As Long-Term Bonds Fail to Protect Again, Where Can Investors Find Safety?
Manulife Investment Management’s CIO Nathan Thooft warns that long‑duration U.S. Treasury bonds have again failed to act as a hedge, as equities and bonds moved together amid the US‑Israeli conflict and rising inflation. He argues that the positive equity‑bond correlation, first seen in 2022, is becoming structural due to persistent fiscal‑spending concerns and sticky inflation. Thooft suggests investors turn to a diversified set of diversifiers—medium‑term “belly” bonds, cash, the U.S. dollar, commodities and alternative assets—rather than relying solely on the traditional 60/40 mix. The shift calls for a rethink of portfolio construction to preserve downside protection.
Cboe’s Kinahan Bets Simple, Risk-Defined Prediction Markets Will Draw a New Wave of Retail Traders
Cboe’s CEO Kinahan is launching simple, risk‑defined prediction‑market products aimed at retail traders, leveraging the growing appetite for options among younger investors. The exchange plans to offer binary contracts with clear payoff structures, differentiating from traditional futures and gambling‑style markets....
SADC REGIONAL PORTS CONFIRM PARTICIPATION IN LANDLINKED ZAMBIA 2026
Land‑linked Zambia 2026 has secured participation from all six key SADC ports—Beira, Dar es Salaam, Durban, Lobito, Nacala and Walvis Bay—signaling a major push toward multimodal connectivity. Zambia’s goal of producing 3 million metric tonnes of copper by 2031 will place...
What the Engagement Debate Misses: Visiting China Is Not the Same as Understanding It
The article argues that recent calls for renewed U.S. trips to China overlook a crucial distinction: visiting China does not equal understanding it. While official delegations showcase polished factories and elite think‑tank briefings, they miss the everyday realities of ordinary...
CenterSquare’s Todd Briddell Highlights Alpha Opportunity, Innovation in REIT Market
CenterSquare Investment Management CEO Todd Briddell told the REIT Report podcast that the firm’s three‑decade REIT strategy thrives on embracing market volatility as a source of alpha. He highlighted how disciplined underwriting, defensive positioning and a willingness to “not get over...
Investing in Energy’s ‘Anti-Fragile’ Future
S2G Investments, led by managing director Bala Nagarajan, is targeting "anti‑fragile" energy companies that succeed on pure economics rather than relying on federal tax credits. The firm highlighted Aerones, a robot‑based wind‑turbine blade repair startup, as a model of cost‑effective,...
How Two Gen Z Women Founders Are Making Wealth-Building Accessible
Eve Halimi and Anam Lakhani, former Wall Street interns, launched Alinea Invest in 2020. The fintech app aims to demystify investing for Gen Z, especially women, by offering an approachable, low‑threshold experience. They identified a gender‑specific white space in traditional wealth...
Which European Stocks Pay Dividends in April 2026?
Morningstar’s April 2026 screening identifies 19 of the 100 largest European companies slated to pay dividends, spanning insurers, banks, consumer goods, and industrials. Zurich Insurance Group tops the list with the highest yield, while Airbus records the lowest after resuming...
Buy This Steel Stock That's 'Largely Insulated' From Iran War, Says UBS
UBS upgraded Nucor (NUE) to a Buy rating, raising its price target to $190, implying roughly 15% upside from the recent dip. The firm argues that U.S. steel producers, including Nucor, are largely insulated from the geopolitical fallout of the...
A Lost Decade for Bonds Means High-Quality Stocks Are Best Way to Protect...
Morgan Stanley's chief U.S. equity strategist Mike Wilson warns that bonds will deliver a lost decade of returns. He argues that persistent, three‑decade inflation driven by war‑related debt and pandemic stimulus makes high‑quality U.S. stocks the best hedge. Wilson recommends...
Daily Spotlight: Stocks Can Survive a Pullback
The S&P 500 slipped 5% to just under 6,500 after the Iran war and a sharp oil price surge, marking a classic pullback. Pullbacks—defined as a 5% decline from recent highs—occur roughly three times a year and differ from deeper 10%...
