Global economic growth strongest since the start of 2014
Recent softer price indications from the US brought us back another year in terms of the battle between those who believed we were set for long-term secular stagnation and those who believed we were on a new reflationary path.
The outlook for US equities is a highly contested point between market participants today, with even Janet Yellen joining the fray saying: "Forward price-to-earnings ratios for equities have increased to a level well above their median of the past three...
Investors waiting on sidelines
Political risk diminished
On 14 June, the Federal Reserve raised short-term rates by another 25bps from 1% to 1.25%, despite fairly weak inflation figures.
Declining smoking statistics
Markets have enjoyed a very strong start to the year.
The issues facing Japan with respect to its ageing population are well documented.