thematic investment

Can robotics and retailers rejuvenate Japan?

Rapid water consumption caused by population growth in emerging markets is creating opportunities to invest in water-based companies.

The water sector's rally has been led by defensives, but investors should now consider infrastructure and cyclical names, explains Spike Hughes from Cohesion Investments.

The steady eddie water utility stocks should have been casualties of the improving economy. But this sector has outperformed the All-Share so far this year. Rathbones' Alan Dobbie explores this 'intriguing' performance.

Although water shortages are most prominent in emerging markets, the manager of the Pictet Water fund has identified abundant investment opportunities in developed countries due to limited infrastructure.

ALTERNATIVES

Premier has expanded its global equities team with the appointment of James Smith who joins from Utilico in June.