Feature

We are 11 years into one of the greatest stockmarket upswings in history, yet the joy has not been evenly spread.

As we think about 2020, the biggest concern in emerging markets (EM) revolves around the contagion risks linked to US-China trade negotiations and possible knock-on effects of a divisive US election year.

An interesting side effect of labelling oneself a contrarian investor is that many observers expect a constant stream of non-consensual thoughts and portfolio positions.

2019 proved to be a strong year for equity investors.

Equities, bonds, gold, even Bitcoin, along with a range of other assets, have chalked up big gains since the US Federal Reserve made a sharp policy U-turn by cutting interest rates in response to slowing economy last autumn

2020 could be momentous for the UK index linked gilt market – and not in a good way.

At the start of 2020, there are grounds for investors to be optimistic.

In the US, one exciting opportunity is in sustainable packaging, where volumes are moving meaningfully toward aluminium, which is infinitely recyclable and should have a lower overall life cycle impact compared to plastic.

Investors in the UK housebuilding sector have enjoyed exceptional returns since the Global Financial Crisis and 2019 was no different, with average total returns including dividends of 53%.

2019 saw strong positive total returns across nearly all asset classes.