Editions

Investment perspectives: April 26 Cover
Investment perspectives

Investment perspectives: April 26

In this edition, we review Q1 market performance and look ahead to Q2 trends, we also explores energy security and investment risk, highlighting how portfolios can build resilience, explain why AI‑related companies are driving equity markets and examine why the Middle East crisis hasn’t derailed the emerging market recovery, despite ongoing tensions.

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Global investment market review: Q1 2026

Over the first quarter of 2026, the MSCI ACWI Index, a representative measure of global equities across developed and emerging...

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Global investment market outlook: Q2 2026

Despite the pullback in March because of the conflict in Iran, we believe equities remain relatively fully valued. In our...

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Why AI-related companies are driving equity markets

Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved rapidly from a niche technology theme to a material driver of equity market performance. In...

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Developed equity market allocations

In this article, we look at the attributes of developed market (DM) equities and consider the pros and cons of...

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Energy security and investment risk

Recent geopolitical developments have placed energy security at the centre of policy discussions across Europe and beyond. Previously, energy security...

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Steadying the course: The role of smoothed funds in navigating volatility

Many clients may feel anxious when confronted with market volatility, which can lead to hasty decisions about their investment portfolios....

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Why the Middle East crisis hasn’t derailed the emerging market recovery

As markets digested the impact of the first waves of conflict in Iran, the focus quickly moved onto energy and...

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Happy Birthday, MSCI World!

The MSCI World Index, launched on 31 March 1986, has, over four decades, been one of the most important and...

Investment perspectives: March 26 Cover
Investment perspectives

Investment perspectives: March 26

This edition of Investment Perspectives brings together a broad range of insights on the forces shaping global markets and portfolio construction. It reviews February’s market performance across developed and emerging equities, examines the role of governance beyond boardrooms, and explores how compounding and dividend reinvestment can support long‑term outcomes. The edition also looks at the role of property, gold and emerging market equities in diversified portfolios, considers the drivers behind renewed interest in these asset classes, and challenges assumptions around AI’s impact on global hiring trends. Together, the articles provide practical context and investment thinking to support informed adviser conversations in an evolving market environment.
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Global investment market review: Feb 26

In February, the MSCI ACWI Index, a representative measure of global equities across developed and emerging markets, rose 3.4% in...

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Beyond the ten at the top

Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment, explores why good governance depends on more than just a proactive board, and contends...

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Paying dividends

Albert Einstein reputedly referred to compound interest as `the 8th wonder of the world'. Equity dividend reinvestment has a similar...

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REITs or direct property funds?

Explore the differences between REITs and direct property funds, including liquidity, volatility, income and how advisers use them in multi‑asset...

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Understanding gold and its role in portfolios

Gold has surged to record highs amid geopolitical tension and rising reserve demand. Discover what’s driving the rally and how...

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Why Emerging Market Equities now?

Discover what’s driving renewed strength in emerging market equities, the outlook for 2026, and where opportunities may lie across regions...

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Is AI really behind a global hiring slowdown?

AI is widely blamed for the global hiring slowdown, but the data tells a different story. Explore the real drivers...

Investment perspectives: February 26 Cover
Investment perspectives

Investment perspectives: February 26

In this edition of Investment Perspectives we discover how global markets performed in January 2026. We also have an article from Mithesh Varsani Head of Investment Solutions at Scottish Widows who takes a look at Modern multi-asset portfolios and rise of alternative investments.

We also feature Heather Coulson Head of Portfolio Management and Implementation, Scottish Widows who takes a look at the longer-term impact of geopolitical tensions on markets.

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Market volatility in the wake of conflict in the Middle East

We’ve seen market fluctuations on the back of unfolding news in the Middle East, we believe it is important for...

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Global investment market review: January 2026 – performance & highlights

Discover how global markets performed in January 2026. This review covers key data across equities

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Modern multi-asset portfolios: The rise of alternative investments

Explore how alternative investments are being used within modern multi‑asset portfolios to improve diversification, resilience and risk‑adjusted returns.

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Emerging market debt: A useful tool for multi-asset portfolio diversification

We run through the types of emerging market debt (EMD) and discuss the pros and cons of having the asset...

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Longer-term impact of geopolitical tensions on markets

Geopolitical tensions have dominated headlines in early 2026, from US-Europe tariff threats to developments involving Iran, Venezuela and the Arctic...

DeepSeek one year on: separating fundamentals from noise

One year after DeepSeek’s launch, assess China’s AI momentum, market sentiment and what has genuinely changed for investors.

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Absolute return: why discipline matters in today’s market

After a decade defined by ultra low rates, markets have shifted decisively into a new regime. The cost of money...

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How likely is a recession in 2026?

2025 was a strong year for investors across major markets. But it was also a year where talk of recession...

Tax year end Cover
Tax year end

Tax year end

As the end of the 2025/2026 tax year draws near, here is some Insights and Guides to help support your clients effectively.

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Know your limits – Pension and ISA allowances FAQs

Tax Year End brings a lot of questions around pension and ISA allowances. Find the answers to some of the...

