Investment Quorum

Highlights from today's IQ Lowdown, our weekly analysis of the #globalmarkets:
While the coronavirus continues to make the headlines, the world’s financial markets – with the exception of China’s – seem to have emerged unscathed.
Hopes that the central banks will remain sympathetic and implement further monetary actions, China’s announcement of a reduction in US tariffs and President Trump avoiding being removed from office all help to stimulate positive sentiment for equity ...markets.
In the UK, Prime Minister Johnson and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier begin formulating their negotiating positions ahead of next month’s trade talks.
A trade war might break out between Washington and Europe over the next few months. Given President Trump’s anger over Boris Johnson’s decision to allow Huawei limited involvement in the UK’s 5G network, the UK could get caught up in such a trade war.
In the commodity markets, OPEC reacts to the recent collapse in the oil price by proposing production cuts. Other OPEC members are likely to respond over the coming days.
While the global equity markets have been fairly resilient since the beginning of 2020, net cash outflows have been reported in favour of safe-haven assets, such as cash.
Read our full analysis here: https://investmentquorum.com/the-lowdown- 10022020/
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Our thanks to everyone who attended the @IQWealth Private Breakfast Briefing: Zero-Sum Game this morning at The Ivy Tower Bridge!
If you'd like to join our next event - get in touch!

A great quote from our Chief Investment Officer, Peter Lowman, in this article from Money Marketing.
“It is likely that global equities will outperform bonds in 2020 as investors remain committed to risk assets for their total return strategies…Nonetheless, its a question of what you own rather than just owning the market given valuation distortions in parts of the equity market.”
Read the full article: https://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/…/fund s-tilt-to-equities-…/

Highlights from this morning's IQ Lowdown, our weekly analysis of the #globalmarkets:
Global equity markets suffer the effects of the coronavirus as the epidemic spreads beyond China.
The UK finally leaves the European Union. The task for London and Brussels now is to carve out a trade deal before the end of the transition period.
... Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney makes his last official statement on UK interest rates before handing over to his successor Andrew Bailey (currently head of the FCA).
The bond markets rally under the effects of the coronavirus and weakened economic data from the eurozone as investors seek safe-haven assets.
In the commodity markets, gold remains a favoured asset class among global investors, drawn by the safe-haven appeal of the yellow metal. But concerns over weaker global oil demand hit the price of Brent Crude Oil.
The unknown unknowns are always what prompt a pull-back in the financial markets. The coronavirus has arrived and created exactly that.
Read our full analysis here: https://investmentquorum.com/the-lowdown- 03022020/
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Excited for this article in The Telegraph .. our CEO Petronella West warns that the benefits of deferring or stopping and starting the state pension are far less obvious than in the past.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/…/14000-wor kers-used-state-pen…/

