INSIGHTS

A thoughtful approach to fixed income investment in the pandemic can obviate the need to ‘roll the dice’ in the...

Gold miners have long been that awkward, unwelcome cousin at a family party, placed on the children’s table as far...

Whilst we all focus on the immediate challenges posed by Covid-19, companies, investors and Government must also begin to think...

We are living through very strange times but it’s worth remembering that the Merian Gold & Silver Fund was established...

Rob James, manager of the Merian Financials Contingent Capital Fund and financials analyst at Merian Global Investors considers how lessons...

An update for investors in the funds, covering the past few weeks of the Covid-19 crisis....

I wanted to give you an update on the Merian GEM portfolio in these unprecedented times....

The Merian Financials Contingent Capital Fund’s preference for well-capitalised, high-reset CoCo bonds has meant that it hasn’t been as exposed...

In light of understandable queries from clients regarding the impact of current coronavirus-related equity market volatility on our UK small-...

From Brexit to the coronavirus pandemic – but what next? Richard Buxton, head of UK equities, and Dan Nickols, head...

As equity markets around the world feel the pinch, the oil price tumbles and developed world government bond yields touch...

The new Chancellor’s first Budget is a bold and thoughtful set of measures, argues Richard Buxton, head of UK equities...

The result of the election should help UK small caps, companies exposed to infrastructure spending, and the IPO market. ...

After three and a half years of uncertainty, today’s clear electoral result means that the UK is once again investable...

An ETF is a deeply inefficient means of accessing credit exposure, or indeed any asset class in which there is...

CoCos investors can benefit from the improving financial performance of banks, attractive risk-adjusted yields on offer and a likely limited...

China equity valuations are supportive, the country’s growth story is compelling and we would expect to see investors increasing their...

When Brexit certainty finally comes, we are poised to take advantage.

The winning result is unlikely to be Lib Dem yellow, and it won’t be made of bricks, but December’s UK...

Investors can hold physical gold alone, or enjoy the beta benefits of broadening their reach.

The low-growth, strong-dollar cycle may be nearing an end.

The reality of emerging markets is very different from preconceptions, and it pays to look behind the headlines....

Swings in investor sentiment over much of the last decade show us that there are grounds for optimism as 2019...

Ned talks to Darius McDermott about the prospects for gold and why now is a particularly exciting time for silver...

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for gold and silver over the past few months.

Move beyond the political stasis, and the economy and stock market are well positioned to deliver some cheer, says Richard...

China’s focus on consumer- and services-led GDP growth, along with additional economic stimulus and more open capital markets are all...

CoCos may have an important role to play as interest rates fall across the yield curve and increased life expectancy...

Anyone who’s been watching financial markets over the course of the last few months will have been aware of the...

The fall in real interest rates, and a new loose monetary policy environment, is good news for the price of...

Darius McDermott, managing director, FundCalibre interviews Richard Buxton, manager of the Merian UK Alpha Fund, about his most memorable investments...

It’s time for international investors to consider China’s $14 trillion equity market as a standalone allocation....

Some of our leading international equities experts share their views on how investors should position for the future....

How our global equities team’s unique, systematic approach is now being applied to European equities....

Our quantamental investment process helps to uncover compelling stock opportunities in China’s equity market, which is poised for rapid expansion...

What the future may hold for China, its economy and stock market

Why searching for strong economic moats is a good way to find companies able to sustain profitability over many years...

Our investment process seeks to identify well-managed companies engaged in activities related to the production of gold and silver. ...

China’s vast economy, its emphasis on high-quality growth and recent policy reforms should generate good opportunities for investors....

Whilst events at Westminster are driving sterling daily, Richard Buxton, head of UK equities at Merian Global Investors, feels it...

A robust investment process should accept that higher volatility is normal, and that style bias must be overcome, argues Ian...

As we approach the deadline for PPI compensation claims, Rob James, co-manager of the Merian Financials Contingent Capital Fund at...

Article by Huw Davies on the yield curve and economic recessions.

Chris Mahoney, assistant portfolio manager of the Merian Gold & Silver Fund, looks at the reasons behind the rising gold...

A robust investment process needs to accept that higher volatility in equity markets is normal, and unlikely to disappear anytime...

As the Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman famously said, “The major monetary metal in history is silver, not gold"...

The reasons behind the volatility in global equity markets over recent months, and how best to face it....

