In this month’s Market Commentary, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, our European Strategist, reflects on the recent resurgence of the ‘old economy’ and examines whether the upswing in the UK stock market can be sustained.
Taking Stock
The Importance of Maintaining Balance!
Shares that make up a market index, such as the leading 100 share index in the UK, don’t all move together in unison on any given day. The headline index simply tells you at the end of the day what the average move of all the stocks were. But look under the hood, there are generally always stocks moving up or down in price.
Companies in an index are also different sizes – some are very large companies and others are small in comparison. However, very large stocks will have a big influence on the direction of an index. For example, according to MSCI, the top ten companies of the leading UK 100 share index account for just over 48%. This is a very high concentration – as the other 90 shares make up the rest. What happens to these ten companies is therefore vital to investors in this market.
The Next Level Up
Our latest Investment Strategy Quarterly provides informed insights on what the US economy looks like post-pandemic, the improving UK economy, the changing prices of crops, and asks ‘Is the average stock still worth owning?’. Read all this and more in Investment Strategy Quarterly: The Next Level Up.
Spring Budget Newsletter 2024
Flying High
Taking Stock
Are the Chinese and Hong Kong stock markets ‘investable’?
Recently, there have been a number of articles from various sources, all with the same message – avoid Chinese and Hong Kong equities. These articles have cited that valuations of equities in these regions are ‘very low’ but there is no investor appetite to invest in these and therefore there is no certainty of stock market recoveries.
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Taking Stock
Welcome to Raymond James Richmond!
Raymond James Richmond opened its doors for business on 1st October 2023, offering bespoke portfolio investment management services and a very personal relationship to local residents and beyond. Our clients are placed at the heart of everything Raymond James, Richmond does.Continue reading
Green Shoots
2024 Outlook
Foundations for the future
Autumn Statement Analysis 2023
Clouds of war shroud financial markets
Sailing on strange seas
The centre holds
Great Expectations
July has proved a strong month for investors in the financial markets, particularly across the stock markets of Western developed economies. Returns were generated against a backdrop of economic resilience, especially in the United States where, despite the Federal Reserve having raised interest rates in excess of 5.00%-points in little over a year, growth has persisted and even exceeded expectations.
Moving to the Next Stage
This year marks the 110th edition of the Tour de France, the most prestigious bicycle race in the world. And like the markets, the Tour is always challenging—and evolving. The three-week, grueling 2,200+ mile route changes every year and, surprisingly, starts in different countries—this year in Spain versus the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark over the previous five years! The point is, just like the Tour, economic and market cycles have different starting points, and no two routes are alike.
Mind the gap!
Tug of war
Time is on Our Side
Our latest Investment Strategy Quarterly provides informed insights into a turbulent market with analysis on economic situations at both home and abroad, the questions facing policymakers and investors, plus reasons to be optimistic in the long term. Read all this and more in Investment Strategy Quarterly: Time is on Our Side.
Budget Newsletter March 2023
When the balloon goes up
Six Characters in Search of an Author
2023 Outlook
Our latest Investment Strategy Quarterly discusses the potential opportunities and challenges the new year may bring. With features broadly assessing the outlook for 2023, from an analysis of global developed markets to a search for context and opportunities against the backdrop of an economic slowdown. Read all this and more in Investment Strategy Quarterly: 2023 Outlook.
Restoring credibility
Financial markets continued their revival from the early summer lows through November as investors’ perceptions regarding the risks prevalent throughout 2022 diminished somewhat. That those risks had not disappeared completely was evidenced by violent protests breaking out across China at the end of the month in response to the new Chinese government’s apparent desire to persist with its aggressive “zero Covid” policy.
Budget Newsletter
The line between Statements and Budgets has blurred in recent years. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s second major announcement was designated as an Autumn Statement, but it will have a greater financial impact than most Budgets. A broad range of tax increases and spending cuts ensures that will be the case, regardless of the Treasury branding.