Lynn Strongin Dodds
Freelance writer
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- Email:
- liam.kennedy@ipe.com
Asset Class ReportsInvestors look to smaller companies
Following the rout of the Magnificent Seven, small and mid-caps stepped into the breach
Asset Class ReportsRegulators shine a light on non-bank lenders
Although private market activity is slowing down, there are fears of systemic risk
FeaturesCyber catastrophe bonds make a debut as insurers offload risk
Cyber catastrophe bonds may be the new kid on the insurance-linked securities (ILS) block, but they have been talked about for years. The jury is out, though, as to whether they will follow the same trajectory as their natural cat bond peers. While some analysts believe they have the potential to go mainstream, others cite concerns over modelling and lack of diversification.
Asset Class ReportsEquities: a return to passive safe havens
In an effort to counterbalance an uncertain economic outlook and geopolitical tensions, many institutional investors are avoiding active management
Asset Class ReportsEuropean high yield stands its ground
Investors flocked to the European junk bond market last year and despite a strong US economy, there is still appetite for European issuers
FeaturesAn inflection point for India bonds
The impending inclusion of Indian government bonds (IGBs) in JP Morgan’s widely tracked $240bn (€220bn) Govern ment Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) index is seen as a milestone. However, while some asset managers hope it is the beginning of a more open investment culture, others are more circumspect.
FeaturesA bumper year for convertible bond issuance
The convertible bond market ended 2023 on a strong note with its main index – the Refinitiv Global Focus – returning 6% in the fourth quarter. The optimism has continued into 2024 on the back of reasonable valuations, historically low equity volatility and better opportunites.
Asset Class ReportsPrivate lending shows signs of recovery
Private credit is showing signs of recovery, but investors are focusing on defensive sectors
Asset Class ReportsEquities portfolio strategy: Cautious optimism as hard landing fails to materialise in 2023
A shaky European economy will work in favour of quality companies when it comes to stock selection
Asset Class ReportsInvestors put weight behind bond markets
Exposure to bonds is rising at the fastest rate since the financial crisis, as investors focus on high-quality paper and the shorter end of the yield curve
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