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Tax year end planning

Discover tax year end planning strategies for 2025/26, including maximising pension contributions, using carry forward, and making the most of...

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Emergency tax and reclaims

Understand how emergency tax applies to pension withdrawals, when clients may overpay, and how to reclaim tax using HMRC forms...

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Salary, dividend or pension contribution?

Explore the pros and cons of salary, dividends, and pension contributions for shareholding directors. Learn how to optimise profit extraction...

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Unlocking the future of estate planning: Adapting to new inheritance tax rules for pension funds from April 2027

Prepare for the 2027 inheritance tax changes affecting pension funds. Explore estate planning strategies using cash and investments, including trusts,...

Investment perspectives: January 26 Cover
Investment perspectives

Investment perspectives: January 26

We kick 2026 off with an article from Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, looking at what the year ahead could mean for investment markets. Meanwhile, our Head of Portfolio Management, Heather Coulson, shares her thoughts on the key areas to watch out for in 2026.

We also look at the hidden costs of investing and how you can manage and reduce those costs for your clients. And our Head of Responsible Investment, Eva Cairns, considers the key responsible investment trends for 2026 and how you can navigate them.

In addition, we feature our Q4 market update and third-party contributions on China’s franchising landscape, the importance of considering physical climate risks, and how the AI economy could play out.

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Global investment market review: Q4 2025 – performance & highlights

The MSCI ACWI Index, a representative measure of global equities across developed and emerging markets, increased 3.4% over the fourth...

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2026 Outlook: Keeping a weather eye upon markets

Sunny skies or cloudy with a chance of rain? Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation at Scottish Widows, considers some...

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Investment Outlook 2026 – areas we’re watching

In this short film, our Head of Portfolio Management, Heather Coulson, shares her thoughts on the year ahead and the...

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Uncovering the hidden costs of investing – and how to limit them for your clients

When managing money for clients, the focus is of course on portfolio performance and resultant financial returns. Yet fund transaction...

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Responsible investment trends for 2026

As we enter 2026 following a year of increased polarisation for sustainable finance, the responsible investment landscape continues to evolve...

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Follow the smart money franchises: Why China’s best franchise models will define its economic future

As China rebalances toward a service-driven model of growth, franchising may become one of the country’s most consequential institutional innovations...

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Why physical climate risk demands investor attention

For years, investors have focused on climate transition risk – policy shifts, regulatory changes and technological disruption. But the story...

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AI economic scenarios: revolutionary growth, or recessionary bubble?

Investors’ focus into 2026 is turning increasingly to AI-related risk: is it a stock market bubble that is about burst,...

Investor confidence barometer: January 2026 Cover
Investor confidence barometer

Investor confidence barometer: January 2026

Our January 2026 Confidence Barometer survey will look to deliver valuable insights into confidence levels, behavioural tendencies, and evolving perceptions of advice in the financial ecosystem.

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2026 Investor Confidence Barometer

Explore key findings from the 2026 Investor Confidence Barometer - investor behaviour, adviser challenges, AI adoption and the enduring value...

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A resilient yet cautious investor base

UK investors show confidence and resilience despite economic uncertainty, with advised investors leading the way. Explore trends, behaviours and retirement...

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Profession under pressure

Advisers face mounting regulatory pressure, capacity challenges and tech disruption. Explore key concerns, IHT complexity and strategies shaping the advice...

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The evolving platform landscape: Consolidation coming down the track and embracing AI

Platform consolidation and AI adoption are reshaping adviser workflows. Explore trends, challenges and opportunities for efficiency and long-term client support.

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A new era for advice

Younger clients expect digital tools, speed and personalisation. Explore how AI, Targeted Support and hybrid advice models are reshaping the...

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Other key findings

Our other key findings on wealth transfer challenges, gender diversity in financial advice, and why proactive planning is vital ahead...

Investment perspectives: December 25 Cover
Investment perspectives

Investment perspectives: December 25

We round off the year with a look at what’s happened in markets and economies across the course of 2025, while our Head of Responsible Investment, Eva Cairns, considers the global energy transition and how that is playing out for investors.

We also feature our November market review and third-party contributions on rare earth minerals, AI, and the issues facing advisers in 2026.

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Global investment market review: November 2025 – performance & highlights

Discover how global markets performed in November 2025. This review covers key data across equities

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Rolling back the year: A review of 2025

Review the key market trends of 2025 - from trade tensions and interest rate shifts to AI-driven equity gains –...

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The changing global energy mix: implications for economies, opportunities for investors

The global energy mix is shifting. In this article, Eva Cairns, Head of Responsible Investment, review what that transformation looks...

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All the market wants for Christmas is AI ROI

AI investment is soaring, but where’s the return? Explore how monetisation is emerging across the tech stack – from LLMs...

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How to invest in rare earths without getting your hands dirty

Discover smart ways to invest in rare earths without direct mining exposure – from strategic metals to banks benefiting from...

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The big issues facing advisers in 2026

Explore the key challenges and opportunities for financial advisers in 2026 – from rising tax liabilities and evolving advice models...

