Investment

The Magic Money Tree

With a forecasted budget deficit of £355bn revealed in the Chancellor's announcement last month, the UK's finances are in the most precarious state they have been in for decades. As we now begin to emerge from the pandemic, Head of Equity James Penn weighs in on the UK government's strategy to rewaken the economy and restore the health of the nation's finances.

One Year Later: The UK's COVID Battle in Numbers

As the UK economy slowly opens up again, are we likely to see a third wave of infection? Or is the prospect of a somewhat normal summer firmly on the cards? Having recently passed the year anniversary of the UK 's first lockdown, Chief Investment Officer, David Long, looks at some of the key statistics in the UK's battle with the virus and explores the remarkable turnaround in mortality and hospitalisation rates since the vaccination programme began.

South African Budget Analysis: What do we need to know?

We look at the outcomes of the South African Budget 2021 after changes to Company tax, tax brackets and 'massive spending' were announced.

Situs Tax & Probate – Forewarned is Forearmed

Have you ever thought about probate or situs? How do they work? And might they affect your overseas investments? Read Commercial Director, David Noon's latest article to find out more.

ESG Clarity: Debunking the Myths

What's your perception of ESG portfolios? Do they underperform? Are they just a passing trend? ESG interest has soared in the last year, but are you clued up enough on ethical investing? Click to read Charlotte Looker’s latest article on the most common ESG myths and misconceptions.

The UK's Spending Review - Dealing with a Deficit of £390bn

A public sector pay freeze, cuts to the foreign aid budget and £10bn lopped from departmental spending plans. James Penn now unpacks the main headlines and examines some of the fine print of the Chancellor’s recent Spending Review.

What does the Biden Victory Mean for Markets?

Head of Equity James Penn shares his thoughts on the US election result, revealing what Joe Biden's victory might mean for the UK and market performance.

Pandemic, Presidents and Procrastination: The Threats to Q4 Market Performance

Markets performed well in Q3, but will this rate of recovery continue? Head of Equity, James Penn, now provides an update on current risks to market performance.

Positive Black Swans

Only a small number of stocks deliver almost all the wealth creation in financial markets. We have nicknamed this phenomena “Positive Black Swans”. Matthew Seaward explore the concept in his latest article.

Backing a Winner in the Vaccine Race

Who’s in the running to produce the first vaccine? and how close are they to the finish line? Investors around the world seem to be placing their bets with little more than speculation to go off.

The ‘Fearsome Foursome’: What’s not to like?

The tech titans triumph, after spectacular second quarter figures were released for Facebook, Apple, Amazon and Alphabet.

The Perils of Fast Fashion

Can't Pay, Won't Pay: How Has COVID-19 Affected Property?

With tenants protected by government policy, the payment of rent is beginning to look optional. UK landlords are waiting on billions, but how has this impacted property? Our Head of Equity, James Penn, investigates.

UK Debt exceeds GDP

The bills have arrived at Boris’s and the numbers aren’t pretty. UK government borrowing hit 55bn in May alone - nine times bigger than in May the previous year. But what will be the impact of this borrowing going forward? Head of Equity, James Penn, shares his thoughts.

Managing a Shift in the Risk-Return Relationship: Cash Management & Fixed Income

Ahead of our second investment webinar aimed at trustees, Business Development Manager unpacks Cash and Fixed Income asset classes following a shift in the risk-return relationship.

Raising Capital: What Are the Options?

With income streams for many businesses completely cut off by the pandemic, Head of Equity, James Penn, looks into how UK companies are raising capital in the battle to stay afloat.

Strong Market Rebounds and Promising Virus Data - Will There Be a Second Wave?

As risk of a second spike in transmission looms, Chief Investment Officer David Long provides an update on how the global economy is recovering from the pandemic.

What happened to Brexit?

Wondering what's happening with Brexit? With COVID-19 dominating global headlines, the once hotly debated departure has taken a back seat over the last few months. In his latest article, Head of Equity James Penn provides an update on where negotiations are up to.

Seven Weeks of COVID Crisis. How Many More to Go?

In his latest article, Head of Equity James Penn highlights some of the key COVID-19 statistics with a focus on the impact of the virus to date and reawakening the economy in the coming weeks.

Risk Tolerance Revisited: Investing Trust Assets Post-COVID-19

Never has it been more important for trustees to assess the suitability of the investments held within structures under their care. Read Greg Easton’s article to find out about more about reviewing your strategies and adapting your trust investments for the post-COVID-world.

