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.

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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.

Flying High

In this month’s Market Commentary, Raymond James European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, looks back on the strong performance of many of the world’s leading markets, the ongoing popularity of investment in artificial intelligence, and whether this current stock market strength can last.

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

In the first Monthly Market Commentary of the year, Raymond James European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, looks back on the largely positive start to the year for many of the world’s leading markets, the struggles of the Chinese economy, and areas for investors to consider for the coming months.

2024 Outlook

The first Investment Strategy Quarterly of the year discusses 10 themes for 2024, plus a look at bonds, energy security, and market performance in a presidential election year. Read all this and more in Investment Strategy Quarterly: 2024 Outlook.

Foundations for the future

In the last Monthly Market Commentary of the year, Raymond James’ European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, looks back over November and discusses a shift in investor sentiment, contrasting economic performances, fiscal policy decisions in the UK and Europe, and more.

Sailing on strange seas

Our latest Investment Strategy Quarterly looks at various geopolitical and macroeconomic themes, including consumer debt and employment, pension planning, and next year’s US election. Read all this and more in Investment Strategy Quarterly: Sailing on strange seas.

The centre holds

In this month’s Market Commentary, Raymond James’ European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, discusses the global financial markets, takes a look at the UK and US economies, plus he examines recent challenges in China.

 

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!

In this month’s Market Commentary, European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, discusses inflation and affordability in the UK, debt ceiling negotiations and compromise in the US, plus how enthusiasm for artificial intelligence has shifted into overdrive, and more.

Tug of war

In this month’s Market Commentary, our European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, discusses how the financial markets have proved to be resilient despite the push and pull of market forces, fast-moving geopolitics, and other pressures.

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.

When the balloon goes up

In this month’s Market Commentary, Raymond James UK European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, discusses a new term in the financial lexicon, a change in the market’s tone and why, despite the challenges ahead, there is cause for optimism in the long run.

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.