Lynn Strongin Dodds
Freelance writer
Contact info
- Email:
- liam.kennedy@ipe.com
Asset Class ReportsJapanese stock market finally lives up to expectations
Stocks rally, helped by rising inflation and corporate governance reforms
Asset Class ReportsRefinancings: private equity out in the cold
Activity has been disappointing due to macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical tensions
Asset Class ReportsEmerging market corporates struggle to sway bond investors
There are mixed views about the prospects for emerging corporate debt, despite the sound fundamentals
Asset Class ReportsLocal currency emerging market bonds are back in the spotlight
Partly thanks to the weakening of the US dollar, local currency emerging market sovereigns are now offering healthy yields, and should continue to perform well
Special ReportActive ETFs power ahead
While active managers are out of favour, their strategies embedded in an exchange traded fund package are gaining traction. In fact, they are outpacing passive ETFs as investors look for liquidity and robust risk-adjusted returns with a relatively low price tag.
FeaturesOpen-ended investment funds face up to the shadow banking dragnet
The debate over the systemic risk of non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) – sometimes called shadow banks – is a recurrent theme but it has recently moved to the forefront thanks to tighter monetary policies, geopolitical risks and factors such as the UK’s LDI crisis. While regulators are assessing the threats posed, most market participants believe changes will not happen for years. For some, there are fears that largely unleveraged segments like open-ended investment funds could be unfairly targeted
FeaturesFX in waiting mode after lively 2022
After a long period of muted volatility, currency markets sprang back into action in 2022 as geopolitical risk and diverging monetary policy came to the fore. This year it is quieter, but markets remain rattled over the unpredictable interest rate scenarios. As a result, many market participants are waiting for a sharper picture to emerge.
FeaturesESG comes to money market funds
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing has permeated every corner of the asset management universe, and money market funds (MMFs) are no exception. European funds are under much greater scrutiny than their US and UK peers thanks to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which came into effect two years ago. The result is that many MMFs are busy changing their classification to meet the higher standards.
Asset Class ReportsFixed income – A year for selectivity in high yield and loans
Patience might prove the be the watchword for the rest of 2023 in high yield
Asset Class ReportsFixed income – Convertible bonds return to favour
After a long period in the wilderness, convertible bond issuance is coming back to life
Asset Class ReportsEmerging market equities – Slow progress on corporate governance
Equity investors see improvements in corporate governance in emerging markets, but alignment between shareholders, management and owners remains critical
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Private debt: European markets try to power ahead
Private debt in Europe is still feeling the impact of the war in Ukraine and the surge in inflation, but there are reasons for optimism
Asset Class ReportsPrivate debt: Sustainable lending set for comeback
Issuance of sustainability-linked paper took a hit in 2022, but managers are now introducing ESG KPIs to incentivise borrowers
FeaturesHigh yield bonds: do your homework
Last year, European bond markets were struck by a toxic a combination of geopolitical, economic and market tensions. The picture has improved with the dawning of 2023, although the markets will continue to experience bouts of volatility and uncertainty will persist. High yield is back on the agenda, but selectivity and careful analysis will be key in identifying the right opportunities.
Asset Class ReportsEquities – Factor investment strategies return to favour
After a few years of poor returns from factor investing, investors are again showing interest – but with more realistic expectations
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Private markets: Pension funds review private equity as allocations hit targets
Lower equity and fixed income values see pension funds off-load their exposure to illiquid assets
Asset Class ReportsEmerging market debt: China government bonds
The outlook for Chinese government debt is looking less attractive
Special ReportNew kids on the ETF block
Inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs) may have taken a hit in the latest bout of market turmoil, but this is not expected to deter new entrants from joining the fray. It is always challenging to break into a new market, especially one dominated by a handful of firms but, those players with innovative, specialised solutions and strategies are expected to make their mark.
Special ReportPost-Brexit flux in Europe
Although Brexit has changed the dynamics of the European asset management landscape, the checklist for choosing a location for an exchange-traded fund (ETF) has not altered: a solid legislative foundation, requisite skillsets, favourable tax treatment and cross-border distribution acumen.
FeaturesImportant role for securities services firms in ESG metrics
The focus on environment, social and governance (ESG) or sustainability investing is almost always on the front office. Fund flows, strategies and research have been centre stage. Often forgotten are the asset-servicing firms working in the wings developing solutions to help their clients evaluate, validate and comply with rules and regulations, particularly in Europe.
