insights.

Convertible bonds: the weather forecast for 2023

Convertible bonds: the weather forecast for 2023

We believe convertible bonds offer an effective way to navigate an uncertain macro environment. At Silvercrest, we see a number of investment themes and opportunities in 2023.  

2023 has begun with an inflation-relief rally

2023 has begun with an inflation-relief rally

A defensive approach is no longer seen as a necessity, but the situation calls for caution at this stage of the cycle.

Fixed income: attractive entry points as markets carry on

Fixed income: attractive entry points as markets carry on

In the Q1 issue of Alphorum, we focus on how attractive carry and risk-return dynamics in credit underpin our constructive outlook for fixed income, offering entry points for active investors. 

Asian credit outlook: a bright spot in 2023

Asian credit outlook: a bright spot in 2023

Our outlook for Asian fixed-income markets in 2023 considers: What's next for China? How will USD bond supply play out? Where are the top picks for investors?

FinTech trends to watch in 2023

FinTech equities: trends to watch in 2023

Excessive valuations in our FinTech universe are now largely gone, contributing to a positive 2023 outlook, in our view. 

Multi-asset allocation in anticipation of a soft-landing

Multi-asset allocation in anticipation of a soft-landing

This quarterly edition of Simply put examines whether the unfolding global recession is likely to result in a soft or a hard landing. 

Risks and benefits of low-carbon investing: a new factor?

Risks and benefits of low-carbon investing: a new factor?

Is low carbon a new equity factor? We try to provide some answers as we investigate the risks and returns of low-carbon investing. 

The SNB’s balancing act between inflation and jobs

The SNB’s balancing act between inflation and jobs

After raising Swiss rates to 1%, we see the SNB walking the line between different economic signals and consider the implications for monetary policy. 

Debunking market myths – part II

Debunking market myths – part II

Inflation, recession and the impact of monetary policy on markets are all likely to influence asset performance once more in 2023.

Engaging with aluminium on net zero and biodiversity

Engaging with aluminium on net zero and biodiversity

This case study outlines our engagement actions with two aluminium companies on their transition pathways to net zero with enhanced biodiversity considerations.

Has China broken the ‘doom-loop’? An Asia credit perspective

Has China broken the ‘doom-loop’? An Asia credit perspective

The Asian credit market is likely to continue enjoying strong tailwinds from China’s reopening and strong economic policies.

Carbon markets advance despite mixed COP27 results

Carbon markets advance despite mixed COP27 results

COP27 was a missed opportunity to finalise rules governing how nations can cut emissions using carbon markets – but will that hinder the markets' growth?  

How fungi and lizards help the economy

How fungi and lizards help the economy

With biodiversity in focus at COP15, we explore nature's economic relevance, showing how a variety of industries depend on a thriving natural world.

Party on: China’s congress that changed everything

Party on: China’s congress that changed everything

Chinese authorities are starting to take action on easing its deteriorating economic backdrop, but Chinese assets are not yet pricing this in.

Will COP15 secure a Paris Agreement for biodiversity?

Will COP15 secure a Paris Agreement for biodiversity?

COP15 has the potential to achieve a major milestone on the transition to a CLIC® model. What does this mean for investors?

Facing a less global globe: the next decade

Facing a less global globe: the next decade

What led to globalisation, and what is bringing the current wave – and its lower inflation – to an end? We examine this shift in our Next Decade series.  

Webinar | Green Room: How to transform the plastic value chain?

Webinar | Green Room: How to transform the plastic value chain?

Watch the replay of our “Green Room | How to transform the plastic value chain?” webinar with Michael Urban and Victoire Carous.

Navigating change: Silvercrest Natural Capital marks two years

Navigating change: Silvercrest Natural Capital marks two years

How did our Natural Capital Strategy perform during the financial and economic regime shift since launching two years ago, and which nature-positive policies strengthened the theme?

Will US employment hold its ground?

Will US employment hold its ground?

The US job market is starting to soften in response to Fed actions. Markets assume this decline will be contained, so any deviation may prompt a sharp reaction.

Net zero will reorganise value chains

‘Net zero will reorganise value chains’: Höhne-Sparborth joins Hymans Roberston podcast

Podcast

Net zero represents a crucial long-term investment theme. How can investors reduce their exposure to climate risk while targeting growth opportunities?

Gaining exposure to inflation: linkers versus swaps

Gaining exposure to inflation: linkers versus swaps

Inflation hedging has been a valuable tool in 2022, but investors should consider favouring inflation swaps over inflation-linked bonds as these can unexpectedly be weighed on by duration.

Capturing value in plastic waste

Capturing value in plastic waste

To reduce plastic waste, our Plastic Circularity strategy invests in companies that promote a circular model to capture new, nature-positive profit pools. 

CIO views: adapting to a new rates regime in 2023

CIO views: adapting to a new rates regime in 2023

How will a new rates reality take shape in 2023? Our CIOs give their outlooks for investing in the year ahead. 

Investing in 2022, a year of regime change

Investing in 2022, a year of regime change

Producing tremendous uncertainty, 2022 began a regime change for investors. We review our CIOs' views on how to foster resilience in portfolios.

COP27: 8 key takeaways

COP27: 8 key takeaways

There is an undeniable urgency for credible transition pathways and roadmaps. Here we highlight headline developments in eight key areas of focus from COP27.

Soft landing or hard landing?

Soft landing or hard landing?

