Category Archives: Insights

What do Germany’s spending plans mean for economic growth?

Supply-side reforms are still needed to boost longer-term growth. Germany’s parliament has approved plans by incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz to loosen borrowing limits. The law will exempt spending on defence and security from Germany’s strict debt rules. It also enables the creation of a €500 billion infrastructure fund. Significant shift in fiscal spending This represents […]

Has Trump killed the stock market rally?

America’s economic momentum should be able to carry it through what the President has called a period of “transition.” The evolution of AI will also be crucial for markets over the remainder of 2025. Ever since President Trump’s re-election, investors have been debating whether his administration would look to fully implement his more disruptive campaign […]

Can global equities provide benefits in any political or geopolitical environment?

The uncertainty created by political and geopolitical events does not diminish the opportunities that may be found by overcoming a domestic market bias and gaining exposure to regions, sectors and companies that can thrive amid disruption. Current political circumstances and geopolitical events can always provide reasons for investors to think twice about diversifying globally. But […]

Now is the moment for active investment management to prove its value

Much is said about the decline of active investing; far less is said about the risks and shortfalls of a passive investment approach. Today’s markets could deliver the wake-up call. Extracts from this article first appeared in the The Sunday Times, London, on 9 March 2025. To start with, my cards are on the table: […]

What does a more isolationist America mean for markets?

As America looks to reshape global economic and defence relationships, market volatility is rising. We are positioned for a more challenging environment. The US stock market responded enthusiastically to President Trump’s re-election, with the S&P 500 index rising 6% from the eve of the 2024 election to its peak in mid-February. Since then, the majority […]

Who is at risk from tariffs and what do they mean for equity markets?

We look at which economies might face tariffs, the potential economic impact, and implications for equity markets. There is a new sheriff in town. Global investors have been digesting the change in policy direction after President Trump’s return to the White House. In contrast to his first term, actions on the trade front have been […]

The Budget and Inheritance Tax: protecting lifetime gifts from divorce risk

Following the October 2024 Budget, wealthy families may accelerate the gifting of assets to reduce their inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities. However, this is not without complication. One particular risk is divorce. Could gifted assets be attacked upon divorce? Careful planning can reduce the risk, as Boodle Hatfield and Cazenove Capital explore in a joint article. […]