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.
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...
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.
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...
As the end of the 2025/2026 tax year draws near, here is some Insights and Guides to help support your clients effectively.
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,...
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.
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,...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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,...
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:
Now in its third edition, the survey explores paraplanners adapting to workloads, regulation, and AI tools.
Theme 1 examines paraplanning’s future, focusing on confidence, generational gaps, and career opportunities.
Theme 2 explores platform trends, highlighting efficiency, flexibility, and paraplanners’ priorities for operational success.
Theme 3 examines technology adoption, focusing on AI integration, workflow automation, and opportunities for improved efficiency.
Other key findings highlight demographics, support levels, regulatory challenges, and paraplanners’ resilience amid industry change from the Paraplanner Survey 2025.
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.
Review how global markets performed in Q3 2025, including equities, bonds and key regional trends, with insights on market drivers...
Explore Q4 2025 global market trends, from equities and bonds to emerging markets. Learn what’s driving performance and where opportunities...
COP30 marks a decade since the Paris Agreement. Key themes: stronger climate targets, scaling finance, protecting forests, carbon pricing, and...
Discover how smart beta strategies blend passive and active investing to optimise portfolios. Learn the benefits, limitations, and key approaches...
The US dollar remains dominant as the primary global reserve and trade currency, underpinning financial stability and US Treasury demand....
An overview of Germany’s reform agenda, exploring its impact on economic growth, European leadership and the potential implications for investors.
Explore the impact of physical AI on autonomous vehicles, smart factories and global markets, and why it’s a cornerstone of...
Major IHT reforms will affect pensions, agricultural property and business relief. Learn what’s changing and how to prepare your clients.