Higher interest rates have been experienced around the world for two to three years as global inflation hit a multi-decade high. While some central banks, such as the European Central Bank (ECB), are reportedly planning to start cutting imminently, others, such as the US Federal Reserve are said to be likely to have a maximum of one – if any at all – this year. Loretta Mester […]
First quarter earnings season continues to unfold and investors are keenly watching the financial reports of companies with bated breath. This quarterly ritual is more than just a routine check-up on corporate performance; it’s a crucial moment that shapes investment decisions and market sentiment. At its core, earnings season is a window into the financial health and vitality of companies. It’s the time when corporations unveil their […]
Asian currencies are back in the spotlight, particularly the Japanese yen and the Chinese yuan, which is bringing currency volatility to the forefront of global investors’ minds. On Thursday, the yen slipped to its lowest level since 1990 — ¥153 against the dollar. Meanwhile, China has been ramping up support for the yuan with a record fixing. Amid Tokyo’s now familiar verbal warnings about excessive declines this week, and […]
The ominous, and very real, possibility of unsustainable debt looms large over the United States, casting a shadow of uncertainty that extends far beyond its borders. With a million simulations conducted by Bloomberg indicating that 88% of them show the US on an unsustainable borrowing path, coupled with projections from the Congressional Budget Office forecasting a staggering $54 trillion national debt within the next decade, global investors […]
As Wall Street’s S&P500 reached record highs on Wednesday, largely based on hopes of interest rate cuts down the line and the AI boom, and after soaring past the historic 5,000 milestone in late February, market analysts are finding themselves at a crossroads of optimism and caution. Some sell-side houses have reacted swiftly, adjusting their year-end forecasts in response to the bullish momentum. Goldman Sachs, for instance, […]
Earlier this week, as Wall Street stock markets hit fresh record highs, I was quoted by the media as saying, “The Magnificent Seven tech stocks look cheap compared to other stocks within the S&P 500.” These tech stocks – Apple, Microsoft, Google parent Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta Platforms and Tesla – look cheap relative to other stocks in the market due to a combination of factors including […]
The convergence of the AI boom and the global energy transition is a compelling investment opportunity for forward-thinking investors, says the CEO and founder of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organizations. The bullish analysis from Nigel Green of deVere Group comes as John Podesta, the top US climate envoy, visits Japan, to discuss how the world’s largest and third-largest economies […]
A new global survey conducted by deVere Group, using insights from some 750 clients with more than £1m/$1.2m in investable assets, reveals the top three financial priorities that shape the decision-making of high-net-worth individuals. The poll shows that 59% of the clients surveyed cited ensuring that they had enough money for their desired retirement was their number one financial priority. Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, […]
As retirement approaches, many people diligently save for retirement, stashing away funds in traditional savings accounts or low-risk options. While saving is undeniably crucial, it always has been and always will be imperative to not just save, but invest wisely also in order to ensure a robust and sustainable retirement fund. Inflation erodes the power of savings One of the primary reasons to embrace investment over merely […]
Whether it’s pursuing career advancement, seeking a change in lifestyle, or exploring a different culture, expats face unique financial considerations that demand careful planning and specialised advice if they’re to thrive and be financially secure. One of the primary reasons expatriates require specialised financial advice is the intricate nature of cross-border finances. Managing assets, investments, and taxation across different jurisdictions is a daunting task. Countries have distinct […]
Having worked in finance around the world for decades, I recognise that one of the most common mistakes people make with their personal finances is the absence of a well-thought-out investment plan. This misstep can have profound consequences on long-term financial freedom and security. Investing without a plan is akin to gambling – essentially, rolling the dice in the financial markets. It’s like to stepping into a […]
Last week powerhouse companies such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, and Meta unveiled their Q4 2023 financial results. The spotlight was on these giants, collectively known as the Magnificent Seven, which include Nvidia and Tesla, as they have been the driving force behind the remarkable 107% surge in market returns throughout 2023. However, as investors revel in the recent earnings beats, a critical question looms large: can […]
If you’re still trying to DIY your way through the intricate world of investments and trying to build wealth for the long-term, it might be time to consider a proven, better approach. Enter the financial advisor, your ticket to the realm of a properly diversified portfolio, which is your best defence against risk and your best way to seize opportunities. Partnering with a financial advisor is not […]
The traditional 60/40 investment portfolio, a stalwart for investors seeking a balanced blend of stocks and bonds, has proven its resilience for decades. However, in the shifting landscape of 2024, where long-standing market trends face transformation, investors are prompted to re-evaluate and revise the traditional approach for maximizing returns. While rumours of the demise of the 60/40 portfolio may be overstated, strategic adjustments are necessary to navigate […]
The SEC approval of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) signals a landmark moment for both Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market, and could send prices skyrocketing in the longer-term with BTC prices perhaps hitting $60,000 this quarter, predicts the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organizations. The bullish prediction from Nigel Green of deVere Group, a long-term high profile cryptocurrency […]
