Insights

Equity markets have been caught out by recent currency devaluations, as well as fear that central banks lack the tools to spur global growth amid deflationary forces.

Even though the current term premium on US Treasuries seems too low, it is unlikely to rise significantly unless offshore bond yields start to rise.

For investors outside China, whether they have holdings in Chinese shares or not, coming to a coherent investment view on the country has become imperative as it exerts an ever-increasing influence on global markets.

As has long been our view, disappointing economic data should not worry investors in Japanese risk assets very much at all.

While RMB weakness will likely persist for a few months, we don't expect the currency to devalue more than 10% versus USD and we maintain our confidence that the currency will be included into the IMF SDR basket in a year from now.

We will be watching to see how companies respond this year to the Corporate Governance Code, specifically the twin issues of selling cross-shareholdings and improving capital efficiency.

India is a key market to watch in the coming years. Our expert on India, Andrew Holland, CEO of Nikko AM's joint venture there, discusses with Simon Down of our UK fixed income team the forecast for reforms in the country, with some surprising conclusions.

What lies ahead for iron ore prices, particularly with the Chinese economy slowing and undergoing a transition away from a materials-intensive economy to a consumption-driven economy?

Like many countries that have previously refused to reform at all levels, sometimes it takes a true crisis to change.

The sharp equity market correction in recent weeks after a very strong run over the past year will not have a crisis-level impact to the broader economy.