Life after Lockdown: Contemplation of a New Sort of World

In his latest article, Head of Equity James Penn weighs in on dividend cancellations, unemployment rates and the recovery of businesses in the post-COVID-19 economy.

COVID-19: Reaching The Peak

We now have reasons to be optimistic. Restrictions have been relaxed in Wuhan, and containment measures in Europe are starting to take effect. In this latest update, Chief Investment Officer, David Long, shares his thoughts on the current COVID-19 statistics and the risk of markets languishing for too long.

L, U or V - What Shape Will The Recovery Take?

L, U or V? Business Development Manager, Greg Easton, looks into how the global economy will recover from COVID-19.

Beware the Ides of March

Following “one of the worst stock market crashes in history”, Capital’s Head of Equity, James Penn shares his thoughts on the decline and the economic outlook for the remainder of 2020.

COVID-19: Economic Outlook

With financial markets having stabilised, Chief Investment Officer David Long now provides an update on the world’s battle against COVID-19 and the potential long-term impact of the virus on the global economy.

Market Update

The Group’s Chief Investment Officer, David Long, provides a market update.

COVID-19 Business Continuity Plan

The Capital International Group has moved swiftly to put in place arrangements to mitigate the risks posed by the spread of COVID-19. The Group’s business continuity committee has devised a comprehensive plan to prevent the infection of our employees and ensure there is no significant disruption to our client service

Oil Price War and COVID-19 Update

Group Chief Investment Officer, David Long, provides a strategy update following a fall in oil prices and the further spread of Coronavirus across the globe.

Coronavirus Strategy Update

An update on our investment strategy in light of the recent Coronavirus outbreak and its impact on global markets.

Target Neutral

Just over a week ago, BP announced that it would be aiming to become ‘net carbon neutral’ by 2050. Click to read Head of Equity James Penn’s latest article on the oil giant’s ambitious objective.

Going Viral

How will the markets react to the convid-19?

Will Boeing soar once more?

2019 was a terrible year for Boeing. Having already borrowed $20bn to stay afloat, 2020 will be a crucial year for the aeroplane manufacturer. Head of Equity James Penn tells us more.

A New Dawn

The dawn of the new decade has seen a major change in the UK political situation. News programmes are no longer dominated by the squabbling that featured so regularly over the last three years. In his latest article, Head of Equity, James Penn shares his thoughts on this relatively smooth start to 2020.

Fourth Quarter Investment Review 2019

Download our Fourth Quarter 2019 Review, with features from our Investment Team as well as news from Capital International Group.

Fourth Quarter Outlook and Recap

With Q4 now behind us, Investment Manager Chris Bell reflects on market activity of the last three months and looks ahead to 2020.

UK Election Result

Chief Investment Officer, David Long reflects on the result of yesterday's election.

To be, or not to be, a conglomerate

With the likes of Google and Amazon holding an assortment of businesses under the same company structure, Head of Equity, James Penn, now shares his thoughts on 'conglomerate' status.

On a quest for business in distant lands - Part One : LatAm

Written on the flight home from the STEP LatAm conference in S„o Paulo, Business Development Manager, Greg Easton, reflects on his trip and tells us more about doing business in Brazil.

It's your financial future?...Start today

Investing - Isn?t it complex, expensive and fraught with danger? Don?t you need to have wealth in the first place? In this illustrative guide, Chief Investment Officer, David Long, attempts to change perceptions and demonstrates just how simple, easy and affordable investing can be.

How to avoid probate with investment portfolios

When it comes to estate planning and probate, striking up those important conversations can be difficult. In his latest article, Antony Kelsey, Group Commercial Director, sheds some light on the different options available for avoiding probate.

Slaves to Fashion

Life may be tough for the majority of people, with the JAMs (or just about managing classes) struggling to make ends meet in many parts of the world.

Not-So-Super Saturday

Following what was the first Saturday sitting of parliament since the Falkland's war, Chief Investment Officer, David Long reflects on the weekend's political developments.

Brexit - the gift that keeps giving

As the 31st fast approaches, Head of Equity James Penn shares his insights into the latest goings-on in the Brexit saga.

Investment Review - Third Quarter 2019

Download our Third Quarter 2019 Review, with features from our Investment Team as well as news from Capital International Group.

Brexit - Is this the Endgame?

With recent scenes in the House of Commons looking like something out of Venezuela, we at Capital International have updated our forecasts once again to reflect the current political volatility in the United Kingdom. We attach a slide showing scenario analysis of what could happen in the next few weeks in terms of likely UK political developments and the associated impacts on markets.

