Feature

As UK equity income investors, one sector we have found attractive is data or information service providers, which offer services to either corporates or consumers.

Brexit continues to dominate the headlines, with the overall prognosis no clearer.

Equities saw a relatively indiscriminate sell-off in Q4 of 2018, with increased volatility and widening valuation spreads.

We are all tired of talking about backstops and customs unions and voting blocs, but Brexit chat still manages to get centre stage to the exclusion of all else.

Fuelled by loose monetary policy, fixed income managers have had a tailwind for the past ten years.

When we look back at 2018, the market made several mistakes.

In 2018, emerging markets experienced a risk-off period, taking a hit from a combination of rising US interest rates, dollar appreciation and major political tensions pitting the US against China, Russia and Turkey.

If we have learned one thing in more than 30 years of investing in continental Europe it is that it is much more important to be invested in the right companies rather than trying to make top-down calls.

While our politicians, the media and many investors have their attention fixated on the Brexit negotiations, UK management teams have been getting on with the day job - and deal-making is on the agenda.

After many years, Indian corporate earnings seem to be accelerating, with around 20% growth expected over the next couple of years.