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.
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...
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...
Investment Outlook 2026 – areas we’re watching
A huge opportunity for advisers to add value? Gareth Davies, Pension Specialist and Ross Easton, Head of Platform Propositions, discuss...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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.
Global investment market review: November 2025 – performance & highlights
Discover how global markets performed in November 2025. This review covers key data across equities
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 –...
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...
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...
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...
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
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.
Global investment market review: October 2025 – performance & highlights
Discover how global markets performed in October 2025. This review covers key data across equities
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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.
Investment perspectives: September 25
In this edition of Investment Perspectives, we take a wide-angle view of the forces shaping global markets and long-term investment strategy. From August’s market performance to the evolving role of capital market assumptions, the collection offers timely insights for navigating volatility and maintaining focus on long-term goals. We also explore how forward-looking climate metrics are being embedded into investment strategy, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in portfolio construction.
Beyond the macro lens, we spotlight key regional developments - from India’s rapid economic ascent to Europe’s blueprint for post-war Ukraine—and reassess the changing risk landscape in emerging market debt. Whether you're interested in global trends, climate alignment, or strategic asset allocation, this edition brings together perspectives designed to inform and inspire confident decision-making.
Global investment market review: August 2025 - performance & highlights
Discover how global markets performed in August 2025. This review covers key data across equities, bonds, and commodities, with insights...
Staying the course: why CMAs matter in volatile markets
Capital market assumptions help investors stay focused on long-term strategy, offering stability and insight amid market volatility.
From emissions to alignment: how Scottish Widows is embedding forward-looking climate metrics into investment strategy
Scottish Widows adopts forward-looking climate metrics to align investments with net zero goals, enhancing portfolio resilience and real-world impact.
The lowdown on India
India is now the world’s 4th-largest economy, growing at 6.4% annually. Strong markets, manufacturing growth, and global trade shifts position...
Europe’s blueprint for post-war Ukraine: security, reconstruction and partnership
Transitioning from saving to spending requires careful planning for your clients. Avoid pitfalls like pound-cost ravaging and secure your financial...
Why we can still deliver sustainability
Is momentum the key to successful income investing? Multi Asset Fund Manager David Jane questions whether income investing is ready...
Rethinking emerging market debt: A changing risk landscape
Transitioning from saving to spending requires careful planning for your clients. Avoid pitfalls like pound-cost ravaging and secure your financial...
Investment perspectives: August 25
In this edition, we explore a range of timely investment themes - from market movements and inflation hedging strategies to stewardship, societal shifts, and the evolving risks facing retirees - offering fresh perspectives to help navigate today’s financial landscape.
Global investment market review: July 2025 performance & highlights
In July 2025, the MSCI All Country World Index, a representative measure of global equities, increased 5.0% in sterling terms...
How minding the gender gap can unlock opportunity
Women are becoming an ever-increasing force to be reckoned with when it comes to controlling wealth, but there are still...
Asset correlation and inflation: Is hedging the answer?
In the UK, we’ve had a step up in inflation in recent months and there are arguably several issues that...
Engage, oversee, influence: Our three-pillar stewardship approach
As a proud signatory of the UK Stewardship Code, we recently published our 2024 Responsible Investment and Stewardship Report. It demonstrates...
From an ageing society to a longevity society
The prevailing narrative in the so-called ‘ageing crisis’ has been one linked to overburdened pension systems, a shrinking workforce and...
Five reasons to pay more attention to Europe’s smaller companies
One of the precious few joys of perusing European Commission documents lies in the challenge of spotting inventive means of...
The hidden cost of ‘pound-cost ravaging’ for retirees
Transitioning from saving to spending requires careful planning for your clients. Avoid pitfalls like pound-cost ravaging and secure your financial...
Investment perspectives: July 25
In this edition, we examine global market performance and outlooks, unpack key systemic risks, and explore how investor strategies are evolving in response to geopolitical tensions, policy shifts, and the growing importance of social frameworks like decent work.
Global investment market review: Q2 2025 performance & highlights
In the second quarter of 2025, the MSCI All Country World Index, a representative measure of global equities, rose 5.1%...
Global investment market outlook: Q3 2025 data & insights
Despite equity market weakness following news of wide-ranging US trade tariffs in April, subsequent delays in their implementation enabled markets...
Why systemic risks matter for investors
Systemic risks can have wide-ranging impacts across markets and economies. Their interactions can spark a cascade of consequences that can...
Expectation vs reality: Assessing Bessent’s 3-3-3 plan
Scott Bessent, US Treasury Secretary and former hedge fund manager, has touted a “3-3-3” plan – a bold economic strategy...
Decent work: A framework for investors
The United Nations unveiled its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. These included SDG 8, “decent work and economic...
Implications of Middle East tensions for the global economy and markets
Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear programme and military leadership on Friday 13 June marked a significant escalation in the conflict...
The benefits of using liquid alternatives in portfolio construction
Traditional investment strategies can fall short in navigating the complexities and volatility of today’s financial markets. Consequently, portfolio managers are...
Investment perspectives: June 25
This edition explores key developments shaping global investment thinking - from May’s market movements and the evolving AI landscape to China’s contrasting economic narratives and the resilience of infrastructure amid equity volatility.
Global investment market review: May 2025 - performance & highlights
In May 2025, the MSCI All Country World Index, a representative measure of global equities, rose 4.7% in sterling terms....
The AI challenge – unpicking risks and opportunities for investors
AI is fast becoming an essential part of our daily lives and often in surprising ways. From the road network...
China: a tale of two stories
Investing in China has been challenging in recent years. If you open any major Western media, you would likely encounter...
Infrastructure steady as equities swing
ClearBridge Investments: Despite recent strong performance for listed infrastructure versus equities, infrastructure valuations are still attractive on a risk adjusted...
Investment perspectives: Multi-asset special
A Multi-Asset special of Investment Perspectives. In this special edition, we take a closer look at multi-asset investing – exploring our asset allocation philosophy, the distinctions between multi-asset funds and model portfolios, and how diversification continues to offer resilience in today’s uncertain markets.
Our asset allocation approach
Learn how Scottish Widows’ Asset Allocation Team builds resilient, customer-focused portfolios using data-driven insights, diversification, and a future-ready investment framework...
Either or? Understanding key differences between multi-asset funds and model portfolios
‘Active versus passive’ and ‘growth versus value’ are common debates within the investment industry. However, they’ve been joined by another:...
Resilience through diversification: Why multi-asset matters now
In a world where headlines can now shift markets overnight, we are reminded of the value of diversification.
Investment perspectives: May 25
In this edition, we review Q1 market performance and look ahead to Q2 trends, while exploring inflation’s impact on central bank policy, shifting global value opportunities, and the growing relevance of systemic risks in shaping investor decisions.
Global investment market review: April 2025 - performance & highlights
Global markets saw mixed performance in April 2025 amid trade tensions, with Japan and Europe leading, and bonds and commodities...
Spotlight on China
China’s economy rebounds with stimulus and trade easing, yet property concerns and tariff uncertainty mean investors must stay alert to...
Emerging markets: Into the spotlight?
Despite recent challenges, emerging markets offer strong long-term growth, favourable demographics, and diversification potential for investors seeking global exposure.
Government debt – what it means for investors
Government debt is rising globally. What does it mean for investors, and how can sovereign bonds still play a role...