Square Mile’s Richard Romer-Lee interviews Richard Buxton about three decades as an investor, diversity in the industry and letting off...

Buying growth compounding shares isn’t the only way to generate returns in UK equities, explains UK Alpha Fund manager Richard...

Ned Naylor-Leyland, manager of the Merian Gold & Silver Fund, Merian Global Investors.

Global equity income investing needs a new approach that avoids concentration risk.

Reflecting on the three years since the EU referendum, listen to Head of UK small and mid caps, Dan Nickols...

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s biggest challenge as he starts a second term is boosting economic growth...

Presentation by Ian Heslop on European equities.

Is investor sentiment cautious? The rise in equities in 2019 has to a large extent been in defensive assets, argues...

Emerging markets bonds have got off to a strong start this year, but it is important to be selective....

A ``CoCo’’ or contingent convertible bond is a newer kind of security issued by banks and insurance companies...

Sterling corporate bonds may prove surprisingly resilient despite the uncertainty caused by Brexit.

Markets are driven by macroeconomic forces, but judging their direction is not always easy. Our head of fixed income shines...

What are the key themes influencing UK equities in 2019 in the small- mid- and large-cap sectors?...

Some of our leading fund managers are interviewed and give presentations on equity and bond markets, sharing their views on...

Merian Global Investors’ CoCo fund aims to be selective, choosing the highest quality and best value Cocos ...

Because of their unique characteristics, CoCos offer potential benefits in different rate environments.

The revised UK corporate governance rules include some radical changes that could help to rebuild public confidence in business....

Challenging conditions in global equities markets over recent months should be understood in a long-term context. ...

Recent news coverage of Santander’s “cocos” is bewildering, but nevertheless serves to underline the importance of identifying the strongest issuers...

At first glance, the backdrop for UK small cap investing looks a rather daunting one.

Psychological research suggests that markets are not wholly efficient, but are swayed by behavioural biases.

At first glance, the backdrop for UK small cap investing looks a rather daunting one.

With the UK poised between different Brexit outcomes, sterling corporate bonds arguably provide both a call option, and a put...

While the long-term outlook for China is good, investors should look closely at Chinese companies' return on equity (ROE)....

There are notable benefits of having actively-managed gold exposure.

Investors should re-engage with equity market neutral as an uncorrelated investment strategy able to enhance risk adjusted returns....

Three forces holding back emerging markets last year have largely abated, says Nick Payne, head of global emerging markets. ...

Gold as the world’s best apolitical form of money is well placed to benefit from any weakness in the petrodollar...

Behavioural or psychological biases such as herding can lead to market mispricing of equities.

Banks have been on a very long journey since the global financial crisis, which may mean that CoCos are more...

The economic fundamentals of the UK are in remarkably good health, and should bring cheer to investors in UK companies...

The US Federal Reserve’s change of course from hawkish to dovish has important implications for all asset classes, argues Mark...

The UK economy could accelerate if the Brexit ‘handbrake’ is lifted, given its underlying strength, while UK equities valuations are...

Sterling has a spring in its step, and UK investors should too, says Richard Buxton, head of UK equities at...

The importance of gold’s status as apolitical money is becoming increasingly clear as the dollar loses its influence....

Gold is best seen not as a commodity but as non-political money that comes to the fore when money issued...

CoCos (contingent convertible bonds) should be understood in the light of strengthening bank balance sheets over recent years. ...

The importance of gold’s status as apolitical money is becoming increasingly clear as the dollar loses its influence....

In our inaugural video blog, entitled “The view from our global equities team,” Ian Heslop, head of global equities...

Richard Watts argues that after a difficult year for equities in 2018, many stocks have been oversold, enabling investors to...

Richard Buxton comments on the result of the meaningful vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal, arguing that the chance of...

Dan Nickols, head of UK small and mid caps at Merian Global Investors, says it’s time to look beyond the...

The same data can often be interpreted in contradictory ways, and while this may be perplexing, it also offers distinct...

A discussion of the macroeconomic reasons behind market volatility, Brexit, quantitative tightening, and their effects on equities and bonds....

Views on an asset class that has been much less volatile than equities.

The effect of quantitative tightening on markets and the outlook for interest rates.

An introduction to CoCos and how investors should compare them to other asset classes.

There have been significant changes in how equity markets are behaving in 2018. How should investors position for this?...

Gold and silver: an overview, in just one minute.

Some of our leading fund managers share their thinking on volatility in markets this year and how investors should position...