Technical Assessment: Bullish in the Intermediate-Term
Crude oil has settled into a modest price equilibrium, relieving some pressure on equity markets. The S&P 500 is hovering near its recent level, having briefly slipped below its six‑month range but staying only 39 points under the 200‑day moving average...
Europe Bond Market Doubts Grow Over Recovery From War Rout
European sovereign bond markets remain under pressure after a sharp sell‑off triggered by the Middle East war, and analysts say a swift end to the conflict is unlikely to spark a rapid rebound. Intermittent rallies have emerged on hopes of...
Estate Planning Enters a New Era as Ultra-Wealthy Families Seek Deeper Advisory Support
Estate planning for ultra‑high‑net‑worth families is undergoing a fundamental shift as advisors expand beyond pure investment management to integrated legacy, governance, and cross‑border services. The global UHNW cohort now tops 510,000 individuals, holding roughly $59.8 trillion, driving demand for more sophisticated,...
Fertiliser Price Surge Due to Iran War Coincides with US Planting Season
The renewed Iran war has disrupted urea and ammonium nitrate production, slashing exports and driving global fertilizer prices up roughly 30 percent. The price surge coincides with the critical U.S. planting window, adding $10‑$20 per acre to corn fertilizer costs....
Hardship Withdrawals Hit Record High, Underscoring Retirement Risks
Vanguard reports a record 6% of 401(k) participants took hardship withdrawals in 2025, with a median payout of $1,900 and many making multiple taps. This marks the sixth consecutive year of growth in early‑retirement cashouts, signaling widening financial strain among...
Growing Demand for Meat Will Boost This Stock, Mizuho Says
Mizuho has initiated coverage of Tyson Foods (TSN) with an outperform rating and a $72 price target, implying roughly 17% upside from the current price. The bank cites a structural rise in global protein demand, projecting an additional 47.9 million tonnes...
Nifty 50 Jumps Nearly 800 Points in Two Sessions on US-Iran De-Escalation Hopes; Can the Rally Sustain?
The Nifty 50 surged 794 points (about 3.5%) over two sessions after President Donald Trump signaled a possible end to the US‑Iran conflict, reviving risk appetite on Dalal Street. The rally recovered much of March’s losses, though the index remains down...
The 10 Best-Performing Defense ETFs to Buy in 2026
Defense‑focused exchange‑traded funds have surged in early 2026 as the Russian‑Ukraine war and Middle‑East conflicts keep defense budgets high. Global defence spending is projected to reach $2.6 trillion by year‑end, an 8.1% rise over 2025, turning the sector into a structural...
JW Marriott Marco Island Sold for $835M, Signaling Surge in Florida Luxury Tourism Investment
The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort was sold for approximately $835 million in cash to Sculptor Diversified Real Estate Income Trust. The 800‑room property boasts three miles of private beach, over 100,000 sq ft of event space and a recent $320 million renovation....
Earnings Call Transcript: Racing Force Group Reports Strong H2 2025 Growth
Racing Force Group posted robust 2025 results, with revenue climbing 11.4% to €73.1 million (≈ $79.7 million) and gross margin expanding to 63.3%. Adjusted EBITDA surged 21.2% to €12.8 million (≈ $13.9 million), driven by a 20% sales acceleration in the second half, especially from newly...
M&T Bank’s Q1 2026 Earnings: What to Expect
M&T Bank is slated to report Q1 2026 earnings of $4.03 per share, a 19.2% jump from the year‑ago quarter. For the full fiscal year, analysts project EPS of $18.77, up 9.1% versus 2025, with 2027 outlook at $20.94 per...
QuadReal Ramps Up Self-Storage With £280M Acquisition: The London Deal Sheet
QuadReal Property Group has agreed to buy a 27‑asset, 1.2 million‑square‑foot self‑storage portfolio in the UK for £280 million (≈ $350 million). The deal creates a joint venture with Clear Sky Capital, in which QuadReal holds a 95% interest and will inject an additional...
KraneShares Lists California Carbon ETC on London Stock Exchange
KraneShares has listed its California Carbon ETC on the London Stock Exchange, offering both US‑dollar (KCCA LN) and GBP‑hedged (KCCP LN) share classes. The ETC tracks the S&P Carbon Credit CCA Index, giving investors exposure to California Carbon Allowance futures, a market...
