Noise in the factors
I recently came across an interesting study about the Fama-French factors, those widely used risk factors that underpin how we evaluate investment performance. The findings should matter to every (institutional) investor.
Chart of the week: is this our umpteenth last chance?
Even before stock market trading in March had really gotten underway, we already knew this month would end up in the history books. You also have to be particularly creative now to write a column that does not touch on what is happening in the Middle East. So here is the expected topic, but with a twist.
Morningstar: Invesco vs Cartesio in EUR cautious allocation
Investors continue to shun EUR cautious allocation funds as fixed income regained popularity.
Fear of higher inflation dampens optimism around bonds
A large share of the bond markets currently offers yields that look attractive, above the magical threshold of 4 percent. But the war in the Middle East is fueling fears that inflation could move in that direction as well, which would erode much of the real return.
What’s driving the gold price? … and other important questions
Gold recently hit record highs before pulling back. Supportive conditions persist but volatility may rise. Gold has historically offered long‑term value and a cushion in volatile markets. Physical gold ETPs provide simple price exposure.
La Française: favorable winds for growth
Written by François Rimeu, Senior Strategist, Crédit Mutuel Asset Management
Investors reassess strategic asset allocation as negative correlation returns
With the restoration of the negative correlation between equities and bonds, the structure of strategic asset allocation is once again under debate among asset owners and asset managers. Was the shift away from the traditional 60/40 portfolio towards a permanent allocation to private markets a lasting course correction — or merely a temporary response to an extraordinary period? Investment Officer spoke to four leading investment professionals.
Negative Swiss rates back in focus as Franc surges
The sharp rise in the Swiss franc following U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran has brought an issue back into focus that many believed had been settled: negative interest rates in Switzerland.
Share prices follow earnings, always
Stocks follow earnings per share. Over the long term, the correlation between earnings growth and share price performance is as high as 98 percent. Everything else is noise. Macro fears, geopolitical tensions, quarterly results that fall short by a fraction — in the long run, they hardly matter. What counts is how much a company earns and how those earnings develop over time.
Oil, gas prices take center stage in market reaction to Iran strikes
Oil and gas prices rose sharply on Monday as investors assessed the implications of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation, with markets focused on whether the conflict risks widening.