2 November 2017 Despite the flare up of dangerous geopolitical risks, Asian assets have performed exceptionally well in 2017. Indeed, after years of underperformance, the 28% gain in Asian equity markets is twice that of the S&P500. Likewise, shrugging off initial concerns after last year’s US election, most of the region’s currencies have appreciated handsomely [...]
Category: FX
South African Rand: Causes of Volatility by IMF
Causes of Rand Volatility IMF
Investment Strategy: Next 6 Months are Key for Trump Presidency
3 September 2017 Welcome to the launch of what will be a regular strategy review. Macro-themes have dominated market moves, especially following the Brexit referendum and the US and French elections. With the Trump Presidency entering a potentially decisive six months, I believe this will remain true during the year ahead. I am a believer [...]
UK: Consumer Weakness Will Persist For Years, Not a Few Quarters
1 August 2017 The recent release of second quarter GDP data had something for everyone. For the post-Brexit sceptics, the meagre 0.3% gain (following a similarly paltry advance in Q1) confirmed the economic recovery was faltering. Recently, weak consumer spending has been a major headwind, resulting from modest income growth and higher prices following sterling’s [...]