For fifteen years UK interest rates have been set at historic lows. As a result, cash deposits have earned very little interest, while markets have generally advanced. But higher inflation has ushered in a new regime of rapidly rising interest rates, making cash returns more appealing. We consider whether now is a good time to be holding more money in savings.

High inflation and rising interest rates are causing a global set of worries for households, businesses, and central banks. Add to the mix crumbling public services, geopolitical conflicts, and an economic slowdown on the horizon, it can be tempting to think that things are bad and only getting worse. This insight piece challenges that view, asking: are there reasons to be cheerful?

2022 has been the worst year for government bonds in decades. September alone posted declines of 8% in the broad UK gilt market. Equities have suffered too, as central banks attempt to supress inflation at any cost. The result has been a simultaneous drop in stock, bonds, and most other asset classes, sending correlations positive. Our insight piece this quarter dives into why correlations – or simply, the relationship between assets – matter.

By their very nature, economic cycles include both periods of growth and periods of decline. “What goes up must come down”, as they say. Over the last few months, speculation of an imminent recession has risen as economic growth shows signs of weakening globally. Our insight piece this quarter considers the impact of recessions on portfolio returns using 70-years of data. And while warnings of a downturn can be unsettling, it explores why attempting to time the market can be risky.

2022 is proving to be a turbulent year for financial markets. In this audio update Andre Pimenta is joined by Chris Barrie, responsible for investment research, and James Brown, head of investment management at Edison. Together they discuss the current monetary and macroeconomic backdrop, implications for investors and explore how this has influenced recent investment decisions at Edison.

When it comes to investing, we often hear that volatility is normal. Markets are both reactive and (striving to be) predictive, so it makes sense that when the news turns sour, stock tickers turn red. In this insight piece, we consider the valuable lessons we can take from 36 years’ worth of market data on downturns. In short, dips rarely mean disaster.

Whether it’s paying for your children’s education, securing a retirement or realising financial independence, knowing where and how to invest is a key part of meeting investment objectives. It’s an age-old question. Finding the answer requires good data and an open mind. In this insight piece, we explore how our use of data underpins the formation of our long-term strategies by harnessing the benefits of diversification and portfolio optimisation.

The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow aimed to set new targets for limiting global warming and reducing carbon emissions. It stressed the need for consensus in making meaningful change and the role of business leaders and investors as key in driving capital towards more sustainable outcomes. In this insight piece we touch on some of the main conference agreements and explore Edison’s approach to sustainable investing.

From the FTSE and Topix, to the Dow Jones, our insight piece this quarter is a quick read on indices and index funds. It explores their 130-year-old origins and why funds tracking an index may (or may not) be included in a portfolio.

One year into the pandemic, the gradual reopening of society is allowing for high streets and city centres to welcome back shoppers and workers. Rising levels of activity have stirred discussions about inflation. But why does inflation matter? This insight piece will explain some potentially wide-reaching impacts and the ways investors might mitigate the risk.