Ned Naylor-Leyland looks at the runaway train that is “de-dollarisation.”

When markets get choppy, high-quality corporate credit can provide a relative safe haven for investors, explains Lloyd Harris....

Nick Payne explains how to look through market pricing to discern real value, and reveals some precious jewels....

After multi-decade trends in the bond market were finally breached in 2018, Mark Nash looks at what investors can expect...

There’s a new normal for banks 10 years after the global financial crisis, argues Rob James....

Nicholas Wall looks at the charts piquing his interest in 2019.

Delphine Arrighi argues that some of the countries which suffered most during 2018 may prove good value in the future...

Expect the Fed to follow the data and take the slower path to rate increases, while in Britain there are...

The tide might finally be close to turning for European small caps, but there’s still plenty of cause for optimism...

At times of stock market volatility, investors often turn to the greater stability of dividends, but a danger in dividend...

As Democrats gain control of the House, and Republicans increase their influence in the Senate amid a high voter turnout...

Against the backdrop of recent market volatility, Dan Nickols explains why positioning in the UK mid- and small-cap team’s portfolios...

Weighing what US trade wars mean for gold

Companies with sustainable profitability have found ways to benefit from competitive positioning and economic terrain

Richard Buxton, head of UK equities at Merian Global Investors and manager of the Merian UK Alpha Fund, weighs up...

Nicholas Wall, manager of the Merian Strategic Absolute Return Bond Fund, comments on the Italian budget. ...

CoCos are a growing asset class with attractive yields and low volatility. What’s not to like?...

Expect more activity from the Bank of England as Brexit moves closer to a possible conclusion....

In the light of recent volatility across world equity markets, four of our leading fund managers offer their interpretations and...

Why investment is best undertaken by a systematic approach and by looking carefully at the data, says Ian Heslop of...

Delphine Arrighi comments on the Turkish economic crisis.

Analysts’ questions are now much more focused on the business of banking, such as volumes, margins and provisioning rather than...

Ahead of France’s national day on Saturday, Ian Ormiston, manager of the Old Mutual Europe (ex UK) Smaller Companies Fund...

Nick Payne, head of global emerging markets, examines the reasons behind the current volatility in emerging markets and what this...

As the US and eurozone central banks begin unwinding their unconventional monetary policies – involving purchasing unprecedented amounts of bonds...

It is an age-old conundrum for investors. Should value stocks – shares that typically trade at lower prices relative to...

We believe that the beaten up valuations in emerging markets are starting to look interesting

The market turbulence caused by political upheaval in Italy revealed cracks in the eurozone that had been papered over by...

Is the indiscriminate selloff seen in emerging markets in recent weeks really a replay of 2013’s ‘taper tantrum’ or a...

Outflows from UK equity funds have persisted for four years. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch survey of global investors...

Ned Naylor-Leyland, manager of the Old Mutual Gold & Silver Fund, reminds investors that as long as real US interest...

OMGI’s head of fixed income, Mark Nash, comments on the latest Bank of England interest rate decision....

M&A activity may be intensifying in the UK stock market but valuations would suggest that investors are not overly...

Brexit fears and the outlook for corporate earnings have prompted global investors to avoid UK equities as an asset class...

Following the recent draft withdrawal agreement, we have just one year to run before the UK ceases to be a...

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) raises rates 25 basis points, but the changes from the Fed can be best described...

As was widely anticipated, Jerome Powell, the new chairman of the US Federal Reserve, notched up the first interest rate...

Emerging market debt went through a long overdue correction in February, but the overall macro story remains very supportive of...

Cyril Ramaphosa has only been president of South Africa for less than a month, but his early actions are already...

Nick Payne looks at the reasons behind the profits recovery in emerging market equities and asks, ‘is it sustainable?...

The chancellor's spring statement revealed little in terms of hard facts and figures but the overall economic growth trend for...

Spring is in the air. Wakened from their cosy lethargy of the long winter months, Mother Nature’s ‘green shoots’ are...

Another year, another set of ‘shock’ election results which really follow a well-established pattern.

All is not quiet in equity markets, and investors need to be aware of hidden risks. ...

The sharp correction in equity markets in early February 2018 has reignited the debate over what moves markets: rational economics...

In this note, the manager looksat correlations between globalequities, and gold and goldequities, during five periods of sharpstock market falls...

Markets around the world are fretting over the move upwards in interest rates, both at the base rate level (both...

