RC Brown's Oliver Brown: Passive Dominance Risk at Crucial Tipping Point
Passive investing now accounts for roughly 50% of global equity market capitalisation, marking a historic milestone. Analysts warn this concentration could become a systemic vulnerability if a market correction triggers mass redemptions. The shift challenges traditional active managers, whose fee structures rely on outperformance. The industry faces a potential regulatory spotlight as the passive share approaches a tipping point.
Event Voice: How the Middle East Crisis Has Changed the Outlook for Bonds
The recent Middle East conflict has reignited energy price spikes, sending UK gilt yields sharply higher as investors price in additional Bank of England hikes. Unlike the 2022 inflation surge, current inflation is moderating and central banks enjoy greater credibility,...
Capital Markets Roundup: March 2026
Investment Week released its March 2026 capital markets roundup, the third installment of the series, authored by chief reporter Linus Uhlig. The piece reviews key developments across the Middle East, UK gilts and global interest‑rate trends during the month. Although...
Event Voice: Powering the Transition - Why Critical Minerals Are Central to the Next Era
The abrdn Future Minerals Fund focuses on companies involved in critical minerals such as copper, aluminium, rare earths and uranium, which are essential for AI, electrification and renewable energy infrastructure. Rising demand and constrained supply are expected to keep prices...
Saba Sets Out Liquidity Proposals for Edinburgh Worldwide
Saba Capital Management has presented a suite of liquidity proposals aimed at Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust (EWI) shareholders. The plan includes a tender offer, a secondary‑market facilitation platform, and the possibility of a share buy‑back. Saba’s initiative seeks to narrow...
David Stevenson: Investment Trust Definition Has Been Stretched Too Far
David Stevenson argues that the traditional definition of an investment trust or closed‑end investment company is being stretched by modern fund structures. He points out that many vehicles now blend open‑ended features, leverage, and hybrid distribution policies, blurring the line...
Richard Saldanha: 'Coming Back to Aviva Was Very Much Like Returning Home'
Richard Saldanha re‑joined Aviva Investors in early 2025 after a brief tenure at Royal London Asset Management that began in December 2024. His return surprised industry observers, given the short duration of his RLAM stint and his prior long‑standing role...
Matthew Yeates
Seven Investment Management (7IM) reported a total AUM of approximately $30.7 billion, positioning it fourth in asset growth among UK firms. Co‑CIO Matthew Yeates, a recognized systematic investing leader, oversaw the 2025 acquisition of Rockhold Asset Management and the launch of...
Bank of England Votes Unanimously to Leave Rates Unchanged at 3.75%
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to keep the Bank Rate at 3.75%. The decision comes as inflation remains above the 2% target, pressured by higher energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty. By holding rates steady, the MPC...
Partner Insight: Are Investors Missing a Trick by Overlooking Global Mid and Small-Caps?
Global mid‑ and small‑cap equities have delivered superior long‑term performance, generating a 107% excess return over large‑caps across the past 25 years. Their Sharpe ratios also surpass those of large‑caps, indicating better risk‑adjusted outcomes. The segment offers diversification benefits, with...
D2 Legal Technology's Simon Maharaj: Questions for Fund Managers as Tokenisation Momentum Builds
Simon Maharaj of D2 Legal Technology warns fund managers that tokenisation is moving from a niche experiment to a mainstream finance driver. He outlines the critical questions managers must address as digital asset platforms gain traction, including regulatory compliance, custody...
Partner Insight: Split Decision - Making Sense of Market Divergence
The market is showing pronounced divergence across asset classes, with equities rotating toward defensive, value‑oriented sectors while growth‑heavy tech lags. In credit, higher‑rated high‑yield bonds remain tight, but spreads on CCC‑rated loans have widened sharply, especially in the software segment....
Stories of the Week: Unemployment, Industry Consolidation, and Semi-Liquid Funds
This week’s investment roundup highlighted three interlinked themes: a resurgence in unemployment, accelerating consolidation among asset‑management firms, and a surge in semi‑liquid fund inflows. Unemployment edged to 5.2% in Q4 2025, prompting managers to boost cash buffers and reassess risk models....
Invesco Global Equity Income and Franklin Global Trust Merger Receives Shareholder Backing
Franklin Global Trust and Invesco Global Equity Income Trust are nearing completion of a merger after the first of two required shareholder votes was approved. The combined entity will pool assets, creating a larger investment trust with expanded global equity...
ARK Invest Europe's Rahul Bhushan: Defence Edges Into Core Portfolio Allocation Status
ARK Invest Europe’s Rahul Bhushan announced that the defence sector has been elevated to a core‑allocation status within the firm’s European thematic funds. The upgrade follows a surge in investor interest, with total European thematic ETF net inflows reaching $15.8 bn...
EdenTree Renames Entire Fund Range to Align with SDR Labelling
EdenTree Investment Management has rebranded a large portion of its fund lineup to reflect the completion of Sustainable Development Reporting (SDR) labelling across the entire range. The renaming aligns each strategy’s name with its ESG focus, making sustainability credentials more...
UK Funds Remain Unloved Despite Impressive Year for FTSE 100
The FTSE 100 delivered a strong performance this year, climbing roughly 12% despite lingering macro uncertainties. Yet UK equity funds continued to see net outflows, with investors pulling about 15% less capital compared to the previous year. The reluctance stems...
Semi-Liquid Funds 'Not Magic Diversifiers' As Investors Seek Higher Returns
Investors are increasingly gravitating toward semi‑liquid, or evergreen, funds in pursuit of higher returns, but industry experts warn these vehicles are not a universal solution. Evergreen funds blend liquid and illiquid assets, allowing periodic redemptions while retaining exposure to higher‑yielding...
Deep Dive: Managers Bullish on China but Await 'Clearer Signals' From Government
Fund managers are increasingly bullish on China as equity markets rebound, but they remain cautious until the government provides clearer policy direction. The recent rally has revived interest in a market once deemed “uninvestable,” prompting a reassessment of exposure levels....
Most AllianzGI Funds Pass Assessment of Value Test
An independent Assessment of Value test has evaluated Allianz Global Investors' UK fund lineup. The majority of the funds received a positive rating, indicating they deliver good value to investors. A subset were amber‑flagged, meaning they only meet basic value...
'A Blow to the LSE': Industry Raises Concerns About Schroders Takeover
Nuveen, a US investment firm, has launched a £9.9 bn hostile bid to acquire UK asset manager Schroders. Industry voices warn the deal could further shrink the already limited pool of listed assets on the London Stock Exchange. Critics argue the...