Lynn Strongin Dodds
Freelance writer
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- liam.kennedy@ipe.com
Asset Class ReportsEuropean equities: Bargains or bear traps amid global headwinds?
Despite record valuation gaps with the US, investors remain cautious about European equities. Political turmoil, geopolitical risks, and fears of tariffs under Trump’s presidency cast a shadow, while fund managers pivot toward stock-specific opportunities
FeaturesInsurance-linked securities bank a stellar year for returns
Insurance-linked securities (ILS) may be complicated, but they are gaining an institutional following especially among pension and sovereign wealth funds, multi-asset investment firms and endowments.
Asset Class ReportsEquities: US equity markets expected to gain from Trump’s victory
As the political dust settles following Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential elections, global equity funds are eagerly eyeing the incoming administration and the opportunities it may offer
Asset Class ReportsPrivate equity industry starts to show signs of recovery
Private equity has a bounce in its step once again, but it could be years before the industry recovers fully
Special ReportIndex 2.0: Off-the-shelf or custom indices?
Continuing innovation in the index business leads investors to address a fundamental question – should they buy off-the-shelf products or customise their own?
Asset Class ReportsEmerging markets private credit steps into the breach
Institutional investors are increasingly providing the funding that emerging market companies cannot get from banks
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 ReportsFixed income: European 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 debt: Private 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 ReportsFixed income: Investors 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 debt: 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
