Fidelity

In its November meet, as was widely expected the Bank of England cut interest rates from 5.0% to 4.75%, joining many central banks in developed market who are all now amidst a rate cutting cycle. Against this backdrop, Ben Deane, Investment Director for fixed income, assesses the credit landscape, while highlighting why he believes that all-in yields remain attractive and the recent rise in yields offers an attractive entry point for investors.

Donald Trump has won the US presidential election. Here, Fidelity International’s economists and investment managers discuss some of the likely impact.

Portfolio manager Talib Sheikh shares his take on the US election result, the outlook for asset classes and how Fidelity’s multi asset income range is positioned, highlighting the increased exposure to defensive quality income equities.

Recent spikes in market volatility, slowing macro signals and stretched valuations are among the many signs that are pointing to a global slowdown. In this environment, portfolio managers Kris Atkinson and Shamil Gohil outline why they are de-risking portfolios and shoring up liquidity as they focus on high quality alpha opportunities and lock in still attractive all-in-yields in investment grade credit markets.

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.

With visitors heading to Paris for this summer’s Olympics, which French companies stand to benefit? Marcel Stötzel, portfolio manager of the Fidelity European Fund and Fidelity European Trust PLC, examines the changing dynamics of the luxury goods market. He highlights why he continues to favour companies with strong pricing power, which will be well-placed to grow in an uncertain market environment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chinese equities have recently been marked by elevated volatility, but there are signs of economic stabilisation and green shoots of improving investor sentiment. Having recently completed 10 years at the helm of Fidelity China Special Situations PLC, Dale Nicholls reflects on the key changes he’s seen on the ground through a tumultuous period and outlines why now could be an opportune time to revisit the case for Asia’s largest economy and stock market.

Portfolio manager Talib Sheikh provides an update on recent positioning moves within Fidelity’s multi asset income range, highlighting the increased exposure to developed market equities. He also shines a light on how the investment process has been adjusted to reflect changing economic scenarios.

As conditions look ripe for a period of outperformance in US credit markets, Fidelity US Dollar Bond portfolio manager Rick Patel outlines three catalysts that could trigger the Fed to start cutting interest rates.

More and more companies are falling behind in their efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, according to Fidelity's latest ESG Analyst Survey. But a growing awareness of climate-related risks is reason to believe they will soon ramp up their efforts.

China’s equity markets have declined further over recent weeks off the back of weak data and a subdued response from policymakers. Marty Dropkin, Head of Equities - Asia Pacific, considers recent moves in the context of China’s broader economic objectives and outlines where our local team are identifying pockets of resilience and innovation, which could reward investors willing to take a long-term view.