The yen’s trajectory in the foreign exchange market has captured the attention of global investors, signalling a potential shift in the currency’s three-year trend of outsized declines. Market participants, surveyed by Bloomberg, are increasingly optimistic about a yen rally in 2024. This newfound sentiment arises from expectations that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will exit its long-standing negative interest rate regime, while global peers concurrently reduce borrowing […]
The recent meeting of the Bank of Japan (BOJ) has cast a spotlight on the complex economic dynamics facing the country. In an unusual turn of events, Japan finds itself grappling with the challenge of managing inflation, which stood at 3.3% in October. However, despite the central bank’s apparent delight in overcoming a decades-long deflationary struggle, political pressures and economic realities suggest a nuanced and potentially challenging […]
Over the years, as a keen observer of individual financial behaviours, I’ve encountered a myriad of pitfalls that individuals often stumble into before seeking professional advice. Here, we delve into the top five most common financial planning and investing mistakes I’ve witnessed first-hand. First, failing to diversify. One of the cardinal sins of investing is the failure to diversify. I’ve seen individuals who, driven by the allure […]
Investors are constantly seeking strategies to optimize returns while mitigating risks. Traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds, have long been the cornerstone of portfolios. However, the 21st century has witnessed a growing recognition of the importance of alternative investments in diversifying portfolios and enhancing overall performance. Alternative investments encompass a broad range of assets beyond conventional stocks and bonds. These include private equity, hedge funds, commodities, […]
People – clients, advisers, media, often ask me for my number one piece of investment advice, I consistently have the same answer: Just don’t try to time the market. In the fast-paced world of finance, where market fluctuations can resemble a rollercoaster ride, the temptation to time the market can be alluring. However, seasoned investors and financial experts have long touted the perils of trying to predict […]
Singapore will pilot the live issuance and use of wholesale central bank digital currencies in 2024, managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Ravi Menon, has said this week. The news comes as a total of 130 countries representing 98% of the global economy are now exploring digital versions of their currencies, with almost half in advanced development, pilot or launch stages, according to the U.S.-based […]
WeWork was one of the world’s most lauded start-ups in recent years, being valued around $50bn. But just four years since that peak valuation, the company has filed for bankruptcy. Cloaked in the guise of a tech enterprise, WeWork ultimately revealed itself as an office rental business. Its downfall was the result of internal challenges it created for itself, compounded by external forces beyond its influence, such […]
The forex – foreign exchange- market has had a busy week, with many savvy traders earning decent figures on their currency trades. The euro and pound are heading for significant gains against the dollar at the end of this week, as the US-led rally in global bonds sent yields down, and with them the dollar, bringing relief even to the embattled Japanese yen. The Forex market is […]
The world’s first AI summit, which is being organised by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Bletchley Park, the country estate where Alan Turing cracked the Enigma code that helped end the second world war, is being held next week. A guestlist of around 100 invited attendees includes Microsoft president Brad Smith, OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, Google DeepMind chief Demis Hassabis, and from Meta AI chief […]
The tragic, ongoing Israel-Hamas war is a harrowing reminder of the enduring geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East. Amidst this appalling crisis, the value of Bitcoin, a digital currency often categorised as a “risk on” asset class, has dropped, alongside most other riskier assets, including global stock markets. However, there are reasons, and also historical context, to suggest that due to its underlying core characteristics, should the […]
The US dollar strengthened against most of its major peers this week as traders digested the shock attack by Hamas within Israel. The ICE US Dollar Index DXY, a gauge of the currency’s strength against a basket of rivals, rose 0.5% to 106.52, according to FactSet data. This is hardly surprising as in times of geopolitical crises, investors typically pile into safe haven assets, such as the […]
Selecting a financial adviser is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your investments and, therefore, your financial future. Before entrusting someone with your financial well-being, it’s essential to ask the right questions and get satisfactory answers. Here are seven critical questions to ask a potential financial adviser before making a commitment: 1. What are your qualifications and credentials? Start by inquiring about the adviser’s qualifications and […]
The surge in crude oil prices towards $100 a barrel in early trade on Thursday has sent ripples across global financial markets. The implications of such a price spike extend far beyond the energy sector; it affects global investors and their portfolios in several important ways. One of the most immediate concerns for global investors is the fear that high crude oil prices will stoke inflation. Oil […]
The UAE raised $1.5 billion from a bond sale on Monday, marking the country’s return to international debt markets for the first time in more than a year. This move by the UAE’s government is not just significant for the Gulf nation, but is also piquing the interest of international investors globally. 45% of the investors were from the Middle East; 21% from the US; 14% from […]
The US dollar, long regarded as the world’s global reserve currency, is facing growing speculation among experts about its long-term decline in dominance. Several key factors contribute to this outlook, raising questions about the future of global finance and investment. There are several reasons why the dollar’s dominance is on the wane. A major concern is the ballooning US national debt. Over the years, the US government […]