“Incoming Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has a tough job in front of him. He inherits sky high asset valuations...

“It would appear that, after many years of central bankers’ largesse, their omnipotence is fading as economic fundamentals take centre...

As we approach the first anniversary of Donald Trump’s inauguration as president of the United States, Ian Heslop, manager of...

It is slightly unfortunate that the headline numbers have taken a little shine off what are good underlying results for...

Liam Nunn, manager of the Old Mutual European Equity (ex UK) Fund, looks at the rise of bitcoin, the zeal...

Automotive quips, support for new, cleaner car technologies, and some deft salesmanship from the Chancellor aside, this Budget was motivated...

Resist it or embrace it, the age of technological innovation is upon us.

The list of reasons for being optimistic on emerging markets just got longer.

After a number of false starts, major central banks appear finally to be in the process of scaling back the...

Everywhere you look, young companies are disrupting markets long dominated by incumbency.

The optimism pervading stock markets over the summer months would suggest investors, for the moment at least, believe tapering is...

We chart the growth of CoCos from the aftermath of the global financial crisis to today. ...

Over the last 12 months I’ve heard this phrase in conversations with colleagues and investors more times than I care...

It has now been 10 years since the Bank of England (BoE) last hiked interest rates, the longest pause in...

Has there ever been a fall from grace as dramatic as that of Theresa May and the Conservative Party?...

“Awareness of one’s own qualms, attention to contradiction, acceptance of the possibility of error: these strike me as signs of...

Shopping for anything that is in short supply is frustrating. In the world of savings, where interest rates are at...

The human brain is incredibly adept at identifying patterns. It’s what allows us to prove we’re ‘not a robot’ when...

A powerful cocktail of economic headwinds, disparities in income between rich and poor, polarisation in beliefs and sporadic ‘lone wolf’...

Politically, we are a nation divided. Young against old. ‘Haves’ against ‘have nots’. ‘Remainers’ against ‘Brexiteers’....

At the time of writing, the yield on the 10-year US government bond (at just over 2%) almost matches that...

For Prime Minister Theresa May, the outcome of the general election was the last thing she had hoped for. The...

US dollar-denominated emerging market debt has enjoyed a strong 2017 so far, with the JPM EMBI Global Index returning about...

Most of us had become familiar with Theresa May’s distinctive prime ministerial style in the nearly 10 months she’d been...

Investment style is one of the most important considerations both when understanding the dynamics of equity markets, and when assessing...

In investment, over-confidence about our ability to forecast events can be a pitfall.

After the great financial crisis of 2008, the US economy evolved through both remedial and recovery phases, and is now...

History doesn’t repeat, but it heaves with echoes and rhythms. Market commentators spend their days rootling through history to draw...

Europe’s dog days look to be over. After years of relative stagnation, the backdrop for European equity investors is now...

For years markets have been operating under a benign form of bondage to central bank policy and technical factors. ...

Having notched up eight successive years of gains since the dark days of spring 2009, stock markets continue to flirt...

No one likes a harsh winter. Lack of daylight hours and inclement weather, particularly freezing fog, can make conditions hazardous...

Logic would suggest that the triggering of such a momentous event, and one which everyone knows is coming, should be...

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) has just raised interest rates for the third time in a decade, in a significant...

If the bluff and bluster dominating headlines in the UK is anything to go by, it would be easy to...

Global stock market euphoria at the prospect of a good old-fashioned dollop of inflation coming back into the system, almost...

What will occupy front and centre stage in the first hundred days of Trump’s presidency is his focus on tax...

Predictions of recent elections have been wide of the mark, and delving into the reasons why can teach us lessons...

Sometimes politics influences economic factors, sometimes it does not. Former President Ronald Reagan was a great champion of supply-side economics...

The cross-currency basis may be one of the most poorly understood concepts in financial markets.

After the Brexit vote and US election, one might have expected the latest kick delivered by the electorate of an...

The reaction of financial markets to the new Chancellor’s first, and last, Autumn Statement pretty much says it all; big...

Having so completely misjudged the result of the UK's EU membership referendum, it will no doubt be easy for readers...

The result of the US presidential election, like that of the UK referendum on the EU, went against the predictions...

After all the twists and turns of the most acrimonious US presidential campaign in living memory, the electorate has chosen...

A campaign which has 'divided the country', brought out the worst in people and played deeply on ingrained suspicion of...

