Insights

Behind every investment decision lies more than numbers. Habits, emotions and subtle cues shape our choices, often unconsciously.

Equity markets remain resilient despite geopolitical turmoil, supported by robust earnings and high US margins. Growth is broadening across sectors and regions, though sustaining elevated US profitability may prove challenging as conditions evolve further ahead.

Global equities rose in January despite heightened geopolitical tensions, supported by resilient growth and broader market participation, while inflation trends, US policy and commodity moves shaped the month’s narrative.

Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chair. Markets were steady, reflecting confidence in his credibility, though he may pursue lower rates and a smaller balance sheet despite ongoing political pressure.

Despite President Trump’s pressure and a criminal probe into Jerome Powell, the Fed’s independence largely held. Market reaction stayed muted, legal limits constrain Trump’s influence, and any politicised rate cuts risk credibility, inflation, and broader financial instability for global markets ahead. 

Clarity can feel scarce in uncertain times. Mark Sedwill offers a measured view on global dynamics and the value of long-term thinking.

Since WWII, geopolitics split into East and West, but that model may fade. U.S. assertiveness contrasts Europe’s passivity, hinting at three major players.

Global markets ended 2025 on a strong note: equities at record highs, inflation easing, and central banks shifting to looser policies, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. 

US tariffs hit post-war highs but haven’t derailed growth. Global trade rose 4%, supply chains rerouted, and US demand stayed resilient. Inflation impact muted as tariff revenues recycle into tax cuts, softening consumer costs.

Five Macro Myths: AI drives U.S. growth but with limits; layoffs fears overstated; Trump’s influence wanes; UK remains stable, not emerging; and year-end market optimism persists despite uncertainty.

Tariffs, elections, AI and a shining moment for gold: 2025 gave us plenty to discuss.

AI-driven optimism keeps markets buoyant, but stretched valuations and lingering global uncertainty remind investors to stay vigilant.

The UK budget offers offsetting tax hikes and spending increases, leaving the economy largely unchanged. Growth forecasts dip, inflation target slips to 2027, and later fiscal tightening remains modest.

After a turbulent yet resilient year, we focus on inflation, AI-driven valuations and the impact of public debt.

Global equities surged since April, driven by AI stocks, sparking Dotcom-era comparisons. Unlike the 2000 bubble, valuations and leverage are milder. Yet, AI’s payoff may lag, leaving lofty valuations exposed to near-term revenue risks.

How does one go from a small Swiss village to leading NASA’s Mars missions? In our latest Investment Views feature, astrophysicist Professor Dr Thomas Zurbuchen reflects on his remarkable journey and on what Switzerland can teach the world about leadership, innovation and resilience.

From gold’s pause to echoes of the dot-com boom, our latest podcast explores the forces shaping markets as the year nears its end.

Blockchain has a transformative power across industries and plays a role in reshaping trust and security in the digital age. Conditions are increasingly favorable for investing in Blockchain. 

Sanae Takaichi, a close ally of the late Shinzo Abe, is looking to become Japan’s first female PM after unexpectedly winning the latest Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race. 

The US dollar may not appear on our asset allocation chart, yet it plays a powerful role in shaping portfolio outcomes.

In this edition of Insights – The Swiss Edge, we explore how Switzerland blends tradition with adaptability to remain a trusted home for wealth.

Equities higher, bond yields rising, the Fed back in easing mode, and the US dollar under pressure -investors have had plenty to digest in recent weeks. 

The Fed cut rates amid strong demand and inflation, signaling more easing ahead despite resilient growth, market optimism, and rising geopolitical, valuation, and policy risks.

Britain and France face political instability, weak economies, and rising populism. Yet, despite fiscal strains and public discontent, markets remain resilient, and long-term debt challenges may still be manageable.