Commentary and Updates
From our regular market commentary to our expert breakdowns of government budgets and statements, here’s where you can stay up to date with all the latest financial developments.
Base Rate Held at 5.00% as Inflation Hugs Its Target
Many key markets sit close to the levels at the start of the month, despite an early September dip followed by a steady recovery.
August Volatility: The Perfect Storm and the Steady Recovery
As we approach the end of summer, we find ourselves in that quieter time of year for many businesses, and typically for markets too. Whilst the sunny August Bank Holiday gave the London Stock Exchange a break from trading, we’ve had a strong reminder that market dynamics don’t take holidays, even when many of us do.
Has the War on Inflation Finally Been Won? – Q3 2024 Quarterly Market Update
Hannah Kennedy is joined by Dr. Scott Osborne to discuss the recent US and UK elections, including the surprising developments in both regions: the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, Joe Biden stepping aside to make way for Kamala Harris, and the UK election being called in July.
Political Surprises and Small and Mid-Cap Stock Surge – Astute Market Overview
So much has happened since our last overview, it is difficult to know where to begin! We discuss the US election, UK Budget, and look ahead to what could come next.
Taking Some Currency Risk off the Table: Astute Fund Overview
Welcome to the latest Astute Fund Overview, our opportunity to tell you about some of the recent changes we have made in the VT Astute funds, and the reasoning for those changes.
Fiscal Credibility, Stability and Predictability: Why This Week’s General Election Doesn’t Concern Markets – Astute Market Overview
As you will know, this Thursday we will all be heading to our local polling stations, ID in hand, to vote in the 2024 general election. This leads us to question, what will the election result mean for investments?
Global Elections are Well Underway, What Does This Mean for Markets? Astute Market Overview.
In our Q4 2023 quarterly commentary, we highlight the huge number of global elections in 2024 as one of the key topics to watch this year. As we approach the middle of the year, these elections are well under way, and it seems like a good time to revisit this topic.
Key Stock Markets Are Pushing All-Time Highs – Astute Market Overview 21st May 2024
Since our last update, global equity markets have climbed higher. Of the 20 biggest equity (or stocks and shares) markets, 14 have recently hit, or are very close to, all-time highs; markets in India and Japan sit close to their peak, the Eurostoxx 600 (an index containing 600 European stocks, which is over 20% exposed to the UK) hit all-time highs over the period since our last update, and currently hovers around that mark.
Why Exchange Rates Matter – Q2 2024 Quarterly Market Update
In the Q2 2024 Market Update, Hannah Owen and Dr Scott Osborne delve into markets over the past few months, and why it is important to maintain a long-term outlook.
$1Billion Vote of Confidence for UK Self-Driving Car Technology – Astute Market Overview
Since our last update, many key markets ticked up. It has been a particularly strong period for the UK, with the FTSE 100 hitting an all-time high and continuing to climb, following many years as an unloved market.
Astute Market Overview – 17th April 2024
Markets dipped in the period since our last overview, blowing off some steam following strong performance since October. Today, we want to discuss some of the drivers of market return in April so far, including inflation and interest rate expectations, and touch on the escalation in the Middle East.
Bonds Are Back in Town – Highlight from Our Q4 2023 Astute Market Update
In this highlight video, we look back to November 2023, when Chief Investment Officer Dr Scott Osborne discusses his bond outlook.