Highlights from this morning's IQ Lowdown, our weekly analysis of the #globalmarkets:
Washington and Beijing sign a historical “phase one” interim trade agreement, but the deal fails to tackle some of the more contentious issues, making phase two interesting.
Britain’s retail sector contracts in December, resulting in the longest spell of zero growth since records began. Will this lead to the Governor of the Bank of England cutting interest rates?
... The UK chancellor adopts a hard stance, advising business leaders to adjust to the reality of leaving the European Union by the end of 2020 and to focus on new and exciting trading partnerships.
In the US, corporate earnings season gets under way with an early rush of numbers that are decisively beating estimates, while Google owner Alphabet becomes the fourth US-listed company to hit the US$1 trillion market cap level.
In the commodity markets, gold continues to gain from investor sentiment, while easing US-Iran tensions mean that the price of Brent Crude Oil remains unchanged.
Global equity markets continue their relentless rise, but have they become detached from reality as euphoria seems to be taking over? And what of the January barometer?
Read our full analysis: https://investmentquorum.com/the-lowdown- 20012020
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We are taking a short break this week from The Lowdown to bring you our Strategic Insights.
It is often said about people who are healthy, wealthy and well-advised that they rarely pay Inheritance Tax - or rather, their estates do not. As part of the planning process, it is essential to make certain that you have a current Will in place. Your Will ensures that when you die, your wishes are clear.
Also, give consideration to arranging a Lasting Power of Attorney, a legal docu...ment that lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf.
Read our full factsheet: https://tinyurl.com/u9nnrxu
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Would you say that there's a link between planning for later life & increased well-being in older age?
There is a widespread and common-sense-based perception, backed to some extent by evidence, that planning and preparing for later life is associated with increased well-being in older age. Don't ignore fundamental future-oriented actions, such as engaging in financial planning or writing a Will.
Read more in our latest factsheet - https://tinyurl.com/tucyn4b
... #WealthManagement #financialplanning
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Highlights from today's IQ Lowdown, our weekly analysis of the #globalmarkets!
Many investors were expecting 2019 to be volatile and unrewarding, particularly after the flash crash that hit the global equity markets in December 2018.
If there were ever a time when the global stock markets would be more uncertain and unpredictable, it was surely going to be in 2019. But the central banks have become more responsive when risks are on the horizon.
... Global stock markets post their best year returns since the aftermath of the financial crisis: the MSCI World Index records a capital gain of over 25%.
In the UK, the FTSE 100 Index registers a double-digit gain for the year, despite Brexit. Wall Street and many international markets deliver superior returns.
Sovereign bond yields fall into negative territory, while crude oil and gold bullion prices rise on geopolitical risks, shored up by their safe-haven status.
As we enter a new decade, the pace of technological advancement will gain further momentum, creating numerous challenges across all sectors and throughout the global economy.
Read our full analysis here: https://investmentquorum.com/the-lowdown- 06012020/
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Best wishes from the team at IQ for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Market highlights from this week's IQ Lowdown - click the link in the comments for our full analysis of the #globalmarkets.
Financial markets continue to be buffeted by contradictory reports from Washington and Beijing about trade talks and whether a deal will be signed this month.
President Trump visits London ahead of the NATO meeting which ends in apparent disunity.
... In the UK, the main political party leaders continue to push their general election pledges in the run-up to next Thursday’s vote.
In the US, robust jobs data pushes Wall Street and the dollar higher, while expectation of a Conservative general election victory in the UK gives the pound and the FTSE 250 Index an extra boost.
The monthly Purchasing Managers’ Index has given us a mixed global picture with some positive and disappointing readings.
While the global economy has shown signs of weakness in recent months, 2020 should see a significant recovery which could lead to further gains in global stock markets.
https://investmentquorum.com/the-lowdown- 09122019
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Highlights from today's IQ Lowdown - click the link to read our full #globalmarkets analysis!
Wall Street continues to flourish, trading within a narrow range and in sight of its all-time high.
Washington and Beijing seem eager to sign a phase one trade agreement, but Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jingping are still unclear regarding the content and timing of this significant development.
... In the UK, each of the leading parties launch their manifestos, with some party leaders presenting them during a live television debate.
Consumer demand has been healthy and has kept the world out of recession, possibly signalling the end of the industrial recession.
As 2019 draws to a close, many leading institutions and stock market forecasters share their predictions for 2020.
Global growth remains satisfactory (although weaker than expected), while the asset classes of global bonds, equities and gold bullion have all delivered robust returns for the year.
Full analysis: https://investmentquorum.com/the-lowdown- 25112019/
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Good morning! Highlights from today's IQ Lowdown:
Global equity markets rise on better-than-expected global economic data and further central bank loosening.
In the US, October's non-farm payroll numbers surpass consensus forecasts and are better than the previous month.
... For the third time this year, the US Federal Reserve Bank cuts its policy rate by 0.25 basis points. But in so doing, it signals that it has finished its policy easing for now.
The latest Chinese manufacturing data shows that activity has grown at its fastest pace for two and a half years.
In the UK, MPs vote for a December general election, temporarily ending the Brexit paralysis.
October has delivered a positive return: the MSCI World Index rose by 2.5%.
Read our full analysis here: https://investmentquorum.com/the-lowdown- 04112019/
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Good morning! Global Markets Highlights from today's IQ Lowdown:
Global equity markets continue to be buffeted by US-China trade tensions and Brexit, but recent talks offer optimism.
Global bond yields are at a 120-year low with signs of falling further as central banks discuss additional rate cuts and quantitative easing.
... Federal Reserve Bank Chairman, Jerome Powell, says Fed to expand its balance sheet in response to funding issues.
In Europe, Brexit uncertainties remain, but the recent European Central Bank stimulus package is bolstering market sentiment.
The “Brexit exit” and the future of the UK economy: dilemmas for business, employment, financial markets and sterling.
Corporate profits are barely growing; almost US$15 trillion of debt trading at yields below zero; leading global indicators looking precarious – but global equity markets resilient.
https://investmentquorum.com/the-lowdown- 14102019/
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Good afternoon! Highlights from today's IQ Lowdown:
Global equity markets react with circumspection to central bank policy, trade discussions and a spike in the oil price.
Trade talks between the US and China are reported to have been constructive and the two superpowers are to engage in further dialogue in October.
... The Federal Reserve Bank cuts interest rates while pumping further funds into the market, but the President criticises the Fed’s lacklustre strategy in a series of harsh tweets.
In the UK, the Brexit saga rumbles on as mixed messages emerge from the European Union.
The price of crude oil soars following a drone attack on Saudi oilfields, heightening tension between the US and Iran.
Global equity markets are expected to continue to deliver better investment returns than bonds. But there are enough reasons to remain fairly cautious in relation to both asset classes.
To read our full #globalmarkets analysis and to subscribe: https://bit.ly/2l2AFdo
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Highlights from this week's IQ Lowdown - our weekly analysis of #globalmarkets:
Global equities begin to recoup some of the losses they suffered in August.
The global economy continues to endure the effects of the trade war, but some commentators believe that the central banks will come to its rescue with further aggressive monetary stimulus.
... Investor confidence is tested by trade tariffs, Brexit and political upheaval on a daily basis.
In the UK, the Prime Minister and his tactics for delivering Brexit continue to take centre stage.
In the commodities markets, gold remains popular as investors look for hard assets as an alternative to equities and bonds.
September is usually the worst month of the year for stock markets. But perhaps this year, central bank policy will create a positive backdrop for risk assets, such as equities.
https://investmentquorum.com/the-lowdown- 09092019/
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Do you have a 5-year plan? If you're now 50 and you want to wave goodbye to the 9-5 grind and retire at age 55, early #retirement is achievable – and it’s not only reliant on you picking the winning lottery numbers.
#FinancialAdvisors
https://investmentquorum.com/…/…/What s-your-magic-number.pdf

If you’re looking to accumulate a sum of money by investing, you may have a specifc amount in mind.
Check out our Top 4 Tips for investing in stocks and shares through an Individual Savings Account (ISA):
https://investmentquorum.com/…/2019/07/ Stocks-Shares-ISA.pdf