Knowledge and Insight - Markets

Our lives have been turned upside down by the coronavirus crisis, which is having a profound impact on the global economy and financial markets. Governments are working hard not just to slow the spread of the virus but also to help businesses and their employees. They've announced a range of extraordinary measures, which are being supported by action from central banks.

Austerity is the latest victim as the largest giveaway since 1992 is unleashed.

A plunge in oil prices has sent markets reeling, but the epidemic is still the main concern.

As Saudi Arabia fires the first shot in an oil price war, our chief investment officer Julian Chillingworth considers the longer-term implications in light of the Covid-19 epidemic. He also looks at the surprising results of Super Tuesday and the narrowing Democratic race for the White House.

As markets take a respite from their worst week of selling since the dark days of the Lehman’s collapse, our chief investment officer Julian Chillingworth considers the longer-term implications for investors, and also looks at the narrowing Democratic primary race to take on Donald Trump.

As the coronavirus spreads the world is experiencing a testing time, and we will undoubtedly face some difficult challenges in the weeks and months ahead as stewards of our clients’ financial futures.

This year Valentine’s Day was clouded by news of Chancellor Sajid Javid leaving Number 11 and the ongoing spread of coronavirus around the globe. But the markets took it all in their stride, notes chief investment officer Julian Chillingworth.

Government budget balances are misunderstood. By politicians — sometimes wilfully — and even by some economists. So it’s no wonder then, if they’re misunderstood by the public.

Global markets have been focusing on US rate cuts over the past few months. But investors are increasingly looking to governments to stimulate growth, with a record 57% of fund managers saying fiscal policy is too restrictive, according to a recent survey of fund managers by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.