insights.

US-China trade war: tricky times return

US-China trade war: tricky times return

As US-China trade tensions escalate, we expect elevated market volatility. We are actively monitoring our asset allocation matrix with yellow warnings firmly in place.

In conversation with Anne Gram

Anne Gram – integrating sustainability

We spoke to Anne Gram about the importance of integrating sustainability into pension fund portfolios, and what role asset managers can play in the process.

New design for modern diversified growth funds

New design for modern diversified growth funds

Silvercrest - All Roads: A new design for diversified growth funds to meet multi-asset needs of pension schemes.

Convertible bonds: the best of both worlds

Convertible bonds: the best of both worlds

Convertible bonds are a distinctive asset class with the potential to capture the best of both worlds in equity and fixed income.

Uncertainty suits convertibles

Uncertainty suits convertibles

In today’s environment of increased volatility and ambiguity, the outlook for convertible bonds is quite positive and can help investors weather uncertain times.

Housing an ageing population

Housing an ageing population

An ageing population presents a number of challenges, including when it comes to basic necessities such as housing. This situation also presents a variety of investment opportunities.

Global quarterly outlook: low rates, pro-risk

Global quarterly outlook: low rates, pro-risk

The US central bank turned notably dovish, cementing the case for a low interest rate environment that could divert previous headwinds for emerging markets.

Dovish Fed pivot to keep rates low

Dovish Fed pivot to keep rates low

The US central bank turned notably dovish, cementing the case for a low interest rate environment that could divert previous headwinds for emerging markets. 

Chinese economy stabilises amid stimulus

Chinese economy stabilises amid stimulus

Chinese indicators are showing signs of stabilising amid the latest bout of fiscal stimulus, and developments in trade negotiations will be key.

A positive backdrop for emerging market assets

A positive backdrop for emerging market assets

Didier Rabattu, Head of Equities, discusses why Emerging Markets can be an attractive investment opportunity.

The rise of the millennials and Generation Z

The rise of the millennials and Generation Z

Younger consumers prioritise brands which have incorporated sustainability into their business models. Their collective spending power should be another strong motivator for brands.

Reap what you sow

Reap what you sow

The agricultural sector faces challenges in terms of its existing practices, and disruption from new regulation and technologies. The world is on the brink of the next agricultural revolution.

Plastic wrap

Plastic wrap

Plastic has become a ubiquitous material thanks to its amazing properties. Due to its detrimental impact on both the environment and health, however, governments and regulators are starting to take action.

Big Data is a big deal

Big Data is a big deal

Technology is integrated into every aspect of our lives and it generates a staggering amount of data. This data has the potential to reshape the investment landscape.

The opportunities in Swiss corporate bonds

The opportunities in Swiss corporate bonds

There are compelling arguments for moving into Swiss corporate credit with shorter-dated exposure. A dedicated investment approach is key. 

What next for the Swiss economy ?

What next for the Swiss economy?

We expect the Swiss economy to echo the deterioration seen in the Eurozone, with some caveats. The Swiss National Bank is expected to keep interest rates steady.

Data: The lifeblood of sustainability

Data: The lifeblood of sustainability

The sustainability of a portfolio is only as good as the data and analysis it is built on. 
In today’s world, the availability of data, and our ability to use it to inform investment decisions, is evolving rapidly. 

Sustainability in the corporate world

Sustainability in the corporate world

Companies have always had to adapt to new realities, but the pressure to move towards a more sustainable social and economic model is unprecedented, and accelerating. 

Weathering cycles in Emerging Markets

Weathering cycles in Emerging Markets

Watch Didier Rabattu, head of Global equities at Silvercrest IM, discuss how to weather cycles in emerging market countries. 

Robotics and an aging population

Robotics and an aging population

Technology has an important role in play in meeting the needs of our aging population. Robotics is a key area of focus.

Crossover as a credit complement: a risk-return profile

Crossover as a credit complement: a risk-return profile

Crossover bonds, rated BBB to BB, could improve returns for buy and maintain investors for only a moderate increase in risk.

Solving the climate integration puzzle

Solving the climate integration puzzle

Why climate change risk has become a priority and how climate, macroeconomic, and financial modelling can be tied together to produce a more complete ALM.

Creating a climate for sustainability

Creating a climate for sustainability

The sustainability revolution is underway and we believe it is the largest investment driver in recent history. Companies which are not able, or willing, to adapt risk being left behind.

Pervasive uncertainty - ECB changes course and delays exit

Pervasive uncertainty - ECB changes course and delays exit

Citing pervasive uncertainty, the ECB delivered a dovish package. We believe the ECB needs to act further to fight recession and meet its targets.
The age of acceleration

The age of acceleration

Dr Stephan Sigrist is the founder and head of W.I.R.E., a leading interdisciplinary think tank. He recently led the panel discussion on Megatrends. 

Five megatrends and the future of investment

Five megatrends and the future of investment

The sustainability revolution is underway and we believe it is the largest investment driver in recent history. Companies which are not able, or willing, to adapt risk being left behind.

