Investment Line is a regular investment bulletin produced by Mattioli Woods plc. The communication provides an update on funds, highlights some of the areas we are currently focusing on, and our thoughts on the issues of the day.
Markets do seem quite fragile at present, and we need broader support next year than we have seen year to date, other than from the US that has dominated from a growth perspective this calendar year.
Many overseas equity markets remain under pressure given the ongoing tariff war between the US and China and the weaknesses in emerging markets. Our long-term positioning and preferred plays remain unchanged.
The FTSE 100 has drifted back over the last few weeks and will be impacted by stronger sterling. A blend of market cap seems the best strategy, and we do still prefer smaller companies, despite recent pullbacks in pricing.
We continue to see our long-term thematic investments as essential in a slow growth world.
No changes here. The dangers in the fixed income markets are well flagged, and exposure remains diversified with a cautious view on interest rate sensitivity.
As discussed above, we like property but constantly assess exposure in light of our worries over the UK. UK GDP is not strong, and the property market is a potential victim in the event of ‘no deal’.
Our combination of absolute return, managed futures and structured products forms a crucial part of our cautious strategy across most portfolios.
The challenging environment means we retain cash levels where they are for now, but we won’t hesitate to use it either on further weakness to invest, or to protect portfolios more.
Investment Line is written and edited by members of the Mattioli Woods Asset Allocation Team, and is for information purposes. It is not intended to be an invitation to buy, or act upon the comments made, and all/any investment decisions should be taken with advice, given appropriate knowledge of the investor’s circumstances. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise, and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Past performance is not a guide to the future.
Mattioli Woods plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
