One of the most consistent themes in financial markets over the past 15 years has been the outperformance of US equities. A dollar invested in the S&P 500 at the low of the financial crisis in 2009 would now be worth over $10, more than double the return from European equities and around three times the return from UK, emerging markets or Chinese equities. An allocation of 100% US equities would have been difficult to beat. Why have US equities been so successful and will the trend continue?

Recent months have served a timely reminder that market dynamics can shift rapidly. As investors mull the shape of portfolios amid potential concentration risks, Asia offers attractive long-term growth and income potential at compelling relative valuations, alongside diversification benefits. Marty Dropkin, Head of Equities, Asia Pacific, outlines how investors can position to capture long-term value and embrace what’s next in the region’s development.

As we move further away from a decade of ultra-loose monetary policy, bonds are once again proving their attractive diversification benefits. Our UK fixed income portfolio managers reflect on the recent bout of market volatility and outline the benefits of duration in an environment where investors are increasingly sensitive to weak macro data.

After years of underperformance, UK equities could be on the cusp of a much-needed revival in fortunes as the fundamental environment becomes more stable. Alex Wright, portfolio manager of Fidelity Special Situations and Special Values PLC, outlines how the political and economic backdrop is likely to evolve and the unloved areas of the market that could set to benefit.

Across the globe, despite a brief comeback, many value stocks and sectors are languishing at historical lows relative to their growth counterparts. Against this backdrop, our value-oriented portfolio managers review the landscape facing investors in the world’s key economies, highlighting the opportunities we’re seeing in mispriced stocks and the potential catalysts for a value revival more broadly.

When China cracked down on tutoring and online gaming, the industries looked set for decline. As policymakers shift their attention to promoting growth, portfolio manager Tina Tian explores the reasons why these sectors are returning to health and whether investors can prepare for a longer term recovery.

Following months of pain for bond markets hit by stubborn inflation and high interest rates, front-end credit remains a relative safe haven for investors, continuing to provide attractive relative risk adjusted returns. Here, our portfolio managers analyse the impact of so-called “wipeout” yields and spreads and outline why current attractive levels mean that the performance of front-end bonds is now much more insulated from further yield rises or spread widening than it has been in the past.

Tech stocks have continued to perform well in 2024 relative to the broader market, but there has been wide divergence in returns, even among the ‘Magnificent 7’. Fidelity Global Technology portfolio manager Hyun Ho Sohn outlines why tech themes could broaden out beyond recent high profile winners and discusses some of the underappreciated opportunities he sees across the sector.