The war on inflation is harming economic growth; macro uncertainty remains elevated as markets fluctuate between hopes of a soft economic landing and fears of a hard landing.

Challenging a US energy firm on exiting coal

Challenging a US energy firm on exiting coal

This case study outlines our engagement actions with an energy firm on its decarbonisation strategy and targets for renewable energy.

When bonds fail to hedge: the problem with conservative portfolios

When bonds fail to hedge: the problem with conservative portfolios

2022 has shown that conservative portfolios should be using cash to manage risk rather than fixed income which has exacerbated the year’s performance troubles.

The corporate bond is back

The corporate bond is back

We believe that corporate bond yields are close to an inflection point, with the high levels of yields achievable providing a buffer to further yield rises. 

Packaging new food systems

Packaging new food systems

The process of aligning food systems with global climate goals is underway and this is shaping a number of investment opportunities. 

Silvercrest launches Global Carbon Opportunity Strategy

Silvercrest launches Global Carbon Opportunity Strategy

Silvercrest announces the launch of its Global Carbon Opportunity strategy. The actively managed strategy is designed to capture opportunities across carbon markets worldwide. Global Carbon Opportunity is the latest addition to LOIM’s Alternatives franchise aligning with the CLIC® framework.

What does the UK’s LDI shock say about leverage and liquidity?

What does the UK’s LDI shock say about leverage and liquidity?

The recent LDI shock in the UK market can be seen as an opportunity to rethink how leverage is used to improve pension scheme liquidity and maintain solvency.

Performance materials: efficiency helps preserve nature

Performance materials: efficiency helps preserve nature

Innovations in performance materials used for industries such as aluminium or cement can reduce the strain on natural resources while benefitting businesses.  

How the ECB’s climate tilt favours ice cubes

How the ECB’s climate tilt favours ice cubes

The ECB will tilt its corporate bond holdings to favour climate-aligned issuers. How is our Silvercrest strategy positioned to capture the opportunities?

Sustainability Forum: preparing for the transition

Sustainability Forum: preparing for the transition

At LOIM's recent Sustainability Forum, we outlined our approach to building strategies that target businesses set to thrive in a changing world, and how we help clients avoid transition risk.

The BoE vs UK Government: a harbinger of policy clashes elsewhere?

The BoE vs UK Government: a harbinger of policy clashes elsewhere?

Policy clashes between central banks and governments could happen elsewhere as higher interest rates exacerbate economic and investment risks.

How can we make agriculture more nature-friendly?

How can we make agriculture more nature-friendly?

How could unsustainable farming practices be reimagined through regenerative agriculture, precision farming and nature-positive techniques? 

Assessing Asia’s macroeconomic sustainability

Assessing Asia’s macroeconomic sustainability

Using long-term data, we assess the macroeconomic sustainability of Asian investment-grade sovereigns and consider how to structure fixed-income allocations.

Has the euro reached lows versus the dollar?

Has the euro reached lows versus the dollar?

The value of the euro has declined versus the US dollar this year; but EURUSD parity does not necessarily mean a trough has been reached.

Net Zero Transition Forum: energy, agriculture and shipping in focus

Net Zero Transition Forum: energy, agriculture and shipping in focus

The role of capital in decarbonising sectors accounting for almost 90% of global emissions was in focus at event held by University of Oxford and Silvercrest. 

Have we become too used to low rates?

Have we become too used to low rates?

This year’s poor market performance can largely be attributed to the actions of central banks, which has been heightened by our dependence on low interest rates; but times are changing.

In the demographic winter, will we prefer pets to children?

In the demographic winter, will we prefer pets to children?

For the US, Europe, China and Japan, booms in the number of working-age people are subsiding. As these societies age, what economic and social challenges await?

Fixed income: capturing the comeback

Fixed income: capturing the comeback

Correcting yields and carry’s return are bringing fixed income into focus. Amid macro risks, how can investors harness the opportunities?

Investing in the currency of decarbonisation

Investing in the currency of decarbonisation

Carbon markets are poised for continued growth, offering attractive investment opportunities across global markets. 

Why hold Chinese bonds in multi asset?

Why hold Chinese bonds in multi asset?

Our analysis shows that Chinese bonds deserve a place in multi-asset portfolios, given their attractive yield-to-risk ratio and diversification qualities.

A better `airbag’ makes CHF bonds attractive

A better 'airbag' makes CHF bonds attractive

What factors determine the level of losses from risk-free bonds in different interest rate scenarios? We examine these in our latest paper. 

When markets resist recession risk, macro analysis is pivotal

When markets resist recession risk, macro analysis is pivotal

The risk of recession is largely absent from valuations, making macro analysis important for multi-asset investors aiming to understand whether markets are entering a new regime.

More Swiss policy tightening, but how?

More Swiss policy tightening, but how?

As the Swiss National Bank tightens monetary policy, how will the currency impact the outlook and how could balance sheet reduction come into play?

Pickled jellyfish, dandelion coffee: our future food?

Pickled jellyfish, dandelion coffee: our future food?

Does a meal of jellyfish and kelp noodles sound appealing? While these exact foods may not become dietary staples, the transformation of our unsustainable food systems will lead to significant changes.

Central banks split by fiscal packages vs inflation

Central banks split by fiscal packages vs inflation

The UK’s latest fiscal package is preventing its central bank from fully tackling inflation – a scenario that could be replicated across Europe this winter.