfolio? In this article, we tackle two issues: the inconsistency in methodologies for ESG scoring, and ways to integrate ESG considerations into factor portfolios.

Does a decarbonising world need atomic energy?

Unfortunately for markets, our bearish outlook for 2018 came to pass. For 2019, the key question is how tightening fnancial conditions will impact heavily indebted borrowers – and whether this raises the risk of recession.

Whether you’re looking at equities, bond yields, currencies or economic strength, it’s the US that’s been leading the charge. Is this likely to continue?

With interest rate hikes and ‘quantitative tightening’, the end of the economic cycle draws nearer every day. How do you manage low-risk portfolios and mitigate the ‘nightmare scenario’?

Developments in trade tensions, emerging markets and European politics may determine the trajectory of markets over the coming months.

A brief discussion of some of the behavioural biases that can explain factor premia.

The 4% drawdown rule forms the basis of many advisers’ decumulation propositions. However, the results can often vary significantly depending on when you decide to start saving for your retirement and asset allocation decisions.

Today’s China no longer matches the view of the country that most people have. Could this gap between perception and reality offer a wealth of investment opportunities?

Is artificial intelligence overhyped, or are we at the vanguard of a new wave of corporate productivity improvements ushered in by next-generation technology?

While the financial reforms pose risks to trading, we can take heart from the benefits of greater transparency, says Ed Wicks, Head of Trading at LGIM.

The disruptive change of the ‘shale revolution’ has forced existing producers to adapt while reducing OPEC’s pricing power. We expect further far-reaching changes to take effect in the coming years

Predictions about the demise of the TV industry have persisted for over a decade, even as UK TV advertising and subscription revenues have continued to grow. However, we believe the industry has reached a tipping point, driven by rapid developments in technology and changing demographics.

Increasing life expectancy is one of the most profound success stories of the post-war era. The pace and scale of this human success story has been remarkable, but it is creating its own challenges for corporates.

In this quarterly outlook we outline our asset allocation views and address three key questions on equities, US monetarypolicy and emerging markets.

Pay-as-you-go pension and healthcare schemes are under increasing pressure from ageing populations.

Following significant pension reforms introduced in the 2014 Budget, UK pensioners can now withdraw large cash sums at times of their choosing.

Global credit markets have shown remarkable resilience over the past year.