Contact us
Client and adviser portal
Log in

Come on Arlene

  • Weekly market update
  • 2 minute read

Markets

  • A less constructive week for equities. In GBP terms, Japan was the only positive region, delivering +0.21%. The UK declined -0.22%, emerging market equities
    -0.66%, US stocks -0.82% and Europe -0.85%.
  • Bonds broadly rallied in local terms. UK gilts reversed course, gaining +2.10%, while UK corporate bonds continued to fare better (+3.96%). European and US government bonds gained +0.52% and +1.19% respectively.
  • GBP gained modestly against EUR (+0.30%) but declined -0.18% versus USD and -0.67% versus JPY. In USD terms, gold fell -0.08%. Oil surged 5.91% higher on news of the Saudi oil attack.

Macro

  • Another volatile week for Sterling saw the currency reach 1.25 USD, the highest level since July, before retreating once more on Friday. Hopes of a deal were buoyed by news that DUP leader Arlene Foster was open to "bespoke arrangements" for Northern Ireland, but was still opposed to customs checks between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The endorsement of the DUP could bolster support for a deal but, given that the Government no longer have a working majority, cross-party support will be needed. We continue to think an early election is likely.
  • The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points this week in order to support the economy. However, the members of the Federal Open Markets Committee appear to be divided in their assessment of economic conditions, with some members in favour of rate hikes in the future. The market interpreted the meeting outcome as less accommodative than expected. We would look for evidence of the weak external environment having greater impact on the domestic economy to be confident of a stronger response from the Fed.
  • A drone attack in Saudi Arabia has caused significant damage to two oil facilities in the region. In response, oil prices surged 15% on Monday, the biggest jump in 30 years, as market participants factored in tighter oil supply. The production decline comes at a time where the oil market had been roughly balanced. Saudi ministers say oil production will resume as normal by the end of September, meaning the price spike, which could weigh on consumption if it persists, may be short lived.

Our view

  • Global growth has weakened somewhat but monetary policy is becoming more accommodative, supporting the economy and markets.
  • While geopolitical risk remains elevated, we believe this remains an environment favouring equities over bonds, with alternatives playing an important role in portfolios.
  • Within our regional equity allocation, we favour companies benefitting from structural growth dynamics, and policy accommodation.

Download as PDF

!

Before you invest, make sure you feel comfortable with the level of risk you take. Investments aim to grow your money, but they might lose it too.

Close Brothers Asset Management Logo

Important compliance information for institutional investors and FCA authorised intermediaries

For use by institutional investors, FCA authorised intermediaries and connected persons only – it must not to be relied upon by retail clients. If you are a retail client please return to the main part of the website.

Please read this page before proceeding, as it explains certain restrictions imposed by law on the distribution of this information and the countries in which our funds are authorised for sale. It is your responsibility to be aware of and to observe all applicable laws and regulations of any relevant jurisdiction.

This part of the Close Brothers website is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be relied upon to make any investment decision. Although the information herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, neither Close Brothers Asset Management or any of its employees guarantee its accuracy, completeness or fairness. The most recent data has been used where possible. Except in so far as liability under any statute cannot be excluded, no member of Close Brothers Asset Management accepts liability (whether arising in contract, tort or negligence) for any error or omission in this document. 

The information contained on these pages is believed to be correct but cannot be guaranteed where data is sourced from third parties. Opinions constitute our judgment as at the date shown and are subject to change without notice. The information on this website is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities, nor does it constitute a personal recommendation. This does not constitute an offer or solicitation to sell shares in any of the funds referred to on this site, by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or distribution would be unlawful or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. 

Applications to invest in any fund referred to on this site, must only be made on the basis of the offer document relating to the specific investment (e.g. prospectus, simplified prospectus or other applicable terms and conditions). 

As a result of money laundering regulations, additional documentation for identification purposes may be required when you make any investment. Details are contained in the relevant Prospectus or other constitutional document. 

If you are unsure about the meaning of any information provided please consult your Close Brothers contact, financial or other professional adviser. 

The information contained on this site is subject to copyright with all rights reserved. It must not be reproduced, copied or redistributed in whole or in part. 

We may source data from reputable third party data providers, however, we accept no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of such data. 

We accept no liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this report or its contents. 

You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to keep secure and confidential any passwords that we issue to you and your authorised employees and not to let such password(s) become public knowledge. If any password(s) become known by someone other than you and your authorised employees, you must change those particular password(s) immediately using the function available for this purpose on the Website. 

On accessing the Close Brothers Asset Management website, you are aware of the following investment risks applicable to all Close Funds: 

PAST PERFORMANCE RISK-Past performance, though extensively used in analyzing investments, is not a reliable indicator of future returns. 

RISK OF PERMANENT CAPITAL LOSS-The risk that investments may fall in value permanently with little or no expectation of recovery, including the possibility of total loss of the amount invested. Typically, this applies to individual securities. 

RISK OF REDUCED INCOME-The risk that income derived from investments falls significantly and no longer fulfils its objective in a portfolio with a corresponding fall in the capital value if realised. 

VOLATILITY RISK-The risk of a decline in the value of a group of investments due to market fluctuations. Typically investors measure this risk over short timescales. 

INFLATION RISK-The risk that the growth of investments does not keep pace with inflation over the longer term, i.e. a reduction in the real purchasing power of one's capital. 

LIQUIDITY RISK-The risk that an investor cannot gain immediate access to capital. 

TAX RISK-The risk that the tax regime generally affecting returns, a particular asset or a specific tax efficient scheme may change or be removed with consequent impact on investment returns and strategies. 

CURRENCY RISK-The risk that movement in rates of foreign exchange may cause the value of investments and/or income derived from them to fluctuate independently of the value of the underlying asset and may amplify losses or impact gains when translated into the investor’s base currency. 

BENCHMARK RISK-The risk that investments do not beat a specific benchmark over the longer term, e.g. the failure to match the returns of a given equity index, bond index, or a blend of these. 

This site is operated by Close Asset Management Limited (Company No. 1644127) which is registered in England and Wales, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a subsidiary of Close Brothers Group plc. Close Asset Management Limited is a member of the Close Asset Management group and uses the trading name Close Brothers Asset Management. Registered office at 10 Crown Place, London EC2A 4FT. VAT Registration No 245 5013 86.