ANALYSIS: Return of volatility concerns wealth managers
The US airstrike on Syria and disappointing jobs data immediately brought down markets last week, and investment managers are beginning to protect their portfolios against more of the same.
Analysis
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Most European insurers ignore responsible investment criteria
Only one-in-three European insurance companies take environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into account when investing, and most of these do so because of regulatory pressure, according to a survey by Axa IM.
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ANALYSIS: Protectionist US policies no threat to China
The threat of protectionist US policies has weakened the yuan and caused concerns among some investors, but a more protectionist stance from the US might actually benefit China.
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Why a high conviction strategy suits the times
If 2016 taught investors anything it was that the market’s response to macroeconomic events is unpredictable at best. History tells us Donald Trump’s election and the Brexit vote should have derailed markets, but they proved remarkably resilient.
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UAE could face a ‘Hong Kong-style’ life sales slump
Asia has traditionally been the principal market outside the UK for international life business but growth in sales from the two key regional hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore has come to a halt, says Provisca founder Bryan Low.
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Markets shrug off May’s Article 50 notification – are they right?
UK prime minister Theresa May picked an early fight with EU leaders in her letter formally triggering the UK’s Brexit process though bond, equity and currency markets hardly responded. But perhaps they should have.
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ANALYSIS: Europe the saviour as US market slumps?
Although European stocks have gotten caught in the cross-hairs of Wednesday’s Trump trade downturn, with the earnings recovery underway, it would be a mistake for investors to discount them.
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Why the new Qrops five-year circumstance change is critical
Many advisers woke up last Thursday morning aware their pipeline Qrops business had just been vastly reduced, says James Pearcy-Caldwell, co-founder of fee-based adviser Aisa International.
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Quilter’s bets on ‘Trump lite’; remains wary of ‘dark Donald’
Quilter Cheviot’s Alan McIntosh is optimistic about what president Trump will mean for markets but with Brexit and European elections still to come this year, he is hedging some of his bets.
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How French succession law works
While there are many benefits to living in France, estate planning is not one of them, explains Jason Porter, director of European IFA firm Blevins Franks. After taking a look at succession tax last week, this week he breaks down succession laws that are complex, and which many feel are unfair.
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What future for life companies in asset management?
Given the mixed fortunes of life companies, can they handle the tough balancing act of asset management?
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Edgy deadlines for Qrops market, devil in planning detail
Those operating in the Qrops market are now facing three crucial deadlines starting from today, as the implications of the hammer blow of a 25% overseas pension transfer charge applying to client pension pots in some circumstances sink in for advisers, providers and their clients.