Forex

Trump's return to the White House marks the start of a new era that is set to boost US-based companies while the wider global investment landscape continues to contract. 

Since the beginning of the year, gold prices have risen by nearly 40%, outpacing every major developed market equity index – even the S&P 500.

Infrastructure assets provide essential services to communities, facilitating the transport of people, data, and energy.

As the US elections loom large on the horizon, investors are bracing for market turbulence.

Several central banks, including the Federal Reserve, Bank of England, and European Central Bank, have ushered in a new era of rate-cutting, signalling the end to their fight against inflation. But what does this easing cycle mean for asset classes?

The global economy is becoming more fragmented, creating a complex landscape for investors and policymakers. Geopolitical events, such as the US elections, the Ukraine-Russia war, and heightened tensions in the Middle East, are amplifying market uncertainties. In response, we have raised our conviction on gold from 3/5 to 4/5.

Over the summer months, gold rose to new all-time highs at levels of around USD 2,685 per oz. The nearly relentless rise in the gold price reflects several factors.

Direct lending, the biggest segment in private debt, is now accessible to a broader range of investors and seeing increasing demand, boosted by its superior risk-adjusted returns and attractive features that include speed and certainty of execution.

Over the past 15 months, most asset classes have put in positive performances. However, we’ve entered a transitional phase marked by rising volatility, political risks, and market dissonance. To navigate this shifting landscape, we have reduced our global equity exposure and increased our conviction on hedge funds, as alternative investments are well-positioned to capitalise on current market uncertainties.