If the Brexit vote taught us anything, it is don’t trust the stock market’s initial knee-jerk reaction to shock news...

The world of banking can be complicated to understand, with peculiar language and impenetrable accounting concepts. ...

Even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry. My thinking prior to the EU referendum vote on 23 June was...

We have reached an important milestone for the mechanics of short-term US dollar interest rates, with the passing of the...

The US equity market has thus far in 2016 been notable for a significant divergence between economic fundamentals and investor...

Sterling fell sharply after the referendum, but it is on the slide again – and this is highly likely to...

There is currently a mismatch between the strong performance of US equities and increased pessimism among investors. ...

The Bank of England’s (BoE) new corporate bond purchase scheme came as a positive surprise to the sterling bond market...

The opportunity set, both on the long and short side, is as compelling as it has ever been, explains Tim...

As the equity bull market extends well into its eighth year the investment environment appears ever more risky to us...

No one would argue with the fact that, as investors, we live in uncertain times. Heightened geopolitical tensions and growing...

Amidst the volatile stock market conditions that followed the decision to leave the European Union, the justification for investing in...

“Pele believes 2014 World Cup will boost Brazil's economy”[i] beamed the Sky Sports caption from the heady days of November 2013...

Is it just me? Or are any of my fellow peers from the Square Mile looking forward to downing their...

An important positive contributor to the fund’s performance over the past month has been our paid fixed positions in interest...

Mario Draghi rattled fixed-income markets last month when the European Central Bank (ECB) president hinted at the eventual unwinding of...

Somewhat surprisingly, at its July meeting, the Bank of England’s (BOE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) refrained from unveiling any stimulus...

Every so often something unexpected, often referred to as a Black Swan event, comes along to disrupt conventional thinking. For...

Last week’s UK referendum result took much of the market by surprise, as shown by the sharp drop in sterling...

The reaction of markets to the EU referendum result clearly indicated that a ‘Leave’ vote was a surprise....

Richard Watts, manager of the Old Mutual UK Mid Cap Fund, reacts to the result of the UK’s EU membership...

As we articulated ahead of the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, we did not expect the vote...

The Old Mutual Global Investors UK equities team discusses how the vote to leave the EU may shape the investment...

In early June, our European team visited Berlin to tour apartment properties owned and operated by one of our portfolio...

Not the expected outcome! Weeks and months of uncertainty on who forms the new government leadership, whether we have a...

The fallout from the UK’s vote to leave the European Union has highlighted the strength of the Old Mutual Corporate...

The result of the eu referendum has brought into sharp focus gold’s continuing value as insurance against the risks of...

In an unprecedented move, the UK has voted to leave the European Union. As the initial reaction in stock markets...

UK voters have chosen to leave the EU. I make no claim to be any more enlightened than the crowds...

The UK has voted to leave the European Union. As the initial reaction in financial markets has shown, there is...

Mario Draghi rattled fixed-income markets last month when the European Central Bank (ECB) president hinted at the eventual unwinding of...

Why European smaller companies? Investors are typically attracted to smaller companies as an asset class on account of the fact...

Mario Draghi rattled fixed-income markets last month when the European Central Bank (ECB) president hinted at the eventual unwinding of...

In December of last year an important document, produced by officials at the Bank of England, was published. In essence...

Mario Draghi rattled fixed-income markets last month when the European Central Bank (ECB) president hinted at the eventual unwinding of...

It is of course a truism that nobody knows what the result of the UK’s European Union membership referendum will...

'We’re going to IKEA,’ my wife announced sternly. I’d been living in fear of these words ever since we...

Examining how US equity funds capture up and down markets, and their style consistency, can help in uncovering those able...

It has been a harsh start to 2016, but the pain is likely to be front-end loaded rather than persist...

As I opened my fridge and instinctively reached for the packet of bacon, I suddenly found myself hesitating....

The last few months have been a torrid time for stock market investors globally, and whilst emerging markets have seen...

As we enter the last few months of the year and consider what 2016 may bring investors, events in the...

Investors should look beyond the bull-bear tug of war that’s dominating US equity headlines and focus on the economy’s long-term...

A good General Election result for the UK economy, but not a good day for the United Kingdom...

Some six and half years on from the onset of the global financial crisis, it’s not just Irish eyes that...

While US industry big-wigs Warren Buffett and Robert Shiller have recently been banging the drum for Europe amid renewed investor...

"Our brain is an excellent pattern-matching device. It will find patterns where there aren't any."