Best CD Rates Today, March 26, 2026 (Lock in up to 4.1% APY)
Certificate of deposit (CD) rates remain elevated, with the top offering a 4.1% APY on an 11‑month term from Capital One and no minimum deposit. Online banks are also posting rates above 4% APY, outpacing traditional savings accounts. The Federal...
Best High-Yield Savings Interest Rates Today, March 26, 2026 (Top Account Pays 4% APY)
High‑yield savings accounts remain a strong option for consumers, with the top rates hovering around 4% APY as of March 26 2026. SoFi and Valley Bank Direct currently lead the market, each offering a 4% annual percentage yield. Rates have been trending...
The Iran War Is Hitting Every Node in the LNG Supply Chain
The ongoing war in Iran is disrupting every node of the regional liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain, choking exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. With Gulf output curtailed, European and Asian buyers are forced to vie for...
European Autonomy: A Thematic Investment Ripe for EU Savers
Europe’s push for strategic autonomy is reshaping investment flows, with 2025 marking a historic surge in European equity ETFs that attracted roughly €80 bn (about $86 bn) in net inflows. Asset managers have responded by launching thematic funds focused on defence, energy...
Iran War: Why a Trump Climbdown Won’t Save Asia’s Economies
A year after President Trump’s trade assault, Asian economies escaped tariff fallout thanks to market pressure and AI‑driven growth, but the Iran‑Israel war has reignited a severe energy shock. Goldman Sachs warns that soaring oil and LNG prices could derail...
Listen: Can Europeans Actually Reduce Our Gas Consumption?
European households are grappling with soaring energy bills as gas prices remain high. The EU forced an 18% cut in gas consumption after Russia's invasion, surpassing its target, and experts now urge a repeat of that mandate. Alternatives such as...
Barclays Sees 13–14 Million Bpd Oil Supply Loss From Prolonged Hormuz Disruption
Barclays estimates that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would remove 13‑14 million barrels per day from global oil supply, representing roughly 13% of projected 2026 demand. The bank warns that if the disruption extends into late April, Brent...
The R16-Billion Tech Giant Hiding in Plain Sight
Datatec, a JSE‑listed technology group with a market capitalisation of roughly $0.9 billion, has generated a 361% total shareholder return over the past five years, positioning it among South Africa’s top‑performing tech stocks. The company reported $4.1 billion in gross invoiced income...
As Iran War Rages, China Links Peace to Economic Growth at Boao Forum
At the Boao Forum for Asia, China’s top legislator Zhao Leji warned that power politics should give way to economic development amid the ongoing US‑Israeli war on Iran. He pledged that Beijing will keep promoting free trade, openness and a...
Fuel Shock Pushes Thai Fishery Close to Shutdown
A sharp rise in diesel to about 39 baht ($1.11) per litre—driven by the US‑Israeli war on Iran—has left more than half of Samut Sakhon’s trawlers idle and threatens to shut down Thailand’s multibillion‑dollar fishing sector within days. Thailand exports roughly...
North-South Divide Hits Buy-to-Let, Paragon Data Reveals
Paragon Bank’s latest data shows a pronounced regional shift in UK buy‑to‑let activity, with the Midlands and North now accounting for just over half of purchases, up from under 35% in 2015, while the South’s share fell to 38%. The...
Asian Stocks Mostly Fall, Oil Climbs Again over Iran War De-Escalation Uncertainties
Asian equity markets slipped on Thursday as uncertainty over a de‑escalation of the Iran war weighed on investor sentiment, with the Nikkei down 0.3%, the Kospi off 1.9% and the Hang Seng falling 1.4%. Oil prices rebounded, lifting Brent crude...
Global Market Update | Japan's Nikkei Gains on Middle East Optimism; SoftBank Jumps 6%
Japan's Nikkei index climbed 0.61% to 54,075, driven by a 6.2% jump in SoftBank shares after Arm Holdings forecast strong data‑center chip revenue. The rally reflects growing optimism that Middle‑East tensions may ease, even as the market stays below its...
