If you ask ten different people the above question, you will likely get ten different replies because there is no definitive answer. Only when you begin to dig below the surface, do the hurdles for small-caps emerge. So, is the stock market’s long-term performance heavily weighted to larger companies?
Decentralised Finance (DeFi) is more than just a trend; it’s a whole new concept which is reshaping the financial services industry. It offers an innovative alternative to traditional banking, leveraging blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer financial interactions without intermediaries. By eliminating these middlemen, DeFi reduces costs and enhances transparency, security, and accessibility, making financial services leaner, more democratic and more inclusive.
While there is constant talk about the FinTech and digital banking sectors, which have revolutionised the financial sector, many believe we are just scratching the surface. It’s important to differentiate between the two services. FinTech refers to the integration of technology into offerings by financial services companies. Digital banking is the provision of banking services that allow consumers to carry out transactions through electronic means. Sounds simple, but how big are these sectors?
When it comes to investment diversification, it’s easy to assume that nothing has changed over the years, but this is a very big assumption (and wrong). Looking back, our attitude to diversification and the way we achieve this have changed dramatically since the 1960s. This has allowed investors to spread their risk, reduce overexposure, and maximise returns while injecting a degree of protection. You will be surprised how much the approach to diversification has changed!
A couple of weeks ago, markets were shocked when private bank Coutts announced plans to reduce UK equity holdings across the company’s range of funds. While the reduction in UK exposure, equating to £2.7 billion worth of shares, is significant, the more surprising aspect is the negative sentiment towards the UK.
The Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) sector has grown significantly in recent years, allowing investors to trade a vast range of different assets. Those who follow the investment markets will know that ETFs are tradable during regular market hours, which gives them a considerable advantage over collective investments. However, why are they even being talked about in the same breath as annuities?
Over the last 15 years, investors have faced several significant challenges: the financial crash of 2008, Covid, conflicts around the world and the cost of living crisis. Today, the consensus is that interest rates have peaked, and we are simply waiting for them to fall. While cash can be a helpful backbone, especially in times of trouble, it’s essential to appreciate the impact on portfolio performance when holding large amounts of cash for prolonged periods.
The recent rally in the US stock market, with a particular focus on technology shares, has prompted several companies to tap the market for additional funding. These funds have been raised using convertible bonds, a hybrid of equity and corporate bonds. Why is interest in convertible bonds so strong, and what could this indicate about market valuations?
As we wait for interest rates to fall in the UK, the FinTech market is back in play. The signs are favourable again after a volatile couple of years due to various global economic and political challenges.
Whether looking at the US, UK or further afield, there is much concern and confusion regarding economies and the timing of expected interest rate reductions. While inflation data suggests these changes could come sooner rather than later, economic figures can often suggest otherwise. However, it is widely expected that interest rates will fall in 2024 and into 2025, which has prompted private and institutional investors to look towards the corporate bond market.