Editions

In April, the MSCI ACWI Index, a representative measure of global equities across developed and emerging markets, added 6.9% in...

The Asia Pacific ex Japan region has emerged as an important element of some multi-asset portfolios. Incorporating Asia Pacific ex...

In this article, Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, considers the different types of inflation and the influence of energy...

Commodities can seem like a specialist area of the market, but they tend to come into sharper focus when inflation,...

Multi-asset investing is all about diversification. Diversification – sometimes referred to as the only free lunch in finance – embeds...

Confronted with ongoing geopolitical tensions, we believe Asia’s fundamental strengths should underpin the resilience of its fixed income markets. Supported...

In highly volatile markets the pressure to act can be overwhelming. A disciplined investment process helps resist costly reactions.

Scottish Widows CEO Chira Barua introduces the first part of Scottish Widows’ Retirement Report 2026, examining financial pressure, health and...

In this video, Pete Glancy, Head of Pensions Policy at Scottish Widows, outlines the key findings from the Retirement Report...

New National Retirement Forecast data shows 12.2 million people still face pension poverty in the UK despite recent improvements.

New modelling compares higher pension contributions with working longer, showing that contribution increases deliver for savers.

New research examines how short‑term financial pressures influence retirement saving decisions, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Health challenges are affecting people’s ability to work, manage money and save for retirement, increasing long‑term risk.

In our policy recommendations we call for changes to auto-enrolment to benefit more workers, including self-employed people, and closer links...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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