Knowledge and insight

UK GDP fell off a cliff during the lockdown. That shouldn’t be a surprise, argues chief investment officer Julian Chillingworth, shutting down commerce was the point.

Lockdown was much different back in the 1970s – we didn’t even know we were in lockdown. Our head of fixed income Bryn Jones thinks we’ve come a long way over his lifetime.

Listen to Edward Smith, Head of Asset Allocation Research, sharing his views on the markets and how we are continuing to manage portfolios during this unprecedented time.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, Rathbones is continuing to deliver its full range of services, remaining focused on serving our clients and partners.

We are fully available to discuss the management of new or existing client portfolios, or any other matters, over the telephone or by email.

We have established a successful “remote working” model and the majority of Rathbones employees are now working from outside the office. Your investment manager or other usual Rathbones contact is available to you on their usual landline or mobile telephone number or email address, so please do feel free to get in touch.

Stock markets are soaring higher as the developed world starts to relax lockdowns. Yet the virus is spreading rapidly in the emerging world, notes chief investment officer Julian Chillingworth, and there’s still a chance of a second wave in the West.

A flattening COVID-19 infection curve is steepening bond yield curves. Head of fixed income Bryn Jones wrestles with the outlook for inflation and the chances of another flare-up in COVID-19.

America seems chaotic from the top down. Yet, if you look hard at the bottom – main street – you can get a better idea of how the US is faring, argues chief investment officer Julian Chillingworth.

While we’re all theorising about whether looking at a castle is the best form of optometry, really important issues are going unaddressed. Chief investment officer Julian Chillingworth stays focused on what matters.

Bad news is feeding many pessimists at the moment. Head of fixed income Bryn Jones sees a different, more optimistic, picture – and he’s investing in it.