Market Commentary

  • Ongoing demographic changes in the APAC region

    It is easy to discount ongoing demographic changes as something for the economists, governments and regulators to worry about. In reality, changing demographics can have a significant impact on investment markets and investment trends. We know that an ever-strengthening APAC economy impacts various areas of everyday life and, ultimately, long-term investment.

  • S&P Credit Ratings for APAC countries

    Expectations that interest rates will begin to fall relatively soon have seen some emerging markets experiencing an easing of the financial constraints in the bond markets. We thought it would be interesting to look at some of the leading APAC and emerging countries, noting their current S & P credit ratings and recent movements.

  • Growing interest in non-traditional investments

    In bull markets, investors tend to focus on equities and the potential for long-term capital growth and an increase in income. When markets turn downwards, or there is a degree of volatility and uncertainty, non-traditional investments, known as alternative investments, will often come into play. They offer a different angle and investment strategy; in some cases, they can provide a degree of protection.

  • What does 2024 hold from the cryptocurrency market?

    While overall, it has been a challenging year for investment markets across the globe, the last couple of years have been particularly difficult for the cryptocurrency sector, beset by many challenges. As we enter 2024, there are high hopes that the cryptocurrency market will improve with some very ambitious predictions!

  • Is there really such a thing as a New Year rally?

    As we approach the New Year, you will often hear mention of the “New Year rally”, which has seen stock markets perform relatively well in the first four weeks of the New Year. Is this one of those issues that have become self-fulfilling? Is it true, or is it simply a myth?

  • Is there such a thing as an Asian market?

    Looking from afar, from Europe or America, it is very easy to label the Far East as an “Asian market” for investment. They might appear to have the same culture, businesses, and approach to investment, but is this really the case on the ground?

  • Systematic Risk vs Unsystematic Risk

    It’s important to understand the concept before looking at specific examples of systematic and unsystematic risk. Systematic risk is a non-diversifiable risk, otherwise known as market risk. Unsystematic risk is diversifiable risk often referred to as investment-specific risk

  • APAC region continues to lead the IPO market

    While IPOs are often considered in isolation from the broader market, they are powerful indicator of underlying market sentiment. Whatever type of IPO we are looking at, technology being one of the more popular at the moment, there needs to be significant demand. As they say, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression on stock markets!

  • What are the attractions of junk bonds?

    In recent days, the Japanese authorities have begun to clear the way for a rebirth of the Japanese junk bond market. Currently, companies rely on a small number of banks to fund their expansion with minimal, if any, activity in the junk bond market. However, times will change, but what are the attractions of the junk bond market?