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Cover Story
Lost in space
When man first landed on the moon in 1969 it was widely believed that the event heralded an era of scientific and technological advancement. But we have become less ambitious and more pessimistic, writes Daniel Ben-Ami.
Dead calm
Multi-asset funds and volatility products aim to mitigate stormy conditions, but are investors forfeiting rewards for consistency? And is well-managed contrarianism preferable to a risk-off approach? Cherry Reynard reports.
Where will it land?
China’s rapid growth has made it the centre of gravity for the world’s economy. But as it struggles to rebalance exports and internal consumption, forecasters are divided about whether it faces a hard or a soft landing. Ben Hunt reports.
Hat trick
Some astute European companies overcame the dearth of corporate credit by tapping capital markets via an issue of bonds, which, some argue, is good for economies because it helps to spread the load. Rodrigo Amaral reports.
Business in a bind
’Responsible capitalism’ – the widely held view by politicians and business leaders that companies should operate within greater restraints – presents a formidable barrier to the promotion of prosperity, writes Daniel Ben-Ami.
Blunt tool
The monetary policy of central banks seems to have had a stabilising effect, but many wonder why huge sums of money are not reaching the real economy, spurring lending and stimulating economic growth. Ben Hunt reports.
Screen printing
As technology companies mature, develop money-spinning patents and reward shareholders, how far is the sector from becoming a dividend aristocrat? And is it on the verge of bubble territory? Adam Lewis reports.
Premium octane
While the price of oil is rising, demand for the physical commodity is in retreat. Problems with Iran are only part of the story as a geopolitical risk premium is built into futurescontracts, inflicting higher fuel costs on consumers. Ben Hunt reports.
Small wonder
Small and medium-sized companies flourish in a downturn because they are agile and have room to grow, unlike larger firms. They also act as a bell-wether for economic health and offer potential for good returns, writes Rodrigo Amaral.
To the lighthouse
The crisis in the eurozone, the stasis in the rest of the developed world and the build-up of inflationary pressures hamper investors’ quest for sanctuary as the number of “safe” asset classes dwindles, writes Helen Burnett-Nichols.
Cutting through the debt crisis
The explosion of debt for the developed world, and its growing evolution into a full-blown debt crisis, has been an extraordinary development. Ben Hunt provides a summary of where we are today, and reports on some of the latest thinking about the growing malaise.
Engines on
Pundits differ over the impact of the retail distribution review on investment trusts. Some say the new rules will raise standards and boost sales, while others say complexity and reduced liquidity will deter take-up. Muriel Oatham reports.
Lost in space
New Star shone with its galaxy of strong managers and stellar performances, but it fell to earth and its story ended in takeover and a messy tribunal. James Smith examines the group’s legacy and how the funds have performed since.
Safe place
Gilts outperformed last year and despite a woeful start to 2012, the asset class is unlikely to tumble as it will be buttressed by factors, including quantitative easing. However, there may be better, safer investments, writes Cherry Reynard.
Back to the wall
If emerging markets offer the best hope for a return to global growth, as many experts argue, why are countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Russia risking an own goal by bringing back protectionist policies? Rodrigo Amaral reports.
Star in the east
Over the past decade Turkey’s economy has tripled in size and its political situation has stabilised. However, risks, such as its proximity to Iran and the country’s large current account deficit, may hamper progress, writes Ben Hunt.
Core strength
Global demand for metal falters, which affects prices and exploration budgets. But there is light at the end of the tunnel as emerging economies grow and the long-term outlook for the sector brightens, writes Helen Burnett-Nichols.
Coming to a head
The sovereign debt crisis and an ineffectual banking system intertwine to choke the eurozone - inevitable outcomes of the region’s ambiguous status as neither a single nation state nor a unified regional economy, writes Daniel Ben-Ami.
Anyone’s guess
After a torrid and volatile 2011, in which natural disasters, political upheavals and the eurozone crisis have confounded economic predictions, who can say what 2012 will bring? Fund Strategy writers train their binoculars on the year ahead.
