Share prices were strong again in August. And, after several years of share price gains being concentrated in just a few shares, our funds are now benefiting from this number widening. We have also put in place several non-bond diversifiers to help with the risks of inflation and rising bond yields.
AI and tech stocks drove market gains in May and oil prices fell despite the continued US-Iran standoff. Further attention on AI is expected with the upcoming IPOs of SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI. We include significant exposure to AI in our portfolios but maintain a balanced approach, including attractively valued non-AI firms.
Share prices rose in April, and despite rising inflation, central banks are holding interest rates steady as they assess the impact of the Middle East war. Given ongoing risks in stocks and bonds across Europe and the US, we continue to expand diversifying strategies, first introduced in early 2026.
Global share prices fell in March, but the month saw a strengthening of the US dollar against the pound. Not surprisingly, oil prices rose with fears that inflation may spike as a result. We also consider further economic ramifications of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
February saw global stock markets climb - though notably, US shares prices fell. Concern over the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and the sizeable investments by major tech companies into AI infrastructure, weighed heavily on US stocks. We also consider possible economic ramifications of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
