Nervous investors herald more volatile markets
Private investors with globally diversified multi-asset investment portfolios tend to be quite happy these days. That is, unless they have more cash that needs investing. As the chart above shows, since the last large market correction at the beginning of 2016, investment returns have been plentiful, even for the less adventurous investors. We have written over the last weeks about how private investors are increasingly concerned that current market levels may be marking a high – simply based on their experience that, after a number of good years, not so good years tend to follow.
Game of Thrones at the House of Saud: an oil price threat?
Since being named heir to the throne back in June, Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rise to power and prominence has been meteoric. Though his father is still the official head of state in the oil-rich kingdom, the palace coup established the young prince (only 32) as de facto ruler, with farreaching consequences. Now, after initiating a dramatic corruption-crackdown which has claimed the heads of many high-profile princes and officials, Salman has tightened his grip on power substantially.
Turning point for UK house prices?
The latest data from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) revealed that house price growth across the UK has stalled, as both interest from potential buyers and newly agreed sales continued to fall.
Can consolidation in UK electricity distribution increase competition?
Free market theory suggests that effective competition delivers innovation, improving (service and product) quality, and ever lower prices – a continuing cycle of consumer benefit(s) arising from suppliers vigorously competing for consumer demand. However, one might ask, how many suppliers does a market need to count as competitive? 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more?
Please click here for the full Tatton commentary.
