FUND PERFORMANCE & SECTOR ANALYSIS
Competition fierce as ETF providers fight for control
03 December, 2012
EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS
The European ETF market is becoming increasingly competitive and further consolidation is expected, but with more growth predicted, the rewards for the leading providers are substantial
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Has the quest for yield gone too far?
03 December, 2012
FIXED INCOME
Investors are pouring into investment grade corporate, high yield and emerging market bonds as they search for regular dividends. But they would be well advised to proceed with caution
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High yield bond returns cater to risk-on investors
26 October, 2012
High yield funds have had an impressive year so far with investors drawn to their high levels of returns compared to equities and government bondsHigh yield funds have had an impressive year so far with investors drawn to their high levels of returns compared to equities and government bonds
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Doubts creep in over emerging market outlook
26 September, 2012
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Yerlan Syzdykov, Pioneer |
Flows into emerging market bonds remain healthy despite low yields and worrying signs that China’s growth is slowing, but some fear investors will flee these markets if the good times come to an end
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Concerns over excitable market in US election year
30 August, 2012
US markets have performed well over the past year, but there are worries that they do not accurately reflect the state of the country’s economy
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Picking the winners in a diverse commodities sector
29 June, 2012
The increasingly diverse performances of different commodities is forcing fund managers to go overweight on those they feel will outperfom
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Lower-rated credit attracts yield-hungry investors to corporate bonds
31 May, 2012
The safe but unspectacular yields from higher grade corporate bonds continue to attract those looking for defensive investments, but the more adventurous are turning to the generous returns offered by lower grade issuers
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Solid yields compensate for real estate wobbles
03 May, 2012
Capital values in commercial property have fallen, but yields remain high and prime locations continue to attract investors
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Money market funds hit by perils of low rates and rising regulation
29 March, 2012
With low interest rates set to continue and the threat of further regulation just over the horizon, the future continues to look bleak for money market funds
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European equities and economy following different paths
28 February, 2012
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Gaby Gourgey, MFS Meridian Funds European Equity |
Worries over the eurozone remain, but European equities are attractively priced, while many of the continent’s large cap companies are well-positioned to make major inroads into emerging Asia
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Emerging markets wary of European fallout
30 January, 2012
While stockmarkets in China and Hong Kong fell significantly during 2011, few have lost faith in the long-term Asian growth story
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Passive investments thrive in harsh climate
28 November, 2011
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Nathan Bance, Barclays Capital |
ETFs continue to go from strength to strength, with investors wary of high active management fees attracted by the flexibility and breadth of coverage of these passive products
It is hard to find a silver lining in the current climate, but for the exchange traded fund (ETF) industry at least, the economic backdrop has helped boost inflows because ETF charges are low and do not obliterate low investment returns, and their extreme liquidity is helpful during current market volatility.
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Attractive yields outweigh the risk
31 October, 2011
Most commentators believe that high yield bonds offer significant opportunities to investors as they have priced in a worst-case scenario that is unlikely to occur
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Value abounds amid American gloom
05 September, 2011
The US maybe suffering from slowing growth and worries over the national debt but falling equity prices are creating opportunities for adventurous stock pickers
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Focus turns towards high yield debt
29 June, 2011
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Benjamin Conquet, BNP Paribas Investment Partners |
The all time highs enjoyed by corporate bonds over the past couple of years may be over, but the sector still offers attractive yield-based returns
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Speculative investors take profits and run
01 June, 2011
Increasing demand for commodities over the long-term seems assured, but fears over a slowing global economy are leading to extremely volatile prices.
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Building returns from commercial property
04 May, 2011
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James Lloyd, Mayfair-Capital Investment Management |
Although property valuations in prime locations have recovered, they have yet to return to pre-crisis levels, creating opportunities for those looking to invest in the sector .
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George Tsapouris, Coutts |
Inevitable rate rises will provide welcome tonic
05 April, 2011
Clients of liquidity funds are increasingly demanding active management of their portfolios to achieve a balance between safety and performance
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Alexander Scurlock, Fidelity |
Bright spots may yet cloud over
03 March, 2011
Investors have been largely underweight European equities of late, but inflows are improving with optimism driven by strong earnings growth in the North. However, there are worries that this may not be a long-term trend, writes Ceri Jones
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Andy Brown,
Aberdeen Asset Management |
Is the bubble set to burst?
03 February, 2011
Emerging market equities have enjoyed stellar growth in recent times, but with problems such as rising inflation on the horizon, opinion is divided about whether this growth is set to continue. Ceri Jones reports
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Specialists needed to deliver outperformance
03 February, 2011
Emerging market growth is an easy story for asset managers to sell, making it child’s play to launch funds and raise money. This in itself is enough to make some wealth managers cautious.
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Vin Bhattacharjee, SSGA |
Tactical plays boost ETF inflows
02 December, 2010
Wealth managers are increasingly turning to passively managed portfolios as part of their offering to clients, with ETFs at the core. Ceri Jones reports.
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Sandro Naef, Capital Four |
High yield remains attractive in low return environment
23 October, 2010
Flows into high yield bonds remain steady as the asset class continues to appeal to investors attracted by improved corporate fundamentals and the promise of low default rates. Ceri Jones reports.
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Developing country debt vehicles entice private investors
27 September, 2010
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Matt Ryan, MFS |
Flows into emerging market debt have been steadily increasing,writes Ceri Jones, with institutional investors in particular attracted by strong economic fundamentals and the reduced levels of volatility that bonds offer over equities.
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Value abounds despite fears of double dip
02 September, 2010
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Adrian Brass, Fidelity |
Uncertainty over whether we are in a double dip recession or a mid-cycle slowdown is spooking the markets, but the valuations of solid US companies are extremely attractive to investors. Ceri Jones reports.
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Uncertain outlook brings return to volatility
04 July, 2010
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Joanne Warner, First State |
As government stimulus packages draw to a close, commodity prices have fallen, and continued demand from the emerging markets, and China in particular, is of increasing importance to the sector. Ceri Jones reports.
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