Stock Markets Shut Today for Local Holiday; Sensex, Nifty Settle Higher in Previous Session
Indian equity markets closed Thursday for the Ram Navami holiday, with trading set to resume on Friday. In the previous session, the Nifty surged 1.72% to 23,306.45 points and the Sensex climbed 1.63% to 75,273.45, marking a second straight day of...
Trade Homes, Not Cash: A New Way to See the World
HomeExchange, a global home‑swapping platform with over 450,000 listings, lets members trade residences through simultaneous, non‑simultaneous or GuestPoints exchanges. The service relies on ID verification, utility‑bill proof and AI‑driven fraud detection, backed by $1 million in protection and a mandatory $500...
ConocoPhillips CEO Warns Supply Losses, Infrastructure Gaps Will Drive Higher Oil Prices
ConocoPhillips Chairman and CEO Ryan Lance warned that the removal of 8‑10 million barrels per day of oil and roughly 20% of global LNG capacity is creating a tight market that will push oil prices higher. He said U.S. shale output...
Saudi Arabia Ramps Yanbu Exports Toward 5 MMbpd as Hormuz Disruption Forces Rerouting
Saudi Arabia is accelerating crude exports from its Yanbu Red Sea terminals, aiming for a 5 MMbpd target as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed by Iran. The East‑West pipeline linking Abqaiq to Yanbu can handle 7 MMbpd, but 2 MMbpd are...
Whisky Investment in 2026: Structure, New Markets and Scarcity
Whisky investment has shed its pandemic‑era hype and is now recognised as a disciplined alternative asset class alongside art and fine wine. Tariff reductions in India—down to 40% by 2026—combined with growing affluence in Asia are expanding demand for premium...
China Open to Reviving South China Sea Oil Talks, but Tells Philippines to 'Show Sincerity'
China signaled that its door remains open for joint oil and gas development in the South China Sea, but it told Manila it must first demonstrate sincerity before talks can resume. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. linked the renewed interest to...
Vanke Seeks Bond Delay Again as It Works on Restructuring Plan
China Vanke Co., a distressed property developer, has approached holders of its yuan‑denominated bond maturing on April 23 to seek a payment postponement. In meetings last week, Vanke indicated it is also weighing a broader restructuring that could involve extending...
Mortgage Rates Near 6-Month High — but Here’s How Much Worse It Would Be without Freddie and Fannie’s Bond Buying
Mortgage rates have climbed to a six‑month high of 6.48% on Wednesday, up from the 5.9% low seen in January. The surge follows the Iran conflict that began in late February, reigniting market volatility. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae’s $200 billion mortgage‑bond purchase...
Ray White Report Shows Land Value, Harvest Correlation
Ray White’s 2024‑25 farmland research shows that Australia’s strong grain harvest did not uniformly lift dry‑land cropping values, with regional divergences driven by commodity prices and higher borrowing costs. While Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia saw median prices rise...
Why the Ultra‑Wealthy See Pacific Nations Like Nauru as the Next Safe Haven
Affluent individuals and families are rapidly securing second passports as a hedge against escalating geopolitical tensions, driving a 62% surge in citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) applications since 2023. Nauru’s newly launched program, which ties passport purchases to a Climate Resilience Fund, has...
Zambia Development Agency Signs Landmark MoU with Imbono to Boost Investment and Job Creation
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) and global investor Imbono have signed a landmark MoU to channel large‑scale investment into Zambia’s priority sectors. Imbono pledged to invest roughly $2 billion annually across Southern Africa, with a substantial share earmarked for Zambia’s infrastructure,...
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RCEP Explained: Fostering Global Trade Relations
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) entered into force in 2022, creating the world’s largest free‑trade bloc with 15 Asia‑Pacific economies. Together the members represent roughly 30% of global GDP and population, and the pact cuts tariffs across a broad...
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Forex and Beggar-Thy-Neighbor Policies: A Comprehensive Guide
The guide explains beggar‑thy‑neighbor policies—tariffs, quotas, and currency devaluation—as tools nations use to protect domestic industries at the expense of trade partners. It traces the concept from Adam Smith’s critique through the Great Depression, post‑World War II Japan, and the 1990s...