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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.

Map focused on the Middle East, showing countries like Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and bordering regions

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...

Contributors

Dale Nicholls
Portfolio manager of the Fidelity Pacific Fund and Fidelity China Special Situations PLC, Fidelity International
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Photograph of Heather Coulson, Head of Portfolio Management and Implementation at Scottish Widows.
Heather Coulson
Head of Portfolio Management and Implementation, Scottish Widows
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Ian Kloss
Head of Nationals – Networks and International Distribution, RBC Brewin Dolphin
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Luke Newman
Portfolio Manager, Janus Henderson Investors
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Matt Brennan
Head of Asset Allocation & Research, Scottish Widows
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photo of Mithesh Varsani Head of Investment Solutions at Scottish Widows
Mithesh Varsani
Head of Investment Solutions, Scottish Widows
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Scottish Widows
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