In this edition of Investment Perspectives, Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, takes a timely look at inflation and the influence of energy costs on price rises.
We consider the role commodities can play in multi-asset portfolios and how the Iran war has driven different outcomes across energy, metals and agriculture, underlining the importance of careful allocation. And we take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Asia Pacific ex Japan region for investors.
In addition, we feature our April market review and third-party contributions on Asian fixed income, multi-asset investing, and the importance of investment processes.
Global investment market review: April 2026
In April, the MSCI ACWI Index, a representative measure of global equities across developed and emerging markets, added 6.9% in...
Unlocking diversification and growth opportunities
The Asia Pacific ex Japan region has emerged as an important element of some multi-asset portfolios. Incorporating Asia Pacific ex...
Energy and inflation
In this article, Matt Brennan, Head of Asset Allocation, considers the different types of inflation and the influence of energy...
Considering commodities in multi-asset portfolios
Commodities can seem like a specialist area of the market, but they tend to come into sharper focus when inflation,...
Why the time is right for multi-asset investing
Multi-asset investing is all about diversification. Diversification – sometimes referred to as the only free lunch in finance – embeds...
The resilience of Asian fixed income
Confronted with ongoing geopolitical tensions, we believe Asia’s fundamental strengths should underpin the resilience of its fixed income markets. Supported...
When markets test conviction, trust the process
In highly volatile markets the pressure to act can be overwhelming. A disciplined investment process helps resist costly reactions.
Contributors
Christopher Mahon
Head of Dynamic Real Return, Multi-asset, Columbia Threadneedle Investments
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