The US presidential election is the next big event on the agenda for global investors. Though the firmly mainstream Democrat Hillary Clinton is currently a clear favourite in the polls, the potential for political uncertainty is higher than usual with the populist and controversial Republican candidate Donald Trump in the running.
AdamID – another first for not just the private banking, but the entire UK banking industry. Designed to maximise our clients’ security and protection, AdamID makes the Adam private banking experience as seamless as possible.
A common misconception is that China’s recent rise to prominence is a new phenomenon. Writing back in 1776, Adam Smith, who lends his name to Adam & Company, noted that “China has long been one of the richest, most fertile, best cultivated, most industrious and most populous countries in the world.”
Housebuilders’ sentiment is a key component of overall confidence in the property market. While economic growth is a key determinant of housing demand and many indicators point to a short-term slowdown in the overall UK economy, there are some tailwinds.
The effects of the vote to leave the EU on UK property will be difficult to predict until the negotiations with the EU are known, but short-term volatility can be seen across the industry.
Given the high levels of political uncertainty and rising taxes on high-value property transactions and second homes, it’s no wonder residential property transactions have taken a tumble compared to 2015.
Following the UK’s vote to leave the EU, there is likely to be a period of uncertainty in the short-term as the country waits for a firmer plan on how the UK and Scotland will proceed politically and economically.
For the small number of athletes that make it, the numerous years of self-improvement provide a sense of personal return most of us can’t even fathom. Yet, through an economic lens, when one considers and compares the returns, the story tends to be mixed. The results of the Olympics from this point of view are, therefore, like the events themselves - unpredictable, and only known ‘after the race is run’.
As a general rule, museums collect art with little concern about financial value but rather approach each purchase with the question: what meaningful role can this work of art play in people’s lives? By contrast, gallerists, dealers and auctioneers allocate value first, worked out by a number of different metrics, not just its importance.
The Bank of England of England base rate has fallen to a historic low of 0.25%. We review the background for the Bank’s move and consider the effect rate cut and other stimulus measures will have on investments.
The Olympic Games will shine a spotlight on Brazil for the next few weeks. But while the media glare will soon move onto other events, there are reasons for investors to remain focused on the country – and other emerging markets – for the longer term.