US, China move towards trade deal – Positive EM

US, China move towards trade deal – Positive EM

We expect agreement in the spring on US-China trade talks, with the current account balance as the main anchor. We are positive emerging markets.
in conversation: Carolina Minio-Paluello on climate change

A better approach to sustainability?

The sustainability revolution is underway and we believe it is the largest investment driver in recent history. Companies which are not able, or willing, to adapt risk being left behind.

Healthcare and an ageing population

Healthcare and an ageing population

New challenges require new solutions and healthcare is a key area with a great number of exciting innovations and investment opportunities.  

Alzheimer’s disease: no easy answers

Alzheimer’s disease: no easy answers

Investors frequently ask what companies in the portfolio hold the most promise on  Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward.

Web-conference : LO Fonds-TerreNeuve

Web-conference : LO Fonds-TerreNeuve

Investing in the sustainability movement: an alternative strategy.
By Arnaud Langlois, Portfolio manager
Will the year of the pig bring good fortune to Emerging Markets?

Will the year of the pig bring good fortune to Emerging Markets?

2019 is host to the year of the Pig, which, according to Chinese astrology, symbolises a year of joy, friendships and success with wealth. Superstitions aside, a number of metrics have signalled a similar conclusion of increased wealth within EM markets, fuelling current investor confidence.

The Eurozone slump: things are deteriorating quite fast

The Eurozone slump: things are deteriorating quite fast

We are concerned about the slump across the Eurozone - we see negative 10y Bund yields and argue for more QE.
In conversation: Juan Mendoza

In conversation: Juan Mendoza

Juan Mendoza is the portfolio manager of the Silvercrest – Global Prestige fund. He recently participated in a panel discussion on mega trends.

a positive outlook for Asian credit in 2019.

a positive outlook for Asian credit in 2019.

We are bullish on the outlook for the asset class for the coming months. A few key themes for Asian credit could add wings to a rally.

the long-term potential of sustainable brands.

the long-term potential of sustainable brands.

Companies with a sustainable and prestigious brand have the potential to generate sustainable returns, outperform their peers and enjoy long-term capital growth.

when doves fly: growth could thwart US hikes.

when doves fly: growth could thwart US hikes.

The FOMC turned dovish at its January meeting due to caution about growth. We temper our hike outlook and look at changes to balance sheet reduction.
optimism returns to Asian markets in 2019.

optimism returns to Asian markets in 2019.

We believe there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic for Asian equities in 2019, despite an uncertain backdrop. 

how healthy is the silver economy?

how healthy is the silver economy?

An ageing population is a megatrend that is forcing us to rethink established norms. Here we see a number of very exciting ideas and investment opportunities. 
serious concerns about growth as ECB moves into assessment mode.

serious concerns about growth as ECB moves into assessment mode.

We have genuine concerns about European growth as the central bank acknowledges a dip but stays in assessment mode.
Asia is leading a new phase of consumption.

Asia is leading a new phase of consumption.

A number of long-term trends are reshaping the global landscape, potentially awakening new high profile brands. Asia’s expanding middle class is one example of a trend which is driving new phases of consumption.

Megatrends strengthen prestige brands.

Megatrends strengthen prestige brands.

Established companies with a prestigious brand have significant and sustainable competitive advantages. Especially in uncertain market phases, they have the potential to generate sustainable returns.

J.P. Morgan’s Healthcare Summit: prices, digitalisation and partnerships.

J.P. Morgan’s Healthcare Summit: prices, digitalisation and partnerships.

The overall sentiment at this year’s J. P. Morgan healthcare conference in San Francisco was, in our view, quietly positive, in stark contrast to the previous year where the excitement was much more palpable. 

equity momentum in corporate bonds.

equity momentum in corporate bonds.

Equity and credit spreads have been closely linked historically, in line with their common “risk-on” characteristics. 

delaying Brexit looks more and more unavoidable.

delaying Brexit looks more and more unavoidable.

We continue to expect cliff-edge effects of Brexit. The most important development is the EU judgement that the UK can now unilaterally withdraw Article 50.

Fed vs Trump turns into Fed vs Markets.

Fed vs Trump turns into Fed vs Markets.

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday but shifted the 2019 dot down.

wind: harnessing the power of renewable energy.

wind: harnessing the power of renewable energy.

Energy production and use accounts for nearly two thirds of greenhouse gas emissions. This makes it a priority sector when it comes to  sustainability.

investing in the inevitable.

investing in the inevitable.

In the 10 years since the first green bond was issued, climate-aligned bonds have grown into a $1.5 trillion market. The continued expansion of this market is of vital importance.

Silvercrest launches UCIts version of TerreNeuve strategy

Silvercrest launches UCITs version of TerreNeuve strategy

Silvercrest Investment Managers (‘Silvercrest IM’) has expanded its 1798 Alternatives investment range with the launch of a UCITS vehicle within the TerreNeuve strategy. This will offer onshore investors access to the market neutral equity long/short strategy, with a focus on sustainable investing.  

temporary yet concrete truce - we continue to expect EM outperformance.

temporary yet concrete truce - we continue to expect EM outperformance.

President Trump and President Xi declared a temporary trade truce at the G20 summit in Argentina on Saturday. The much anticipated dinner between the two leaders resulted in the first major breakthrough since talks broke down in May.