Third Quarter Recap

Following the close of the third quarter, Investment Manager, Richard Batty, reviews market activity over the last three months, paying particular attention to Brexit related uncertainty, Fed interest rates and the outcomes of Mario Draghi?s penultimate meeting as President of the European Central Bank.

Germany tiptoeing into recession

Angst? over the future of a Eurozone giant. The UK's departure from the EU is causing Merkel headaches but with GDP levels at their lowest since 2012, should she be worried about a technical recession too?

The Growing Prominence of Vietnam

Is the US-China trade war a Vietnamese blessing?

Damp squib of an August

How has the stock market performed and what?s the leading cause of August's damp squib?

Time or Timing the Market?

There's no doubt that timing is integral to all aspects of investment decision making, but what's more important: timing the market just right or the amount of time spent in the market?

Another day, another Prime Minister.

BoJo? It's time for Britain to get its Mojo back? The question is, will even Boris Johnson's enthusiasm, good humour and bonhomie be enough to lift Britain out of its current gloom and uncertainty?

Time for something to change at Barclays

Is it time for something to change at Barclays? Jes Staley is sticking with the investment bank for the time being ? in contrast to others like Deutsche bank which are jettisoning a large part of theirs.

Who are the eSports Companies?

Who are the esports companies? Which are the largest esports companies and how significant is the eSports industry, a new category of 'interactive' entertainment to the modern-day economy?

Concerns Sparked for Energy Giant

In the last year several blue chip dividends were slashed as companies transitioned to new business models or paid for unforeseen investment. With new competition, three recent profit warnings and shares down 75% since 2013, could Centrica be next?

How should we really deal with inflation?

Has it ever struck you as somewhat odd that the prime objective of central banks is to achieve modest price inflation?

Why do 'Unicorns' go public?

Why do Unicorns go Public? Capital International Group's Head of Equity, James Penn, talks' Unicorns' and Uber's IPO. The company was valued at $79bn, making it among the 10 biggest IPOs of all time.

South African General Election May 2019

In the aftermath of the South African general election earlier this month, Investment Manager, Graham Fisher, reflects on the economic impact of the result and the outlook for the county's future.

No love for Sainsbury's and Asda merger

In his latest editorial, Head of Equity at Capital International Group, James Penn, unpacks why the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) blocked the merger of Sainsbury and Asda.

Q1 US Earnings Update

With the last day of Q1 earnings releases behind us, Investment Manager, Chris Bell, reviews the season: highlighting surprises, summarising sector performances and assessing the outlook for the rest of the year.

The Inflation Conundrum

What is the big Inflation Conundrum? Richard Batty, Senior Investment Manager, examines how the lack of inflation in advanced economies since the global financial crisis has prompted a re-think of the future of central bank monetary policy framework.

Ban on exit fees for platforms

The UK's FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) has revealed that it is investigating a ban on exit fees for platforms. James Penn unpacks the implications of this change to fee structures.

Investment Quarterly Review 2019

Download our Quarterly Review, with features from our Investment Team as well as news from Capital International Group.

First Quarter Recap & Outlook

Fourth quarter gloom quickly dissipates as the US Federal Reserve backtracks on its previous rhetoric and China takes steps to reflate its economy.

Making your mind up and knowing the risks

Protection of client assets through effective risk management is fundamental to the future of the Isle Of Man’s financial community. James Shimmin, Data Protection Officer, now looks at the approach of “WE” to strengthen the community.

No exit for the European Union?

Writing in the final days of March, just after Theresa May secured an extension of the EU Withdrawal Date, James Penn seeks inspiration from literary sources.

South African Budget 2019

Investment Manager, Graham Fisher, recounts the 2019 South African Budget speech against a backdrop of corruption and mismanagement of the former administration.

The evolution of the index fund

The battle between active and passive managed portfolios was first started by Jack Bogle in 1975. Matthew Seaward now unravels the concept of index funds and how it has developed from a niche to a mainstream idea.

Year of the Pig

A listed company on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange has resorted to a rather strange kind of payment on their bonds. Surprisingly it is very fitting with “the year of the pig”...

What a difference a few months can make..

The Groups Head of Equity, James Penn, unpacks a whirlwind few months: UK stocks touching a four month high, Peace Talks in Trade Wars and saturation over BREXIT.

SONA 2019

Investment Manager, Graham Fisher, reflects on last week’s 2019 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in South Africa and the negative perceptions surrounding Eskom, the state's energy parastatal.

US Earnings Update – February 2019

With investors pinning their hopes on a continuation of the strong earnings backdrop, Richard Batty, Investment manager, now examines figures posted so far and the subsequent market reaction.

