Trying to unpick the turmoil in the banking sector, the team discuss what happened in the last week or so and what it means for the future, and explain what action they’ve taken as a result. Their gaze then shifts to our fair shores as they ask whether, after a few years in the investment wilderness, the UK could be on the precipice of some structural changes that might support the economy and perhaps the equity market too.

Could David’s usual prediction of US stocks beating European ones come a cropper this year? The team also explain why US real estate investment trusts are a different ball game for them vs the UK market, and where there are some exciting opportunities. Finally, the team turn a loving, Valentine’s Day gaze towards European luxury goods giant LVMH and discuss just why the company’s resilient earnings are perhaps worth paying a pretty penny for.

The team kick off 2023 discussing the outlook for the year ahead: what stays the same, what changes, and why it’s important not to overreact simply because there’s a new calendar adorning our desks. They also discuss whether consumers trading down in household staples will mean less-resilient revenues, and why they think global skincare and cosmetics giant Estee Lauder presents a different story to its peers.

Join the whole Sharpe End team for the Christmas special edition where Craig, Rahab, and Will hold David to account for his predictions for 2022. Just how well did David call the fortunes of the UK economy? How accurate were his views on speculative technology and cryptocurrency? And, importantly, did he beat last year’s score of 4.5 points!?

The team ponder whether, after the not-so-mini reaction to the Chancellor’s ‘mini-budget’, it’s finally time to buy UK bonds again or whether US Treasuries still look a better place for capital, and explain how they are tackling currency exposure in the face of a continually volatile pound. Also, what does the return to a world of higher costs of capital and risk-free rates mean for markets, and how should it change how we invest? 

Fund Manager Will McIntosh-Whyte, Rathbone Multi-Asset Portfolios and Rathbone Greenbank Multi-Asset portfolios, will give an update on the funds and discuss some of the topics that are front of mind.

Have US Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments at Jackson Hole spooked the team as much as they spooked the market? This month, David, Will, and Craig also discuss how much attention to pay to the weakening US housing market, and finally touch on the video game industry and how it should remain an exciting place to invest for many years to come.

We may have (finally) reached peak inflation, argue David, Will and Rahab this month. Also, they explain how the Tory leadership campaign made them reassess the benefits and pitfalls of deregulation, and why they think water is an exciting investment theme for their portfolios.

This month, David, Will and Craig discuss the wide-ranging impacts of the energy market’s current stresses and complexities. Also, despite some expected post-pandemic catch-up in consumer services spending, the team aren’t tempted by many businesses that have benefited. Finally, they discuss the departure of Prime Minister Boris Johnson in real time and what it might mean for fiscal policy and the UK economy.

In the final webcast before the summer holiday season, David Coombs, head of multi-asset investments and Will McIntosh-Whyte, fund manager, will be providing a multi-asset team update covering:
- Is recession in the US now a foregone conclusion?
- Will the US Federal Reserve need to cut rates in 2023?
- Are cyclicals a help or hindrance in the current inflationary environment?
- Are consumer staples the best form of defence in a slowing economy?
- How the team are approaching managing the portfolios in this volatile market.