Investment perspectives: November 25 Cover
Investment perspectives

Investment perspectives: November 25

This edition of Investment Perspectives fresh from attending COP30, our Head of Responsible Investment, Eva Cairns, shares her thoughts from the global climate conference, and considers what it might mean for investors.

We explore the shifting fortunes of Europe. We ask what factors have driven the renaissance of Southern Europe, and the struggles facing many Northern European economies, once considered the bastion of economic strength?

And Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, compares the performance of India and China in recent years and what investors can take from that.

In addition, we feature our October market review and third-party contributions on AI, consumer behaviour trends, and social media impact.

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Global investment market review: October 2025 – performance & highlights

Discover how global markets performed in October 2025. This review covers key data across equities

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India and China: An emerging market dichotomy?

India and China dominate emerging markets, but their investment profiles differ sharply. Explore what drives performance and the long-term outlook...

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Are the tides turning in European economics?

Explore whether economic tides are turning in Europe as growth slows, inflation eases, and monetary policy shifts. Gain insights into...

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Good COP, bad COP? Reflections on the global climate conference

Fresh from attending COP30 in Belém, Brazil, our Head of Responsible Investment, Eva Cairns, shares her thoughts on the outcomes...

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Soft signal: How Labubus became a barometer for the global economy

Discover how Pop Mart’s Labubu collectible toys became a global phenomenon, reflecting China’s cultural commerce, shifting consumer trends, and soft...

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Social media meets valuation

Explore how social media-driven meme trading is reshaping markets and challenging traditional valuation. Learn why momentum, sentiment, and technical analysis...

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How AI is changing search, and what it means for Google, ChatGPT and the open web

Explore how generative AI is transforming search, reducing click-through rates, and challenging traditional web models. Learn about Google’s AI Overviews,...

Paraplanner survey report 2025 Cover
Paraplanner survey

Paraplanner survey report 2025

Now in its third edition, the Scottish Widows Paraplanner Survey delves into the paraplanning profession and provides an insight into the vital role that paraplanners play within the financial planning industry.

Our survey of 200 paraplanners reveals how they feel about their role, the future of the industry, the impact of regulation, and how AI is reshaping the landscape.

Findings are presented across three core themes:

  1. Securing the future for paraplanning.
  2. The modern platform landscape.
  3. AI and technology adoption.
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The resilient paraplanner

Now in its third edition, the survey explores paraplanners adapting to workloads, regulation, and AI tools.

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Securing the future for paraplanning

Theme 1 examines paraplanning’s future, focusing on confidence, generational gaps, and career opportunities.

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The modern platform landscape

Theme 2 explores platform trends, highlighting efficiency, flexibility, and paraplanners’ priorities for operational success.

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AI and technology adoption

Theme 3 examines technology adoption, focusing on AI integration, workflow automation, and opportunities for improved efficiency.

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Other key findings

Other key findings highlight demographics, support levels, regulatory challenges, and paraplanners’ resilience amid industry change from the Paraplanner Survey 2025.

Investment perspectives: October 25 Cover
Investment perspectives

Investment perspectives: October 25

This edition of Investment Perspectives sees us look ahead to COP30. Just before Eva Cairns, our Head of Responsible Investment, travels out to Brazil, she’s highlighted her hopes for the global climate conference and why it’s so important for investors.

We explore the strengths and limitations of passive funds, as well as how smart beta strategies are expanding the passive toolkit to help advisers meet specific client goals. And Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, considers whether the position of the US dollar as the global currency of choice can continue and what any change could mean for the country’s equities.

We also feature our Q3 market review and a look ahead to Q4, as well as timely articles on inheritance tax, AI, and a country focus on Germany from this month’s third-party contributors.

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Global investment market review: Q3 2025 – performance & highlights

Review how global markets performed in Q3 2025, including equities, bonds and key regional trends, with insights on market drivers...

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Global investment market outlook: Q4 2025 trends & insights

Explore Q4 2025 global market trends, from equities and bonds to emerging markets. Learn what’s driving performance and where opportunities...

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COP30 – what we’ll be looking out for

COP30 marks a decade since the Paris Agreement. Key themes: stronger climate targets, scaling finance, protecting forests, carbon pricing, and...

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Beyond the benchmark: unpacking smart beta strategies

Discover how smart beta strategies blend passive and active investing to optimise portfolios. Learn the benefits, limitations, and key approaches...

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Another day, another dollar: US dollar dominance?

The US dollar remains dominant as the primary global reserve and trade currency, underpinning financial stability and US Treasury demand....

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Germany’s strategic agenda: Reforming the future

An overview of Germany’s reform agenda, exploring its impact on economic growth, European leadership and the potential implications for investors.

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Physical AI is about to reshape our world

Explore the impact of physical AI on autonomous vehicles, smart factories and global markets, and why it’s a cornerstone of...

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Inheritance tax is changing: Are you and your clients ready?

Major IHT reforms will affect pensions, agricultural property and business relief. Learn what’s changing and how to prepare your clients.