Archive

The third quarter of 2020 sent global markets on yet another rollercoaster ride courtesy of the global pandemic. Initial optimism grew with the cautious reopening of businesses around the world, only to stall later in the quarter amid a resurgence in COVID-19.

The second quarter of 2020 saw strong performance in global risk assets, as markets and economies around the world responded to the easing of initial COVID-19 lockdowns and continuing stimulus and emergency support from central banks and governments.

The first quarter of 2020 was an extremely weak period for markets, reflecting the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic spreading across the globe. Central banks and governments around the world reacted by loosening monetary policy and implementing aggressive emergency fiscal measures.

After more than 10 years of strong market performance across asset classes, we believe investors should be heading into 2020 with a much more cautious view regarding risk. The unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, lingering geopolitical concerns and fears of escalating trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies all pose significant headwinds in the year ahead and beyond.