Investment’s greatest rivalry: Value vs Growth

Is investment’s greatest rivalry about to unravel? Chris Bell, Investment manager looks at the history and outlook to give a view as to what the future may hold.

EU joins the Trump Trade War

The EU has announced they will join the US by imposing tariffs on steel imports. James Fitzpatrick, Investment Director, examines the price impact, the threat of China and South Africa’s strategic importance.

Rowland Hill would be turning in his grave

Personal letter writing died out about ten years ago, GDPR is tightening and online has taken over. James Penn, Head of Equities now looks at the future of the Royal Mail.

Is it time to panic?

Is it time to panic? Are the good times coming to an end? Jacques de Villiers, Investment manager looks at the length of the current bull market and how tough it is to predict a market crash.

Positive updates from US banks

James Penn, Head of Equities looks at the Q4 performance from the United States largest banks.

Fourth Quarter Recap & Outlook

Richard Batty, Investment Manager, looks back at recent market events, including reaction to the US Federal Reserve meeting and a partial inversion of the US yield curve.

Investment Review - Fourth Quarter 2018

View and download our Quarterly Review from Q4 2018 with articles from our investment team as well as news from Capital International Group.

Running out of growth options?

Is Apple running out of growth options? James Penn, Head of Equities looks back at Apple's results last week.

Trump’s Trade War backfires on USA

Since January’s opening shots of President Trump’s trade war, the consequences are beginning to be felt around the globe. Paul Martinez, Investment manager, now shares insights into the effects.

UK financial markets: Q4 update

Head of Equity, James Penn, discusses performance forecasts for the UK financial markets against the murky political backdrop of BREXIT and the possibility of a no deal concession.

Strategies to manage risk in a difficult market

Are you unknowingly contributing to a possible tech bubble? Jacques de Villiers, Investment Manager discusses.

Will China “Panda” to Trump

In March 2018 Trump announced that the US tariffs on Chinese Steel would increase by 25%. James Fitzpatrick, Investment Manager, looks at Chinese metal production and puts the Steel tariffs into perspective.

AML is becoming a cheesy story

Money laundering methods are not as conventional as one thinks. Bizarre trends from payment in the form of detergent to cheese may affect us all.

7 tips for managing uncertainty

Capital International's Chief Investment Officer, David Long, shares 7 tips for 'Managing Uncertainty

Legislative gridlock in the US?

What are the Market ramifications of a divided congress for the remainder of President Trump's term? Investment Manager, Richard Batty discusses.

21st Century Silk Roads

21st Century Silk Roads. Is trade policy isolating the US at the time when China's influence is growing? Investment Manager, Chris Bell discusses.

Emerging Market Debt Final

Matthew Seaward, of our Investment team, reviews BRIC countries sovereign default risk. As well as how these countries have changed politically and economically over the last 15 years.

Investment Review - Third Quarter 2018

View and download our Quarterly Review from Q3 2018 with articles from our investment team as well as news from Capital International Group.

Blue Monday for Emerging Markets

Graham Fisher, one of our Investment Managers discusses the Turkish economy as well as other emerging markets after the fall in the Turkish lira.

Crude perspective on the Oil Market

An oil market overview over the last 25 years. Current day factors effecting oil producers and what we can expect in the short to medium term.

Fixed Interest & Central Banks Update Q3 2018

Investment Manager, Richard Batty, reviews interest rate hikes, falling inflation and Central Bank updates for quarter three.

Europe Teeters on the Brink

David Long, our Chief Investment Officer, reflects on Britain's progress in reaching a deal with the EU and raises his concerns for its future.

Global leadership and the Nation-State

Jacques de Villiers, one of our Investment Managers looks at the impact of global trade policies on the sovereignty of nations.

Emerging Market Debt

Matthew Seaward, of our Investment Management team, shares his insights into sovereign defaults and fiscal policy both historically and in emerging markets.

Germany in Focus Q3 2018

Paul Martinez, of our investment team, reflects on Germany's performance in the last quarter and the effect it has had on German household prices.

Passive Investing Price War

Fidelity Investments recently became the first asset manager to announce a zero-fee index fund in the US beating more established rivals on the market.

Risk and Return Relationship

Matthew Seaward, of our Investment Management team, shares his insights into portfolio theories and the relationship between risk and return.

The Retail Sector: In focus

Paul Martinez looks over the struggles faced by the retail sector this year so far, and gives expert insight to possibilities regarding the retail market activity for the rest of the year.

The Global Agricultural Sector

Jacques de Villiers provides a glimpse into the agricultural, environmental and economic debates surrounding different types of farming and herbicides.