Geopolitical tensions have been rife across the globe as election risk took centre stage over the month.

In the USA, France, and UK, political transitions are expected following imminent elections. These “lame duck” periods can create uncertainty in markets as outgoing leaders finalise their terms.

In the USA, France, and UK, political transitions are expected following imminent elections. These “lame duck” periods can create uncertainty in markets as outgoing leaders finalise their terms.

In the USA, France, and UK, political transitions are expected following imminent elections. These “lame duck” periods can create uncertainty in markets as outgoing leaders finalise their terms.

Global equity markets rose in May. Overall, the FTSE All World Index gained 4.1% while the Ashburton Global Equity Growth Portfolio (USD) returned 4.7%. Outperforming stocks held during the month included Nvidia (26.9%), Rexel (20.7%) and Enphase (17.6%).

Global equity markets rose in May. Overall, the FTSE All World Index gained 4.1% while the Ashburton Global Equity Growth Fund (I class USD) returned 4.8% Outperforming stocks held during the month included Nvidia (26.9%), Ambarella (26.7%) and Rexel (20.7%)

Global equity markets rose in May. Overall, the FTSE All World Index gained 4.1% while the Ashburton Global Leaders Fund (I class USD) returned 4.3%. Outperforming stocks held during the month included Nvidia (26.9%), Apple (13%) and Ping An (10.1%).

Economists often use all available time or word count to explain the past, then offer a balanced view of the future. Ideally, investors would focus more on their long-term forecasts, valuations, and views, largely ignoring the near term.

Economists often use all available time or word count to explain the past, then offer a balanced view of the future. Ideally, investors would focus more on their long-term forecasts, valuations, and views, largely ignoring the near term.

Economists often use all available time or word count to explain the past, then offer a balanced view of the future. Ideally, investors would focus more on their long-term forecasts, valuations, and views, largely ignoring the near term.

Inflation statistics, particularly in the United States, surprised to the upside over April leading to fewer interest rate cuts being priced in 2024

March was another positive month for global equities with the FTSE All-World Index gaining 3.1%. The energy and materials sectors were particularly positive with the equity market rally broadening out from Artificial Intelligence (AI) stocks.

March was another positive month for global equities with the FTSE All-World Index gaining 3.1%. The energy and materials sectors were particularly positive with the equity market rally broadening out from Artificial Intelligence (AI) stocks.

March was another positive month for global equities with the FTSE All-World Index gaining 3.1%. The energy and materials sectors were particularly positive with the equity market rally broadening out from Artificial Intelligence (AI) stocks.

Some noteworthy central bank activity took place over the month – key among them, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) and the Bank of Japan (BoJ).

February 2024 saw the global equity market continue its recent pattern with share price momentum and companies with higher growth rates providing better performance. Index returns continue to be driven by the narrow number of companies delivering great earnings growth.

February 2024 saw the global equity market continue its recent pattern with share price momentum and companies with higher growth rates providing better performance. Index returns continue to be driven by the narrow number of companies delivering great earnings growth.

The equity market upturn continued over the month as the FTSE All-World Total Return USD Index climbed 4.2%, particularly as the semiconductor industry continued to display an unwavering level of resilience.

It was certainly an eventful start to the year as news from China and the US dominated global market headlines during the month.

The year ended on a strong note with the FTSE All-World Total Return USD Index surging 4.8% in December, while the FTSE World Broad Investment-Grade Bond Index climbed 4.2%.