Is October’s penchant for volatility cause for concern?
October is renowned as being particularly volatile for markets, but this reputation should be viewed in perspective as it stems from just three events, argues Architas’s Adrian Lowcock.
October is renowned as being particularly volatile for markets, but this reputation should be viewed in perspective as it stems from just three events, argues Architas’s Adrian Lowcock.
Architas has promoted Sarah Ackland to head its UK fund range with sole responsibility for the commercial business following the departure of Cedric Butcher.
Architas has warned that investors should begin shifting towards defensive assets before volatility strikes markets in the latter half of 2017.
Architas grew its assets under management by nearly 50% in the six months to 30 June thanks to strong flows into its UK funds.
Since the financial crisis, investors have increasingly turned to equities to provide an income. One favourite has been the £63.5bn IA UK Equity Income sector, but this has suffered two months of investor outflows. Taking this on board, Architas investment director Adrian Lowcock suggests five ways investors can diversify their income.
UK GDP grew by just 0.3% in the second quarter signalling a “notable slowdown” in the domestic economy, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Architas has expanded its investment team with the appointment of two new managers and an analyst.
The active funds industry must shrink, cut prices, better-align itself with investors and differentiate if it wants to compete against a passive onslaught, according to a report by Morningstar.
Some 12 months on from the carnage open-ended property funds experienced in the wake of the Brexit vote, investors seem to be returning to the sector once more.
UK income investors are on alert after research revealed that dividend cover for companies listed in the FTSE 350 has fallen 18% in the past year, hitting its lowest level for seven years.
Architas’ Nathan Sweeney believes investors are now halfway through a “hated bull market”.
With Chinese New Year around the corner and the steady opening up of the Asian country’s domestic markets, Architas investment director Adrian Lowcock said now could be a good time for UK investors to make a move, but urged caution.