In contrast to Trump’s first term in office which was defined by a promise to revive domestic manufacturing and close the wealth gap, his second has so far involved a more concerted effort to appeal to Wall Street.
The US Federal Reserve is facing calls from the government to cut interest rates; will it concede and start another rate cutting cycle? Head of Investment Office Jon Cunliffe discusses this and the outlook for the global investment landscape in Markets in Focus.
As the US economy looks under pressure, there has been a broadening out of equity returns by region. European equities in particular are a less problematic proposition for some investors, argues Fidelity’s Marcel Stötzel in the Collectives Commentary. Factors including Germany’s €500bn allocation for infrastructure spending and €150bn EU loan for military expenditure are set to provide stimulation to the European economy, and offer an attractive backdrop for investment in the region.
Renationalisation of Britain’s rail networks and other previously privately owned utilities has been a major component of the Labour government’s policy since it came into office. Research Analyst Henry Birt debates in our editorial article whether the plans will actually solve the nation’s perennial bugbears with rail travel – costs and widespread delays: according to polls, public attitudes to renationalisation appear largely to hinge on whether it will bring rail fares down.
Many column inches have been devoted to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform the world of work. Few organisations have been closer to understanding the way AI is shaping the labour market than the Institute for the Future of Work, which has undertaken a three-year study into the future of employment. Associate Director Kester Brewin brings some of the key insights to the guest editorial, to help answer questions around how AI could change work as we know it.
Seeking feedback from customers via market research is a vital tool for companies to ensure that they continue to meet their needs. As JM Finn prepares to launch its biennial client survey, CEO Hugo Bedford covers the art of taking feedback on board in his Perspectives blog – and some of the pitfalls when firms fail to do so.
Many clients want to pass on wealth to family members – finding the best way to do so can be stressful, and when a beneficiary is vulnerable this can bring added complexity. Fortunately, various trust structures exist in English law that are designed to protect assets gifted to vulnerable recipients; Vanina Wittenburg and Matthew Yates from multidisciplinary law firm Hunters Law cover the main types here.
Selling a business can likewise often be an emotional decision, but from a practical standpoint it is vital to exit as tax-efficiently as possible to try to maximise wealth that is derived from the sale: here, Wealth Planner Luke Audritt covers some considerations to be aware of for business owners who may be thinking of moving on.
Last but most importantly, former Chairman of JM Finn James Edgedale sadly passed away this year: Investment Director Matthew McEneaney pays tribute to a much-respected friend and colleague.